GEODON

Drug Name: GEODON

GEODON DESCRIPTION:
ZIPRASIDONE - ORAL (zih-PRASS-ih-doan)

COMMON GEODON BRAND NAME(S):
Geodon

GEODON SIDE EFFECTS:
Drowsiness, nausea, constipation, or weight gain may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: dizziness, rapid/pounding/irregular heartbeat, fainting, rash, itching, uncontrolled movements (especially of the face or tongue), trouble breathing, cough. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: muscle stiffness, muscle spasms or twitching, decrease in amount of urine, change in vision. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: seizures, trouble swallowing, painful or prolonged erection. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE GEODON:
GEODON: Take GEODON by mouth usually twice daily with food; or take as directed by your doctor. Do not take GEODON more often or increase your dose without consulting your doctor. Your condition will not improve any faster and the risk of serious side effects may be increased. Do not stop taking GEODON without your doctor's approval.

GEODON USES:
Ziprasidone is used to treat schizophrenia.

GEODON PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver problems, electrolyte imbalance (e.g., hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia), strokes (cerebrovascular disease), history of low blood pressure (e.g., dehydration, hypovolemia), seizures, swallowing difficulty, Alzheimer's disease, breast cancer, any allergies. GEODON is not recommended for use if you have the following medical conditions: heart problems (e.g., QT prolongation, arrhythmias, recent heart attack, heart failure). GEODON may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. Caution is advised when using GEODON in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. GEODON should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether GEODON passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using GEODON is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

GEODON DRUG INTERACTIONS:
GEODON is not recommended for use with: certain heart medications (e.g., dofetilide, pimozide, sotalol), quinolone antibiotics (e.g., moxifloxacin, sparfloxacin). Tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially: ketoconazole, anti- Parkinson drugs (e.g., pramipexole, ropinirole), beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol), ACE inhibitors (e.g., captopril, enalapril), diuretics (e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide). Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you take drugs that cause drowsiness: medicine for sleep, sedatives, tranquilizers, anti- anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines or tricyclics), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), muscle relaxants, antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine). Check the labels on all your medicine (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of these products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

GEODON OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include slurring of speech or headache.

GEODON NOTES:
Do not share GEODON with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., electrolytes) may be performed to monitor your progress.

MISSED GEODON DOSE:
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

GEODON STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert (TM) at 1-800-854- 1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.