Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Clozaril, FazaClo

Generic Name: clozapine (Pronunciation: KLOE za peen)

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

What is clozapine (Clozaril, FazaClo)?

Clozapine is an antipsychotic medication. It works by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain.

Clozapine is used to treat severe schizophrenia. Clozapine is also used to reduce the risk of suicidal behavior in people with schizophrenia or similar disorders.

Clozapine is usually given after other medications have been tried without successful treatment of symptoms.

Clozapine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Clozapine 100 mg7772-TEV

round, yellow, imprinted with Logo 7772, 100

Clozapine 100 mg-IVA

round, yellow, imprinted with 100, Logo 4360

Clozapine 100 mg-MYL

round, green, imprinted with C11, M

Clozapine 100 mg-TEV

round, yellow, imprinted with Logo 4360

Clozapine 200 mg-TEV

oval, yellow, imprinted with Logo 4405

Clozapine 25 mg-IVA

round, yellow, imprinted with Hourglass Logo 4359, 25

Clozapine 25 mg-MYL

round, peach, imprinted with C 7, M

Clozapine 25 mg-TEV

round, yellow, imprinted with Logo 4359

Clozapine 50 mg-TEV

round, yellow, imprinted with Logo 4404, 50

Clozaril 100 mg

round, yellow, imprinted with CLOZARIL, 100

Clozaril 25 mg

round, yellow, imprinted with CLOZARIL, 25

What are the possible side effects of clozapine (Clozaril, FazaClo)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Serious and sometimes fatal infections may occur during treatment with clozapine. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection such as:

• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
• mouth and throat ulcers;
• cough, sore throat;
• rapid heart rate; or
• rapid and shallow breathing.

Stop using clozapine and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• seizure (black-out or convulsions);
• skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
• fast or pounding heartbeats, chest pain, unusual tiredness, trouble breathing;
• feeling short of breath (even at night or with mild exertion), swelling in your hands or feet;
• feeling like you might pass out;
• slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing (breathing may stop);
• high blood sugar (increased thirst, extreme hunger, fruity breath odor, increased urination, drowsiness);
• very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors;
• twitching or uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs; or
• nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• constipation;
• dry mouth, blurred vision;
• drooling, especially at night;
• increased sweating;
• drowsiness, dizziness, spinning sensation; or
• sleep problems.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about clozapine (Clozaril, FazaClo)?

Clozapine is not for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Clozapine may cause heart failure, sudden death, or pneumonia in older adults with dementia-related conditions.

You should not take clozapine if you are allergic to it, or if you have untreated or uncontrolled epilepsy, a bone marrow disorder, paralytic ileus or intestinal blockage, a history of infection caused by taking clozapine, or if you are also using drugs that weaken your immune system (such as cancer medicine or steroids).

Clozapine can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to develop a serious or life-threatening infection. This risk is higher in women and older adults, and in people who are malnourished or have serious medical problems.

While you are taking clozapine, your blood will need to be tested every week for the first 6 months of treatment, and then every 2 to 4 weeks. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor.

Serious and sometimes fatal infections may occur during treatment with clozapine. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection such as: fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, mouth or throat ulcers, cough, sore throat, rapid heart rate, or rapid and shallow breathing.

There are many other medicines that can interact with clozapine. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.

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