Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Ziprasidone as follows:
- Ziprasidone carries the risk of suppressing production of white blood cells from the bone marrow and lead to agranulocytosis. Reduced white blood cell count can contribute to lowered immunity, thus resulting in frequent fever, chills, sore throat, and risk for frequent infections. Individuals with history of agranulocytosis and opportunistic infections can be at increased risk for aggravation of the condition with ziprasidone and so, ziprasidone must be avoided or carefully administered, with periodical physician follow-up and lab draws ordered for blood cell count. Report any frequent development or exacerbation of above mentioned findings to your physician and other health care personnel, for any change in plan of care to be considered.
- 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. So, in individuals with history of compromised liver function, ziprasidone must be used with caution and dose adjustments, with periodical monitoring for liver functions and development of any toxic symptoms.
