Ziprasidon Pfizer
PACKAGE LEAFLET
Package leaflet: Information for the user
Ziprasidon Pfizer 10 mg/ml oral suspension
ziprasidone
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine because it contains important information for you.
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Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
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If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
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This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their signs of illness are the same as yours.
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If you get any side effects talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.
What is in this leaflet:
What Ziprasidon Pfizer is and what it is used for
What you need to know before you use Ziprasidon Pfizer
How to use Ziprasidon Pfizer
Possible side effects
How to store Ziprasidon Pfizer
Contents of the pack and other information
1. What Ziprasidon Pfizer is and what it is used for
Ziprasidon Pfizer belongs to a group of medicines called antipsychotics.
Ziprasidon Pfizer is used for the treatment of schizophreniain adults - a mental disorder characterised by the following symptoms: to hear, see and feel things that do not exist, to believe in something not true, to feel unusual suspicions, to be absent and have difficulty in establishing social relationships, nervousness, depression or anxiety.
Ziprasidon Pfizer is also used for the treatment of manic or mixed episodes of moderate severity in bipolar disorder in adults and children and adolescents aged 10-17 years - a mental disorder characterised by alternate stages of euphoric (mania) or depressed mood states. During mania episodes, the most characteristic symptoms are: elated behaviour, exaggerated self-esteem, increase in energy, decreased need for sleep, lack of concentration or hyperactivity and repeated high risk-taking behaviour.
2. What you need to know before you use Ziprasidon Pfizer
Do not take Ziprasidon Pfizer
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If you are allergic to ziprasidone or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6). Signs of an allergic reaction include; rash, itching, swelling in the face, or lips, difficulty in breathing.
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If you suffer or have suffered from heart problems or have recently had a heart attack.
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If you take medicines for heart rhythm problems or that may affect the heart’s rhythm.
Also refer to the section “Other medicines and Ziprasidon Pfizer” below.
Warnings and precautions
Talk to
your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before taking Ziprasidon
Pfizer
If you or someone else in your family has a history of blood clots, as medicines like these have been associated with formation of blood clots
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If you have liver problems
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If you suffer or have suffered from seizure or epilepsy
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If you are elderly (over 65 years old) and suffer from dementia and are at risk of having a stroke
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If you have a low resting heart-rate and/or you know that, you may have salt depletion as a result of prolonged severe diarrhoea and vomiting (being sick) or usage of diuretics (water tablets)
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If you experience a fast or irregular heartbeat, fainting, collapse or dizziness on standing up which may indicate abnormal functioning of the heart rate
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
Severe skin reactions such as rash with blisters which could include ulcers in the mouth, skin shedding, fever and target-like spots on the skin that could be symptoms of Stevens-Johnson syndrome. These skin reactions could potentially be life-threatening
Tell your doctor that you are taking Ziprasidon Pfizer before you have a laboratory test (such as blood, urine, liver function, heart rate etc) because it may alter the results of the test.
Other medicines and Ziprasidon
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken or might take any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.
Do not take Ziprasidon Pfizer if you take medicines for heart rhythm problems or medicines that may affect the heart’s rhythm, such as:
Class IA and III antiarrhythmics, arsenic trioxide, halofantrine, levomethadyl acetate, mesoridazine, thioridazine, pimozide, sparfloxacin, gatifloxacin, moxifloxacin, dolasetron mesilate, mefloquine, sertindole or cisapride. These medicines affect the heart rhythm by prolonging the QT interval. If you have any further questions about this you should speak to your doctor.
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken medicines for the treatment of:
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bacterial infections; these medicines are known as antibiotics; e.g., macrolide antibiotics or rifampin.
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mood swings (ranging from depressive mood to euphoria), agitation and irritation; these are known as mood stabilising medicines e.g. lithium, carbamazepine, valproate.
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depression, including certain serotonergic medicines e.g. SSRI’s such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline; or herbal medicines or natural remedies containing St John’s Wort.
