FLUP – DC Injection

Uses
This medication is a long-acting fluphenazine that is used to treat certain mental/emotional issues (chronic schizophrenia). Fluphenazine decanoate is typically used in patients who have responded well to short-acting fluphenazine doses and may benefit from long-term (maintenance) treatment with less frequent dosing. Fluphenazine is a neuroleptic that belongs to the class of medications known as phenothiazines. It works by affecting the balance of natural chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters). Some of the advantages of continuing to use this medication include fewer episodes of hallucinations, delusions, or bizarre behavior in schizophrenia patients. This product does not work immediately. It may take up to 4 days to notice an effect from this drug.

How to use

• A nurse or doctor will inject this medication into a muscle (intramuscularly-IM) or beneath the skin (subcutaneously-subQ). This medication is typically administered every 4-6 weeks, or as prescribed by your doctor. Learn how to prepare and inject this medication if you are administering it to yourself. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if any of the information is unclear.
• This medication is typically a pale yellow color. Do not use the liquid if it becomes darker than pale yellow, is discolored in any way, or if particles appear in it.
• Before measuring and injecting the drug, thoroughly wash and dry your hands. Rubbing alcohol should be used to clean the injection site. Avoid getting the medication on your skin because it may cause allergic reactions (contact dermatitis).
• Learn how to safely store and dispose of needles and medical supplies. Never use the same syringe or needle twice. For more information, speak with your pharmacist.

Side Effects

• It is possible to experience drowsiness, lethargy, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, loss of appetite, sweating, dry mouth, blurred vision, headache, constipation, and pain/redness at the injection site. Notify your doctor or pharmacist right away if any of these effects persist or worsen.
• Dizziness and lightheadedness can increase the likelihood of a fall. When rising from a sitting or lying position, take your time.
• Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you outweighs the risk of side effects. Many people who take this medication have no serious side effects.
• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately: feelings of restlessness, mask-like facial expression, greatly increased saliva, tremors, unusual mental/mood changes (such as depression, worsening of psychosis), confusion, unusual dreams, frequent urination or difficulty urinating, vision problems, weight change, swelling of the feet/ankles, fainting, skin discoloration, butterfly-shaped facial rash, joint pain, seizures.

Precautions

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to fluphenazine decanoate or any other phenothiazines (such as chlorpromazine or perphenazine), or if you have any other allergies. Inactive ingredients (such as sesame oil and benzyl alcohol) in this product may cause allergic reactions or other problems. For more information, consult your pharmacist.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, especially if you have: brain damage, nervous system problems (such as CNS depression, cerebrovascular insufficiency, brain tumours, encephalitis, encephalopathy), blood problems (such as leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis), liver problems, breast cancer, eye problems (such as glaucoma), heart problems, kidney problems, certain types of tumors.
Inform your doctor or dentist about all of the products you use before undergoing surgery or any diagnostic testing (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).