Flupentixol Depot Injection

About flupentixol depot injection

This belongs to the group of medicines known as Neuroleptics.

Flupentixol depot injection is used to treat mental illness with symptoms such as hearing, seeing or sensing things that are not there, mistaken beliefs and problems dealing with other people.

Flupentixol depot injection is a long acting form of Flupentixol that is injected into the muscles of the buttocks. From there flupentixol slowly enters the rest of the body, so one injection can last up to 2 - 4 weeks.

Flupentixol is sometimes written as flupenthixol. You may notice either spelling on the package of your medicine.

It is also sometimes known as: Depixol; Depixol Conc; Depixol Low Volume. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before using flupentixol depot injection

Before starting treatment with flupentixol depot injection make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from any heart problems
• if you suffer from liver, kidney or breathing problems
• if you suffer from Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, depression, myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease), prostate problems, porphyria (a blood disorder), phaeochromocytoma (a growth on the adrenal glands) or glaucoma
• if you have ever suffered from jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
• if you suffer from postural hypotension (if you become dizzy when getting up from a sitting or lying position)
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines

How to use flupentixol depot injection

• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• If you suspect that you or someone else has had an overdose of flupentixol depot injection contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• Flupentixol depot injection is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe to take alongside flupentixol depot injection.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored.
• Flupentixol depot injection can cause drowsiness, dizziness and blurred vision. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or able to see properly.
• Alcohol will increase feelings of drowsiness. If you do drink alcohol, drink only in moderation and be aware of its effects on you.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be checked.
• Flupentixol depot injection can cause constipation. Constipation can often be eased by eating plenty of fibre, such as fruit, vegetables, potatoes, bran etc. and drinking plenty of water. If these measures do not ease your constipation, discuss the problem with your doctor.
• Before having any surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the surgeon, doctor or dentist that you are being treated with flupentixol depot injection.
• Flupentixol depot injection can occasionally cause a dry mouth. If you experience this, try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking sugar-free sweets or pieces of ice. If a dry mouth becomes a problem speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Flupentixol depot injection can cause some people's skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than it usually is. Avoid strong sunlight and sunbeds until you know how your skin reacts and use a suncream higher than factor 15.
• Flupentixol depot injection can cause EPR side effects (ExtraPyramidal Reactions) in some people. Signs of EPR are : Shakiness, abnormal face and body movements, restlessness, uncontrollable movements of the tongue, face and jaw. If you start to experience any of these symptoms you should seek advice from your doctor. Your doctor can then adjust your treatment to suit you and may prescribe a medicine to help with the EPR side effects.

Can flupentixol depot injection cause problems?

The area where you have had the injection can sometimes become painful, red and swollen or lumpy. If this happens and becomes too uncomfortable tell your doctor.

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted symptoms, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor if any of the following symptoms continue or become troublesome.

Shakiness, abnormal face and body movements, restlessness, uncontrollable movements of the tongue, face and jaw; drowsiness, mood changes, being aggressive or agitated, insomnia (trouble sleeping), dizziness, headache, confusion, constipation, diarrhoea, tummy ache, a stuffy nose, dry mouth, problems urinating (passing water), blurred vision, a fast or thumping heartbeat, changes in menstruation (periods), breast problems, sexual problems, weight gain, skin rashes, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) or a purple tint to the skin and eyes.

IMPORTANT: If you experience 'flu like' symptoms such as stiffness, high temperature, abnormal paleness, leaking bladder and a racing heartbeat contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital immediately.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store flupentixol depot injection

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

Any more questions?

If you have any more questions about this or any other medicine your pharmacist will be able to answer them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 14/09/2005