Dosing and administration of Versacloz

This dosing and administration video is provided by Tasman Pharma, INC.

Before administering Versacloz, please review the full Prescribing Information, including the BOXED Warning.

Important Safety Information

PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

See FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information and Instructions for Use).

Discuss the following issues with patients and caregivers:

• Severe Neutropenia:
  • Instruct patients (and caregivers) beginning treatment with VERSACLOZ about the risk of developing severe neutropenia and infection.
  • Instruct patients to immediately report to their physician any symptom or sign of infection (e.g., flu-like illness; fever; lethargy; general weakness or malaise; mucus membrane ulceration; skin, pharyngeal, vaginal, urinary, or pulmonary infection; or extreme weakness or lethargy) occurring at any time during VERSACLOZ therapy, to aid in evaluation for neutropenia and to institute prompt and appropriate management [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1), (5.11), and (5.13) of the Prescribing Information].
  • Inform patients and caregivers VERSACLOZ is available only through a restricted program called the Clozapine REMS Program designed to ensure the required blood monitoring, in order to reduce the risk of developing severe neutropenia. Advise patients and caregivers of the importance of having blood tested as follows:
    • Weekly blood tests are required for the first 6 months.
    • An ANC is required every 2 weeks for the next 6 months if an acceptable ANC is maintained during the first 6 months of continuous therapy.
    • An ANC is required once every 4 weeks thereafter if an acceptable ANC is maintained during the second 6 months of continuous therapy.
  • VERSACLOZ is available only from certified pharmacies participating in the program. Provide patients (and caregivers) with website information and the telephone number on how to obtain the product.
• Orthostatic Hypotension, Bradycardia, and Syncope: Inform patients and caregivers about the risk of orthostatic hypotension and syncope, especially during the period of initial dose titration. Instruct them to strictly follow the clinician’s instructions for dosage and administration. Advise patients to consult their clinician immediately if they feel faint, lose consciousness or have signs or symptoms suggestive of bradycardia or arrhythmia [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) and Warnings and Precautions (5.3) of the Prescribing Information].
• Falls: Inform patients of the risk of falls, which may lead to fractures or other injuries [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) of the Prescribing Information].
• Seizures: Inform patients and caregivers about the significant risk of seizure during VERSACLOZ treatment. Caution them about driving and any other potentially hazardous activity while taking VERSACLOZ [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) of the Prescribing Information].
• QT Interval Prolongation: Advise patients to consult their clinician immediately if they feel faint, lose consciousness, or have signs or symptoms suggestive of arrhythmia. Instruct patients to not take VERSACLOZ with other drugs that cause QT interval prolongation. Instruct patients to inform their clinicians that they are taking VERSACLOZ before any new drug [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) and Drug Interactions (7.1) of the Prescribing Information].
• Metabolic Changes (hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, weight gain): Educate patients and caregivers about the risk of metabolic changes and the need for specific monitoring. The risks include hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, weight gain, and cardiovascular reactions. Educate patients and caregivers about the symptoms of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and diabetes mellitus (e.g., polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, and weakness). Monitor all patients for these symptoms. Patients who are diagnosed with diabetes or have risk factors for diabetes (obesity, family history of diabetes) should have their fasting blood glucose monitored before beginning treatment and periodically during treatment. Patients who develop symptoms of hyperglycemia should have assessments of fasting glucose. Clinical monitoring of weight is recommended [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) of the Prescribing Information].
• Interference with Cognitive and Motor Performance: Because VERSACLOZ may have the potential to impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills, patients should be cautioned about operating hazardous machinery, including automobiles, until they are reasonably certain that VERSACLOZ therapy does not affect them adversely [see Warnings and Precautions (5.17) of the Prescribing Information].
• Hepatotoxicity: Instruct patients to immediately report to their physician any symptoms or signs of potential liver injury (e.g. fatigue, malaise, anorexia, nausea, jaundice, bilirubinemia, coagulopathy, and hepatic encephalopathy) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13) of the Prescribing Information].
• Missed Doses and Re-Initiating Treatment: Inform patients and caregivers that if the patient misses taking VERSACLOZ for more than 2 days, he or she should not restart his or her medication at the same dosage but should contact their physician for dosing instructions [see Dosage and Administration (2.6) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.3) of the Prescribing Information].
• Pregnancy: Patients and caregivers should notify the clinician if the patient becomes pregnant or intends to become pregnant during therapy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) of the Prescribing Information].
• Lactation: Advise patients and caregivers that the patient should not breast feed an infant if she is taking VERSACLOZ.
• Concomitant Medication: Advise patients to inform their healthcare provider if they are taking, or plan to take, any prescription or over-the-counter drugs; there is a potential for significant drug-drug interactions [see Dosage and Administration (2.7), Drug Interactions (7.1), and Table 1 of the Prescribing Information].
• Patient Instructions for Use: Educate the patient and caregiver about the Patient Instructions for Use if VERSACLOZ will be administered at home. Discuss the specific steps for administering the prescribed dose using the oral syringe [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) of the Prescribing Information].

Please see the full Prescribing Information for Important Safety Information, including
BOXED Warning.

Click here for additional safety information.