Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking ziprasidone as follows:
- Take this medication as ordered by your physician. Do not change the dose and frequency on this medication without consulting your doctor. Take the medication dose for the duration prescribed without fail.
- Take the medication dose at the same time, every day, to avoid forgetting the intake of medication.
- Ziprasidone is extensively metabolized in the liver and the inactive metabolites are excreted in the feces and urine. If liver function is deficient, the metabolism of ziprasidone can be compromised. This can lead to increased blood levels of the medication for longer periods of time, resulting in increased risk for side-effects and consequent toxicity. Periodical liver function tests could be ordered for individuals taking ziprasidone for a long term. Observe compliance with lab draws ordered for liver function study.
- If you miss a dose, try taking it at the earliest notice of noncompliance. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the dose scheduled. Do not take an extra dose to try making up for the missed dose. Notify your doctor and other health care personnel regarding your dose noncompliance.