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epilepsy e.g. phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, ethosuximide.
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Parkinson’s disease e.g. levodopa, bromocriptine, ropinirol, pramipexole.
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or if you are taking or have recently taken the following medicines: verapamil, quinidine, itraconazole, or ritonavir.
Also refer to the section “Do not take Ziprasidon Pfizer” above.
Ziprasidon Pfizer Oral Suspension with food and drink
Ziprasidon Pfizer oral suspension MUST be taken immediately BEFORE OR JUST AFTER A MAIN MEAL. Ziprasidon Pfizer oral suspension must not be mixed or diluted with food or drink before administration, as this may increase the risk of side effects. Always use the syringe provided to take this medicine, and apply the oral suspension directly into the mouth.
You should not drink alcohol during treatment with this medicine, as this may increase the risk of side effects.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
Pregnancy
You should not take Ziprasidon Pfizerduring pregnancy unless you are told otherwise by your doctor because there is a risk that this medicine may harm your baby. Always use effective contraception. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant or are planning to become pregnant whilst taking Ziprasidon Pfizer.
The following symptoms may occur in newborn babies, of mothers that have used Ziprasidon Pfizer in the last trimester (last three months of their pregnancy):shaking, muscle stiffness and/or weakness, sleepiness, agitation, breathing problems, and difficulty in feeding. If your baby develops any of these symptoms you may need to contact your doctor.
Breast-feeding
Do not breast-feed if you are taking Ziprasidon Pfizer. This is because small amounts may pass into the mother’s milk. If you are planning to breast-feed, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
Driving and using machines
Taking Ziprasidon Pfizermay make you feel drowsy. If you experience this symptom you should not drive or use tools or machinery until the drowsiness disappears.
Ziprasidon Pfizer Oral Suspension contains parahydroxybenzoate (E218) and propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216)
This medicine contains methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218) and propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216) which may cause allergic reactions (may possibly be delayed).
This medicine contains 4.65 mg of sodium per ml and this should be taken into account in patients who are on a controlled sodium diet. The usual dose is between 4 and 8 ml twice a day so the total daily sodium intake ranges between 37.2 and 74.4 mg.
3. How to use Ziprasidone Pfizer
Always use this medicineexactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Ziprasidon Pfizer oral suspension should be taken immediately before or just after a main meal. It must not be mixed or diluted with food or drink before administration. Always use the syringe provided to take this medicine.
Adults
Ziprasidon Pfizer oral suspension should be taken twice daily, in the morning and in the evening. The recommended dose is 40-80 mg twice daily. You should try to take this medicine at the same time every day.
In long-term treatments, your doctor may adjust the dose. You should not exceed the maximum dose of 160 mg per day.
Children and adolescents with bipolar
mania
The usual starting dose is 20 mg
to be taken with a meal after which your doctor will advise on
optimal doses for you. You should not exceed the maximum dose of 80
mg per day in children weighing 45kg or less, or 160 mg per day in
children weighing more than 45kg.
The safety and efficacy of Ziprasidon Pfizer in the treatment of schizophrenia in children and adolescents has not been established.
Elderly (over 65 years old)
If
you are elderly your doctor will decide the suitable dose for you.
Doses in those over 65 are sometimes lower than those used in
younger people. Your doctor will advise you what the right dose is
for you.
Patients with liver problems
If you have liver problems you will usually be given a lower dose of Ziprasidon Pfizer. Your doctor will work out the correct dose for you.
If you take more Ziprasidon PfizerOral Suspension than you should
Contact your doctor or go to the nearest hospital casualty department immediately. Take your box of Ziprasidon Pfizerwith you.
If you have taken too much Ziprasidon Pfizer, you may experience drowsiness, shaking, fits and uncontrollable movements of the head and neck.
