Information about Ziprasidone (Generic Geodon) :


Ziprasidone is an antipsychotic used to treat acute agitation in patients with schizophrenia who require an injectable medicine. It alters the balance of certain chemicals that occur naturally in the brain, which are responsible for thinking and behavior.

It may also be administered to treat other conditions as determined by your physician.

You should not use Ziprasidone in the following cases: you are allergic to any ingredient in it; you have certain heart diseases, including long QT syndrome, a recent heart attack, severe heart failure, or certain irregularities of heart rhythm; you are taking cisapride, dofetilide, H1 antagonists (eg, diphenhydramine), halofantrine, macrolide immunosuppressives (eg, tacrolimus), mefloquine, methadone, pentamidine, pimozide, probucol, procainamide, quinidine, serotonin receptor antagonist antiemetics (eg, ondansetron), sotalol, or sparfloxacin.

In such cases it is obligatory to consult with your doctor or health care provider before taking this drug.

Before using Ziprasidone:
Before using Ziprasidone you should tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions listed below: you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding a baby; you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; you have allergies to medicines or other substances; you have considered or attempted suicide; you have heart disease, a slow heartbeat, low blood potassium or magnesium levels, low blood volume, a drug-induced movement disorder, diabetes, kidney or liver problems, a history of stroke, a history of low blood pressure, seizures, difficulty swallowing, Alzheimer disease, or breast cancer, or if you are overweight.

Be aware that Ziprasidone may interact with some medicines. Consult with your health care provider in case you are taking any other drugs, especially any of the following: carbamazepine because the effectiveness of Ziprasidone may be decreased; arsenic, cisapride, class III antiarrhythmics (eg, amiodarone, sotalol), dofetilide , droperidol, H1 antagonists (eg, diphenhydramine), halofantrine, IA and IC antiarrhythmics (eg, procainamide, quinidine, flecainide, propafenone), macrolide immunosuppressives (eg, tacrolimus), macrolides and ketolides (eg, erythromycin, azithromycin), mefloquine, methadone, pentamidine, phenothiazines (eg, thioridazine), pimozide, probucol, quinolones (eg, ciprofloxacin), serotonin receptor antagonist antiemetics (eg, ondansetron), sparfloxacin , or streptogramins (eg, mitomycin, pristinamycin) because the risk of side effects of these medicines, such as abnormal heart rhythms, may be increased.

It may not be a complete list of all interactions with other drugs. To prevent any complications you should check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Ziprasidone:
Use this medicine as recommended by your physician. Ziprasidone is usually administered as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. In case you are using Ziprasidone at home, carefully follow the injection procedures taught to you by your health care provider. If the medicine contains particles, is discolored, or if the vial/container is cracked or damaged in any way, do not use it. Never reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain local regulations for proper disposal.

In case you miss a dose of Ziprasidone, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next intake, skip the missed dose and take it according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double doses to catch up.

Important safety information:
Be careful when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities as Ziprasidone usage may lead to drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness. Try to avoid such activities. Alcohol and certain other medicines (eg, sedatives, tranquilizers) may increase the risk of unfavorable reactions while taking Ziprasidone. Drowsiness may be increased by alcoholic beverages, hot weather, exercise, and fever. It is recommended to sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning to prevent dizziness or fainting. You should sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness.

Try not to become overheated in hot weather or during exercise or other activities as it may lead to heatstroke.

You should know that Ziprasidone is used for short-term control of acute agitation symptoms. In case you need continuous treatment for your condition, your physician may switch you to an oral medicine.

The risk for developing diabetes or increase blood sugar levels may be increased while taking Ziprasidone. It may be a serious problem if left untreated.

Diabetes patients should monitor their blood sugar levels closely, as Ziprasidone may alter your blood sugar. You should consult with your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes drug.

Lab tests, including blood electrolyte levels or fasting blood sugar levels, may be performed while you are using Ziprasidone. It is important to control your progress or to check for side effects. Follow all doctor and lab appointments strictly.

The ELDERLY may be more sensitive to the effects of Ziprasidone, especially dizziness and lightheadedness upon sitting or standing up. Use Ziprasidone with caution in this group.

It is not recommended to use Ziprasidone in CHILDREN, as safety and effectiveness have not been proved.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING:
In case you become pregnant, consult with your doctor and discuss the benefits and risks of taking Ziprasidone during pregnancy. It is not known whether Ziprasidone passes into breast milk. Avoid breast-feeding a baby while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects of Ziprasidone:
You should consult with your doctor in case you have any of side effects especially bothersome listed below: constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; feeling unusually tired or sleepy; headache; increased cough or runny nose; loss of appetite; nausea; pain at the injection site; upset stomach.

Seek emergency immediately in case you have any of these severe side effects: severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); altered mental abilities, including lack of response to your surroundings; change in amount of urine; change in vision; difficulty swallowing; fainting or loss of consciousness; fever; high blood sugar (increased thirst, increased urination, confusion, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity breath odor); inability to move; increased body heat; increased heart rate; irregular heart rhythm; muscle rigidity; muscle spasms or twitching; pounding in the chest; prolonged or painful erection; seizures; sweating; uncontrolled movements (especially of face or tongue).

What is the expiration date of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture.