Ziconotide
Generic name: ziconotide [ zye-KON-oh-tide ]
Brand name: Prialt
Dosage form: intrathecal solution (100 mcg/mL; 25 mcg/mL)
Drug class:Miscellaneous analgesics
What is ziconotide?
Ziconotide is a non-narcotic pain reliever that works by blocking pain signals from the nerves to the brain.
Ziconotide injection is given by intrathecal administration for around-the-clock treatment of severe chronic pain in people who cannot use or do not respond to standard pain-relieving medications.
Ziconotide is not intended for IV (intravenous) use.
Warnings
Some people using ziconotide have had new or worsening mental problems. Tell your doctor right away if you have any unusual changes in mood or behavior.
You should not receive this medicine if you have an uncontrolled bleeding disorder, a problem affecting your spine, or a history of psychosis.
Ziconotide must be given only as an intrathecal injection through an infusion pump and should not be injected directly into a vein or other part of the body. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose or infusion pump flow rate to make sure you get the best results from this medicine.
Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain. Tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy. Ziconotide can add to sleepiness caused by these other medications.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect, especially fever, neck stiffness, seizure (convulsions), extreme drowsiness or tired feeling, confusion, disorientation, hallucinations, thoughts of hurting yourself, or decreased consciousness.
Before taking this medicine
You should not be treated with ziconotide if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
an uncontrolled or untreated bleeding disorder; or
a problem affecting your spine (such as arthritis, bone disorder, or narrowing of the spinal canal).
Some people using ziconotide have had new or worsening mental problems. You should not be treated with this medicine if you have a history of psychosis (delusions or loss of contact with reality).
Tell your doctor if you have recently used opioid medicine.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
You should not breastfeed while using ziconotide.
How is ziconotide given?
Ziconotide is given around the clock using an infusion pump attached to a catheter placed into the space around your spinal cord (intrathecal injection). The infusion pump may be surgically implanted into your body or worn on the outside of your body. The pump controls how quickly the medicine is injected into your body.
Ziconotide may affect your thoughts, memory, speech, or daily activit...