If you forget to take Ziprasidon Pfizer
It is important you take Ziprasidon Pfizer regularly at the same time each day. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is time for your next dose. In that case, just take your next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you stop using Ziprasidon Pfizer
Your doctor will tell you how long to take Ziprasidon Pfizer for. You should not stop using this medicine, unless your doctor has told you to.
It is important to continue with your medication, even if you feel better. If you stop the treatment too early, the symptoms may return.
Instructions for use
Ziprasidon Pfizer oral suspension should only be taken using the syringe for oral use included in the pack and should be administered directly into the mouth. Follow the instructions below for use of the syringe.
Shake the bottle before use. Open the childproof cap by pressing it down at the same time as you turn it counter or anti-clockwise.
A connection plunger for the syringe may have been connected to the bottleneck by the pharmacist. If not, press the connection plunger, which is included in the pack, down into the bottleneck.
Place the bottle upright on a firm and flat surface. Hold the bottle with one hand and with the other and introduce the tip of the syringe into the connection plunger.
Turn the bottle upside down while holding the syringe in place. Slowly, pull back the plunger of the syringe until the desired amount of medicine is withdrawn from the bottle. The syringe is graded (marked) in either increments of 0.25ml (equivalent to 2.5mg) or 1ml (equivalent to 10mg) depending on the bottle supplied. To measure the correct dose, the top of the black ring should be in line with the marking on the syringe indicating the desired dose.
If you see big bubbles in the syringe, slowly push the plunger back into the syringe. This will force the medicine back into the bottle. Repeat step 4 again.
Turn the bottle to the upright position, while the syringe is still in place. Then, remove the syringe.
Put the tip of the syringe in your mouth and SLOWLY push down the plunger. Do not squirt the medicine out quickly.
Screw the cap onto the bottle and leave in the connection plunger. Wash the syringe as described below.
How to clean and
store the syringe
The syringe should be rinsed after each dose. Pull out the plunger from the syringe and wash both parts in warm soapy water and then rinse it under running water.
Dry both parts. Push the plunger back into the syringe. Store it in a clean and safe place, together with the medicine.
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicinecan cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. However, most side effects are transient. It may often be difficult to distinguish the symptoms of your disease from those of side effects.
STOP taking Ziprasidon Pfizerand contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:
Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):
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Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness on standing up which may indicate abnormal functioning of the heart. These could be symptoms of a condition known as postural hypotension.
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Involuntary/unusual movements, especially in your face or tongue.
Rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people):
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Swelling in the face, lips, tongue or throat, swallowing or breathing problems, a nettle rash. These could be symptoms of a serious allergic reaction such as angioedema.
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Fever, faster breathing, sweating, muscle stiffness, shaking, difficulty swallowing and reduced consciousness. These could be symptoms of a condition known as neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
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Skin reactions, in particular rash, fever and swollen lymph nodes which could be symptoms of a condition called drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). These reactions could be potentially life-threatening.
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Confusion, agitation, high temperature, sweating, lack of muscle co-ordination, muscle twitching. These could be symptoms of a condition known as serotonin syndrome.
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Fast, irregular heartbeat, fainting which could be symptoms of a life-threatening condition known as Torsades de Pointes.
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Persistent abnormal and painful erection of the penis.
You may experience any of the following side effects listed below. These potential side effects generally are mild to moderate and may resolve with time. However, if the side effect is severe or persistent, you should contact your doctor.
Very Common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people):
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Difficulty sleeping or sleepiness
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Headache
Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):
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Runny nose
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High mood energy, strange thinking patterns and hyperactivity, feeling agitated or anxious
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Restlessness
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Abnormalities of movement including involuntary movements, muscular stiffness and rigidity, slowness of movements, shaking, general weakness and tiredness
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Dizziness
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Sedation
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Blurred or impaired vision
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Rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure
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Constipation, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and indigestion, dry mouth, increased salivation
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Rash
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Male sexual problems
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Fever
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Pain
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Weight loss or gain
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Exhaustion
Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):
High levels of prolactin in the blood
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Increased appetite
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Panic attack
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Feeling nervous or depressed
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Decreased sexual desire
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Loss of consciousness
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Difficulty in controlling movements/involuntary movements
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Restless legs
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Nightmares
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Seizures, involuntary eyes movements into a fixed position, clumsiness, speech disorder, numbness, pins and needles sensation , reduced ability to concentrate, drooling,
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Palpitation, feeling faint when getting up, breathlessness
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Sensitivity to light, dry eyes, buzzing in the ears, ear pain
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Sore throat, difficulty in swallowing, swollen tongue, diarrhoea, wind, stomach discomfort.
