Fluphenazine Depot Injection

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About fluphenazine depot injection

This belongs to the group of medicines known as Neuroleptics.

Fluphenazine 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.

Fluphenazine depot injection is a long acting form of fluphenazine that is injected into the muscles of the buttocks. From there fluphenazine slowly enters the rest of the body, so one injection can last from 14 to 35 days.

It is also sometimes known as: Modecate; Modecate Concentrate. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before using fluphenazine depot injection

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

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from liver, kidney, breathing or heart 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 gland) or glaucoma
• 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 fluphenazine depot injection

• Do not stop this treatment without first speaking with your doctor. Your doctor will probably want to reduce the dose you are using gradually, as stopping treatment suddenly can cause problems.
• If you suspect that you or someone else have had an overdose of fluphenazine 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.
• Fluphenazine 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 flupenazine depot injection.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor. You will probably have to undergo tests during your treatment to ensure the dose you are taking is right for you.
• Fluphenazine 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 a little and be aware of its effects on you.
• Before having any surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the surgeon, doctor or dentist that you are taking fluphenazine depot injection.
• Fluphenazine 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.
• Fluphenazine 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.
• Fluphenazine depot injection can cause your 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.
• Fluphenazine 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. EPR may appear in the first 2 days of treatment, but can occur after that. 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 fluphenazine 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, 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 or a racing heartbeat contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital immediately.

How to store fluphenazine 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: 15/09/2005   

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