Fluanxol

The active ingredient in Fluanxol is flupentixol dihydrochloride. It is an antipsychotic that acts on pathways in the brain, including dopamine pathways, to correct chemical imbalances that cause symptoms of schizophrenia.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Fluanxol. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Fluanxol:

-Fluanxol tablets can be taken with or without food.

-The starting dose is typically 1mg once daily and can be gradually increased to a range of 3-6mg daily in divided doses throughout the day.

-Your doctor may require you to get bloodwork done when initiating treatment with Fluanxol and throughout treatment.

-In the event of a missed dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if your next dose is less than 6 hours away, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time.

Some mild or common side effects of Fluanxol seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

-Extrapyramidal symptoms like Parkinsonism, dystonia, hypertonia, akathisia, hyperreflexia, and tardive dyskinesia. These can include tremors, muscle spasms, muscle stiffness, shaking, restlessness, or uncontrolled muscle contractions or body movements.

-Anticholinergic effects like dry mouth, constipation, difficulty urinating, drowsiness, or somnolence.

-Hypotension (low blood pressure).

-Long-term use can cause metabolic changes such as high blood glucose or high cholesterol levels, and weight gain.

-Erectile dysfunction or loss of libido.

-Vomiting, nausea, dyspepsia (indigestion).

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Fluanxol. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or go to your nearest hospital:

-Muscle stiffness, fever, confusion, reduced consciousness, irregular heart rate, changes in blood pressure, and sweating. These are signs of a serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).

-Blurred vision. Fluanxol may aggravate glaucoma.

-Swelling, redness, and pain in your legs or feet. These may be signs of a blood clot.

-Jaundice (yellowing of the skin). This may be a sign of liver disease. Your doctor may also require you to do regular blood work to assess your liver function while taking Fluanxol.

-Hyperprolactinemia (high levels of the hormone prolactin in your blood). This can lead to growth of breast tissue, breast tenderness, or production of breast milk. Hyperprolactinemia may put you at increased risk for developing osteoporosis (weak bones).

-Rarely, Fluanxol can cause thrombocytopenia (low platelet levels), leukopenia (low white blood cell levels), or neutropenia (low neutrophil levels), etc. Your doctor will likely require you to do regular blood work while taking this medication.

-A skin rash, hives, swelling of the face or tongue, or difficulty breathing. These may be signs of a serious allergic reaction.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Fluanxol. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Fluanxol may cause side effects that develop over time due to drug accumulation in the body. Your dose of Fluanxol should regularly be reevaluated by your doctor.

Long-term use of antipsychotic medications can cause tardive dyskinesia. This may lead to movement disorders, which may be irreversible.

The safety or efficacy of Fluanxol has not been studied in people 65 years or older, or younger than 18 years of age.

Before starting Fluanxol, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

-Arteriosclerosis, a heart condition, or a heart arrhythmia.

-A naturally prolonged QTc interval of the heart, or a condition that requires you to take medications that can prolong the QTc interval. If the QTc interval of your heart is prolonged, it can lead to Torsades de Pointes, which may be fatal.

-Risk factors for, or a history of, stroke or blood clots.

-Diabetes

-Parkinson’s disease

-Epilepsy or a history of seizures.

-Glaucoma

-Dementia

-Kidney or liver disease

-Boxed Warning

-Fluanxol may cause a rare disorder called neuroleptic malignant syndrome, which can be fatal.

Fluanxol should not be used in people who:

-Have psychosis and are severely agitated.

-Have had an allergic reaction to thioxanthenes, flupentixol, or any active or inactive ingredients in the formulation. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to phenothiazines, as cross-reaction may occur.

-Are intoxicated with alcohol, barbiturates, or opiates.

-Are in a coma or have suspected brain damage.

-Have liver problems or kidney problems.

-Have severe heart or other cardiovascular issues.

It may take a few weeks to titrate Fluanxol to a dose that works for you.

When Fluanxol is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

-Other antipsychotic medications, like thioridazine.

-Sedatives like alcohol and barbiturates.

-Tricyclic antidepressant like amitriptyline or nortriptyline.

-Some medications to treat gastrointestinal disorders, like metoclopramide.

-Medications to treat Parkinson’s disease, like levodopa.

-Medications that can cause QT prolongation, like quinidine, amiodarone, erythromycin, moxifloxacin, lithium, and more.

-Piperazine, a medicine used to treat worm infections.

-Thiazide diuretics or other medications that can affect the balance of electrolytes like potassium and sodium.

-Certain medicines used to treat high blood pressure including clonidine.

Fluanxol tablets are available in 0.5mg, 3mg, and 5mg strengths.

Fluanxol is also available in ampoules as a flupentixol decanoate (Fluanxol depot) intramuscular injection. This formulation has a longer half-life and is injected every 2-4 weeks.

Fluanxol tablets should be stored at room temperature.

Fluanxol is manufactured by Lundbeck Canada Inc.

No, Fluanxol is only available as a brand-name medication at this time.

If you stop taking Fluanxol suddenly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweats, restlessness, or anxiety. It is best to gradually taper off this medication.

The use of Fluanxol in pregnancy has not been studied. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Fluanxol is excreted in breast milk in low concentrations. It is not likely to impact the breastfed child; however, talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.