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Itchy skin rash, acne
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Muscle cramp, stiff or swollen joints
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Thirst, chest discomfort, abnormal walk, general feelings of illness
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Acid reflux, stomach pain or discomfort
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Hair loss
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Unusual position of head
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Urinary incontinence, pain or difficulty urinating
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Abnormal breast milk production
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Breast enlargement in men
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Absence of menstruation
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Abnormal heart or blood test results
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Abnormal liver function test results
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Allergic reaction
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Vertigo
Rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people):
Serious allergic reaction
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Decrease in calcium levels in the blood
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High mood energy, strange thinking patterns and hyperactivity , slowed thinking, lack of emotions
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Facial droop
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Paralysis
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Partial or complete loss of vision in one eye, itchy eyes
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Difficulty speaking or breathing, hiccups
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Loose stools
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Swelling of the face, skin irritations
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Inability to open mouth
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Involuntary urination, difficulty emptying bladder
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Drug withdrawal syndrome in newborn babies
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Reduced or increased erection, reduced orgasm
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Feeling hot
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Decrease or increase in white blood cells (in blood test)
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Abnormal blood test results
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Patches of raised and inflamed red skin covered by a white scale known as psoriasis
Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data):
In elderly people with dementia, a small increase in the number of deaths has been reported for patients taking antipsychotics compared with those not receiving antipsychotics.
Blood clots in the veins especially in the legs (symptoms include swelling, pain and redness in the leg), which may travel through blood vessels to the lungs causing chest pain and difficulty in breathing. If you notice any of these symptoms seek medical advice immediately.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects talk toyour doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting system listed in Appendix V. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5. How to store Ziprasidon Pfizer oral suspension
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date, which is stated on the carton after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Once the bottle is opened, the medicine should be used within two months. Discard any unused medicine after this time.
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.
6. Contents of the pack and other information
What Ziprasidon Pfizeroral suspension contains
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The active substance is ziprasidone. Each ml contains 10mg ziprasidone as ziprasidone hydrochloride monohydrate.
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The other ingredients are: methylparahydroxybenzoate (E218), propylparahydroxybenzoate (E216), anhydrous citric acid (E330), sodium citrate (E331), sodium chloride, xylitol (E967), xanthan gum (E415), polysorbate 80 (E433), anhydrous colloidal silica, cherry flavour and purified water.
What Ziprasidon Pfizerlooks like and contents of the pack
Ziprasidon Pfizer oral suspension is a white to slightly yellow opaque suspension with cherry flavouring.
Pack sizes:
Plastic bottle with child-proof cap 60ml and 240ml.
Plastic oral syringe (2 ml or 8 ml) and press-in bottle adaptor. The 2 ml oral syringe is calibrated in 0.25 ml (2.5 mg) increments; the 8 ml oral syringe is calibrated in 1.0 ml (10 mg increments).
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Marketing Authorisation Holder
[To be completed nationally]
Manufacturers
Pfizer Service Company BVBA, Hoge Wei 10, B-1930 Zaventem, Belgium
This medicinal product is authorised in the Member States of the EEA under the following names:
Ziprasidon Pfizer – Austria, Denmark, Germany, Iceland, Norway, Sweden
Ziprasidone Pfizer – Ireland
Ziprasidona Parke-Davis – Portugal
Ziprasidona Pharmacia - Spain
Embreval - Greece
This leaflet was last revised in:
2016-10-06
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