In this Article

• What is ziconotide (Prialt)?
• What are the possible side effects of ziconotide (Prialt)?
• What is the most important information I should know about ziconotide (Prialt)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using ziconotide (Prialt)?
• How should I use ziconotide (Prialt)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Prialt)?
• What happens if I overdose (Prialt)?
• What should I avoid while using ziconotide (Prialt)?
• What other drugs will affect ziconotide (Prialt)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using ziconotide (Prialt)?

Severe psychiatric symptoms and neurological impairment may occur during treatment with ziconotide. You should not receive ziconotide if you have a history of psychiatric illness or psychotic event.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to ziconotide, or if you have an uncontrolled bleeding or blood clotting disorder.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether ziconotide is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether ziconotide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use ziconotide (Prialt)?

Ziconotide is given as an injection into the space around your spinal cord (intrathecal injection) using a computerized, portable infusion pump to control the rate of medication you receive. You may need to use this medication for a period of many years.

Ziconotide must be given only as an intrathecal injection through an infusion pump and should not be injected directly into a vein or other part of the body. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose or infusion pump flow rate to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain.

To be sure ziconotide is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

If you also use a narcotic pain medication, do not stop using it suddenly or you may have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Talk with your doctor about using less and less of the narcotic medication before stopping completely.