How is ziconotide given?
Ziconotide is given around the clock using an infusion pump attached to a catheter placed into the space around your spinal cord (intrathecal injection). The infusion pump may be surgically implanted into your body or worn on the outside of your body. The pump controls how quickly the medicine is injected into your body.
Ziconotide may affect your thoughts, memory, speech, or daily activities. This effect may come on gradually after you've used this medicine for several weeks. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose or infusion pump flow rate.
Ziconotide doses are based on weight. Your dose needs may change if you gain or lose weight.
Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop relieving your pain, or if your infusion pump is not working properly.
If your catheter becomes contaminated, you may develop an infection. Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms such as fever, headache, confusion, neck stiffness, nausea, or vomiting.
If you also use opioid pain medicine, do not stop using it suddenly or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using opioid medicine.
You may need to use ziconotide for a period of many years.
Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis.