Product Details: Geodon (Ziprasidone)

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: Pfizer

Generic Options - Manufacturer: Generic

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is an antipsychotic used to treat mental and emotional disorders such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. It may also be used to treat conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. TAKE THIS MEDICINE with food. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. IT MAY TAKE SEVERAL WEEKS for this medicine to work. Do not stop using this medicine without checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. Laboratory and/or medical tests, such as fasting blood sugar levels, may be done to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE drowsiness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. If dizziness occurs, sit up or stand up slowly. DO NOT BECOME OVERHEATED in hot weather or during exercise or other activities since risk of heatstroke may be increased. THIS MEDICINE MAY INCREASE YOUR RISK OF DEVELOPING DIABETES or increase blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels can cause serious problems if left untreated. Contact your doctor for more information. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. THIS MEDICINE WILL ADD TO THE EFFECTS of alcohol and other depressants. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants. CAUTION IS ADVISED when using this medicine in the elderly, especially those with dementia related problems, because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine. DIABETICS: THIS MEDICINE MAY AFFECT YOUR BLOOD SUGAR. Check blood sugar levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include drowsiness, rash, loss of appetite, cough, runny nose, cold symptoms, or dry mouth. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience a change in amount of your urine. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience difficulty speaking or swallowing; twitching of the face or tongue; loss of sense of balance; uncontrolled movements of the arms or legs; symptoms of high blood sugar (such as increased thirst, increased urination, or vision changes); unexplained fever; extreme muscle stiffness; fast or irregular heartbeat; unusual increased sweating; or unusual changes in your mental alertness. FOR MEN: If you experience a painful, prolonged erection while taking this medicine, seek immediate medical attention. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Ziprasidone