Fluphenazine injection

What is fluphenazine injection?

FLUPHENAZINE (Prolixin®, Prolixin Enanthate®, Prolixin Decanoate®) helps to treat disordered thoughts and some other emotional, nervous, and mental problems. Generic fluphenazine injections are available. Not all fluphenazine injections are the same, do not change the brand you are using without your prescriber's advice.

What should my health care professional know before I receive fluphenazine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• blood disorders or disease

• difficulty passing urine

• glaucoma

• head injury

• heart or liver disease

• low blood level of calcium

• Parkinson's disease

• prostate trouble

• Reye's syndrome

• seizures (convulsions)

• stomach problems or peptic ulcer

• uncontrollable movement disorder

• an unusual or allergic reaction to fluphenazine, other medicines foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Fluphenazine is for injection into a muscle or under the skin. It is given by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Elderly patients over age 65 years may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and need smaller doses.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. Fluphenazine injections are not for self-medication.

What drug(s) may interact with fluphenazine?

• alcohol

• some antibiotics

• atropine

• bromocriptine

• cisapride

• dextroamphetamine or amphetamine

• dronabinol or marijuana

• haloperidol or droperidol

• levodopa

• lithium

• medicines for an over-active thyroid gland

• medicines for colds and flu

• medicines for hay fever and other allergies

• medicines for mental depression

• medicines for movement abnormalities as in Parkinson's disease

• medicines to prevent or treat malaria

• medications for treating seizures (convulsions)

• medicines for pain or for use as muscle relaxants, including tramadol

• medicines to treat urine or bladder incontinence

• metoclopramide

• pimozide

• probucol

• some medications for high blood pressure or heart problems

• some weight loss medications

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking fluphenazine?

You may get drowsy, dizzy, or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how fluphenazine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can increase possible dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Do not spill any fluphenazine injection solution on the skin, it can cause skin irritation or dermatitis.

Fluphenazine can reduce the response of your body to heat or cold. Try not to get overheated. Avoid temperature extremes, such as saunas, hot tubs, or very hot or cold baths or showers. Dress warmly in cold weather.

Fluphenazine can make your skin more sensitive to sun or ultraviolet light. Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen (at least SPF 15). Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Fluphenazine may make your mouth dry, chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy and drinking plenty of water will help.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, sore throat, indigestion, diarrhea, or allergies. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

If you are going to have surgery or will need a procedure that uses contrast agents, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving fluphenazine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• blurred vision

• breast enlargement in men or women

• breast milk in women who are not breast-feeding

• chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat

• confusion, restlessness

• dark yellow or brown urine

• difficulty breathing or swallowing

• dizziness or fainting spells

• drooling, shaking, movement difficulty (shuffling walk) or rigidity

• fever, chills, sore throat

• hot, dry skin, unable to sweat

• involuntary or uncontrollable movements of the eyes, mouth, head, arms, and legs

• menstrual changes

• puffing cheeks, smacking lips, or worm-like movements of the tongue

• seizures (convulsions)

• slurred speech

• stomach area pain

• sweating

• unusual weakness or tiredness

• unusual bleeding or bruising

• yellowing of skin or eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation

• difficulty passing urine

• difficulty sleeping, agitation or restlessness

• drowsiness

• dry mouth

• headache

• increased sensitivity to the sun or ultraviolet light

• pain, irritation, or inflammation at the injection site

• sexual difficulties (impotence in men; increased sexual desire in women)

• skin rash, or itching

• stuffy nose

• weight gain

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature, approximately 25 degrees C (77 degrees F).; do not freeze. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Fluphenazine oral concentrate or elixir

What is fluphenazine oral concentrate or elixir?

FLUPHENAZINE (Prolixin®, Prolixin Concentrate®, Permitil Concentrate®) helps to treat disordered thoughts and some other emotional, nervous, and mental problems. Generic fluphenazine oral concentrate, but not elixir, is available.

What should my health care professional know before I take fluphenazine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• blood disorders or disease

• difficulty passing urine

• glaucoma

• head injury

• heart or liver disease

• low blood level of calcium

• Parkinson's disease

• prostate trouble

• Reye's syndrome

• seizures (convulsions)

• stomach problems or peptic ulcer

• uncontrollable movement disorder

• an unusual or allergic reaction to fluphenazine, other medicines foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take fluphenazine oral concentrate or elixir by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake gently before use. If the elixir is not clear after shaking, do not use it. Use a specially marked dropper or spoon to measure your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one; household spoons are not always accurate. If you are taking the oral concentrate, measure it carefully and dilute just before use in half a glass (4 fluid ounces) of milk, tomato or fruit juice, water, or soup. (Do not mix with caffeinated drinks or apple juice). Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Elderly patients over age 65 years may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and need smaller doses.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Try to take your doses at the same time each day. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with fluphenazine?

• alcohol

• antacids

• some antibiotics

• antidiarrheal medications

• atropine

• bromocriptine

• cimetidine

• cisapride

• dextroamphetamine or amphetamine

• dronabinol or marijuana

• haloperidol or droperidol

• levodopa

• lithium

• medicines for an over-active thyroid gland

• medicines for colds and flu

• medicines for hay fever and other allergies

• medicines for mental depression

• medicines for movement abnormalities as in Parkinson's disease

• medicines to prevent or treat malaria

• medications for treating seizures (convulsions)

• medicines for pain or for use as muscle relaxants, including tramadol

• medicines to treat urine or bladder incontinence

• metoclopramide

• pimozide

• probucol

• some medications for high blood pressure or heart problems

• some weight loss medications

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking fluphenazine?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Do not stop taking fluphenazine suddenly; this can cause nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice if you are to stop taking this medicine.

You may get drowsy, dizzy, or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how fluphenazine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can increase possible dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Do not spill any fluphenazine concentrate or elixir on the skin, it can cause skin irritation or dermatitis.

Fluphenazine can reduce the response of your body to heat or cold. Try not to get overheated. Avoid temperature extremes, such as saunas, hot tubs, or very hot or cold baths or showers. Dress warmly in cold weather.

Fluphenazine can make your skin more sensitive to sun or ultraviolet light. Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen (at least SPF 15). Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Fluphenazine may make your mouth dry, chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy and drinking plenty of water will help.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, sore throat, indigestion, diarrhea, or allergies. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

If you are going to have surgery or will need a procedure that uses contrast agents, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from taking fluphenazine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• blurred vision

• breast enlargement in men or women

• breast milk in women who are not breast-feeding

• chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat

• confusion, restlessness

• dark yellow or brown urine

• difficulty breathing or swallowing

• dizziness or fainting spells

• drooling, shaking, movement difficulty (shuffling walk) or rigidity

• fever, chills, sore throat

• hot, dry skin, unable to sweat

• involuntary or uncontrollable movements of the eyes, mouth, head, arms, and legs

• menstrual changes

• puffing cheeks, smacking lips, or worm-like movements of the tongue

• seizures (convulsions)

• slurred speech

• stomach area pain

• sweating

• unusual weakness or tiredness

• unusual bleeding or bruising

• yellowing of skin or eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation

• difficulty passing urine

• difficulty sleeping, agitation or restlessness

• drowsiness

• dry mouth

• headache

• increased sensitivity to the sun or ultraviolet light

• sexual difficulties (impotence in men; increased sexual desire in women)

• skin rash, or itching

• stuffy nose

• weight gain

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature, approximately 25 degrees C (77 degrees F).; do not freeze. Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Fluphenazine tablets

What are fluphenazine tablets?

FLUPHENAZINE (Prolixin®) helps to treat disordered thoughts and some other emotional, nervous, and mental problems. Generic fluphenazine tablets are available.

What should my health care professional know before I take fluphenazine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• blood disorders or disease

• difficulty passing urine

• glaucoma

• head injury

• heart or liver disease

• low blood level of calcium

• Parkinson's disease

• prostate trouble

• Reye's syndrome

• seizures (convulsions)

• stomach problems or peptic ulcer

• uncontrollable movement disorder

• an unusual or allergic reaction to fluphenazine, tartrazine dye, other medicines foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take fluphenazine tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take fluphenazine with food or milk if it upsets your stomach. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Elderly patients over age 65 years may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and need smaller doses.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Try to take your doses at the same time each day. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with fluphenazine?

• alcohol

• antacids

• some antibiotics

• antidiarrheal medications

• atropine

• bromocriptine

• cimetidine

• cisapride

• dextroamphetamine or amphetamine

• dronabinol or marijuana

• haloperidol or droperidol

• levodopa

• lithium

• medicines for an over-active thyroid gland

• medicines for colds and flu

• medicines for hay fever and other allergies

• medicines for mental depression

• medicines for movement abnormalities as in Parkinson's disease

• medicines to prevent or treat malaria

• medications for treating seizures (convulsions)

• medicines for pain or for use as muscle relaxants, including tramadol

• medicines to treat urine or bladder incontinence

• metoclopramide

• pimozide

• probucol

• some medications for high blood pressure or heart problems

• some weight loss medications

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking fluphenazine?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Do not stop taking fluphenazine suddenly; this can cause nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice if you are to stop taking this medicine.

You may get drowsy, dizzy, or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how fluphenazine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can increase possible dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Fluphenazine can reduce the response of your body to heat or cold. Try not to get overheated. Avoid temperature extremes, such as saunas, hot tubs, or very hot or cold baths or showers. Dress warmly in cold weather.

Fluphenazine can make your skin more sensitive to sun or ultraviolet light. Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen (at least SPF 15). Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Fluphenazine may make your mouth dry, chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy and drinking plenty of water will help.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, sore throat, indigestion, diarrhea, or allergies. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

If you are going to have surgery or will need a procedure that uses contrast agents, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from taking fluphenazine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• blurred vision

• breast enlargement in men or women

• breast milk in women who are not breast-feeding

• chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat

• confusion, restlessness

• dark yellow or brown urine

• difficulty breathing or swallowing

• dizziness or fainting spells

• drooling, shaking, movement difficulty (shuffling walk) or rigidity

• fever, chills, sore throat

• hot, dry skin, unable to sweat

• involuntary or uncontrollable movements of the eyes, mouth, head, arms, and legs

• menstrual changes

• puffing cheeks, smacking lips, or worm-like movements of the tongue

• seizures (convulsions)

• slurred speech

• stomach area pain

• sweating

• unusual weakness or tiredness

• unusual bleeding or bruising

• yellowing of skin or eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation

• difficulty passing urine

• difficulty sleeping, agitation or restlessness

• drowsiness

• dry mouth

• headache

• increased sensitivity to the sun or ultraviolet light

• sexual difficulties (impotence in men; increased sexual desire in women)

• skin rash, or itching

• stuffy nose

• weight gain

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature, approximately 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.