Product Details: Seroquel (Quetiapine)

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: AstraZeneca

Generic Options

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 atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine comes with a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), away from heat, moisture, and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel better. 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. THIS MEDICINE MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF SUICIDAL THOUGHTS OR ACTIONS IN CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS. ADULTS MAY ALSO BE AFFECTED. The risk may be greater in patients with a history of suicidal thoughts or actions, bipolar (manic-depressive) illness, or in patients with a family member with bipolar disorder. WATCH PATIENTS WHO TAKE THIS MEDICINE CLOSELY. CONTACT THE DOCTOR AT ONCE IF new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks; or any unusual change in mood or behavior occur. CONTACT THE DOCTOR RIGHT AWAY IF ANY SIGNS OF SUICIDAL THOUGHTS or actions occur. IT MAY TAKE SEVERAL WEEKS for this medicine to work fully. 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 blood counts, blood sugar or cholesterol levels, liver function, or eye exams may be done to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DROWSINESS, or DIZZINESS. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines cause drowsiness. DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL while you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS, lightheadedness, or fainting. Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, and fever can increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness. DO NOT BECOME OVERHEATED in hot weather or during exercise or other activities while you are taking this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY RARELY CAUSE A PROLONGED, PAINFUL ERECTION. Contact your doctor right away if this happens. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE NEUROLEPTIC MALIGNANT SYNDROME (NMS) that can be fatal. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you develop fever, stiff muscles, confusion, abnormal thinking, fast or irregular heartbeat, and sweating. SOME PATIENTS WHO TAKE THIS MEDICINE MAY DEVELOP MUSCLE MOVEMENTS THAT THEY CANNOT CONTROL. This is more likely to happen in elderly patients, especially women, and in patients who use this medicine at higher doses or for a long time. Muscle problems may also occur after short-term treatment with low doses. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY IF YOU HAVE MUSCLE PROBLEMS with your arms; legs; or your tongue, face, mouth, or jaw (eg, tongue sticking out, puffing of cheeks, mouth puckering, chewing movements) while taking this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY INCREASE YOUR RISK OF DEVELOPING DIABETES or increase blood sugar levels. 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. CAUTION IS ADVISED when using this medicine in the elderly, 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 during treatment include constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, lightheadedness, nasal congestion, sore throat, stomach pain or upset, tiredness, vomiting, weakness, and weight gain. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience increased sweating or menstrual changes. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience confusion; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever; fainting; increased saliva production or drooling; memory loss; muscle pain, weakness, or stiffness; new or worsening mental or mood changes (eg, depression, hallucinations); numbness or tingling; persistent, painful erection; seizures; severe or prolonged dizziness or headache; swelling of the hands, legs, or feet; shortness of breath; symptoms of high blood sugar (eg, increased thirst, hunger, urination; unusual weakness); tremor; trouble concentrating, speaking, or swallowing; trouble sitting still; trouble walking or standing; uncontrolled muscle movements (eg, arm or leg movements, twitching of the face or tongue, jerking or twisting); or vision changes. 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

Quetiapine