ziconotide

Severe psychiatric symptoms and neurological impairment may occur during treatment with ziconotide. Talk to your doctor before receiving ziconotide if you have a history of psychosis or mental illness.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking ziconotide and seek emergency medical attention:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, closing of your throat, swelling of your lips, face, or tongue, or hives);
• nausea, vomiting, seizures, fever, headache, and/or stiff neck, as these may be symptoms of developing meningitis;
• a change in mental status (extreme tiredness, confusion, disorientation or decreased alertness);
• a change in mood or perception, (hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there), unusual feelings in the mouth); or
• depression or suicidal thoughts.

Ziconotide is in a class of drugs called analgesics. It relieves pain.

Ziconotide is used to treat severe chronic pain.

Ziconotide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Severe psychiatric symptoms and neurological impairment may occur during treatment with ziconotide. Talk to your doctor before receiving ziconotide if you have a history of psychosis or mental illness.

Tell your doctor about all prescription or over-the-counter medicines including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products that your are taking.

Ziconotide is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether ziconotide will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether ziconotide will harm a nursing infant. Talk to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Ziconotide should be administered as an injection by a healthcare provider.

Your healthcare provider will store ziconotide as directed by the manufacturer.

Since the medication will be administered by a healthcare provider, missing a dose should not occur.

If an overdose of ziconotide is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Ziconotide will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.

Ziconotide may increase the effects of drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sleep aids, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine unless your doctor approves.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking ziconotide and seek emergency medical attention:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, closing of your throat, swelling of your lips, face, or tongue, or hives);
• nausea, vomiting, seizures, fever, headache, and/or stiff neck, as these may be symptoms of developing meningitis;
• a change in mental status (extreme tiredness, confusion, disorientation or decreased alertness);
• a change in mood or perception, (hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there), unusual feelings in the mouth); or
• depression or suicidal thoughts.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Talk to your doctor if you experience

• drowsiness;
• dizziness or lightheadedness;
• weakness;
• double vision or other vision problems;
• pain; or
• confusion.

Ziconotide may increase the effects of drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sleep aids, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine unless your doctor approves.

Other drugs can interact with ziconotide resulting in dangerous side effects and/or decreased effectiveness. Do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, without first talking to your doctor during treatment with ziconotide.

Your pharmacist has additional information about ziconotide written for health professionals that you may read.

Ziconotide is available generically and under the brand names Prialt. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions you have about this medication.