ziconotide Health Article

Generic name(s):

ziconotide

Brand name(s):

Prialt

What is the most important information I should know about 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.

What is ziconotide?

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.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using 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.

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.

How should I use ziconotide?

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

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

What happens if I miss a dose?

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

What happens if I overdose?

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

What should I avoid while using ziconotide?

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.

What are the possible side effects of ziconotide?

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.