Generic Name: ZIPRASIDONE - ORAL
Pronounced: (zi-PRAS-i-done)

Geodon Oral Precautions

Before taking ziprasidone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have:

• certain heart problems (e.g., recent heart attack, untreated heart failure)

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• Alzheimer's disease
• heart problems (e.g., coronary artery disease, irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure)
• severe dizziness/fainting
• diabetes (including family history)
• liver disease
• nervous system problems (e.g., stroke, seizures, NMS)
• obesity
• swallowing problems
• aspiration pneumonia
• low white blood cell count

Ziprasidone may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can infrequently result in serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that require immediate medical attention. The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may affect the heart rhythm (see also Drug Interactions section). Before using ziprasidone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any of the following conditions:

• certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG)
• family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death)

Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using ziprasidone safely.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.

This drug may infrequently make your blood sugar level rise, causing or worsening diabetes. This high blood sugar can rarely cause serious conditions such as diabetic coma. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of high blood sugar, such as increased thirst or urination. If you already have diabetes, be sure to check your blood sugar regularly.

This drug may rarely cause weight gain and a rise in your blood cholesterol (or triglyceride) levels. These effects, (especially if you have diabetes), may increase your risk for developing heart disease. Discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor.

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