Zanaflex Capsules®(tizanidine hydrochloride) May be the Right Treatment for You
Whether you are considering or are already using Zanaflex Capsules® to manage spasticity, these common questions may provide useful information.
1. What are Zanaflex Capsules®?
Zanaflex Capsules® are a short-acting drug for the management of spasticity. Because of the short duration of effect, treatment with Zanaflex Capsules® should be reserved for those daily activities and times when relief of spasticity is most important.
2. What is spasticity?
Spasticity refers to the involuntary tension, stiffening or contractions of muscles that occurs when the nerve cells in the spinal cord become disconnected from controlling centers in the brain and transmit unregulated impulses to the muscles.
Spasticity may be painful and may range from slight muscle stiffness to permanent shortening of the muscle.
Spasticity may interfere with mobility, making moving from a seated to a standing position or transferring from a bed to a wheelchair more difficult.Daily activities (such as eating, dressing and grooming) may also become more difficult for a person living with spasticity.
3. How do Zanaflex Capsules® work?
Target the cause: Tizanidine hydrochloride works in the brain and spinal cord to change the messages being sent to the muscles and thereby reduce spasticity.
Reduce muscle spasms: Tizanidine hydrochloride is an effective muscle spasm treatment, reducing the number of muscle spasms patients experienced versus placebo (sugar pill).
Maintain muscle strength: Tizanidine hydrochloride can reduce the increased muscle tone that is causing your spasticity without affecting your muscle strength.
4. Will Zanaflex Capsules® work for me?
Ask your doctor if Zanaflex Capsules® are right for you. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
5. Can I take Zanaflex Capsules® with food?
Your experience with Zanaflex Capsules® may change depending on whether you take your medication with food or without food. Follow your doctor’s instructions on how to take your medication.
6. Differences between Zanaflex Capsules® and Zanaflex® tablets/generic
tizanidine
While Zanaflex Capsules® and Zanaflex® tablets both contain tizanidine hydrochloride, Zanaflex Capsules® are not the same, as generic tizanidine tablets or Zanaflex® tablets. Some differences include:
- Zanaflex Capsules® are available in three different strengths—2 mg, 4 mg and 6 mg capsules. The 6 mg dosage is only available in capsule form, which may make it possible for you to take fewer pills per day.
- Capsules may be easier to swallow than tablets, if you have difficulty swallowing.
- Capsules can be opened and sprinkled on soft foods such as applesauce. Because the effects of the medication can be different than when taking the whole capsule, please talk with your doctor before you open the capsule.
- Capsules can be taken with or without food. It is important that you follow your doctor’s instructions on taking Zanaflex Capsules® with or without food as this may affect the way the medication works and its potential side effects.
If you would like more information about these differences, you can contact the Acorda Medical Information System toll-free at 1-800-367-5109.
7. Is there a Patient Assistance Program for Zanaflex Capsules®?
Yes, the Zanaflex Capsules® Assistance Program is designed to help patients who do not have insurance and whose income falls within the specific guidelines.
To enroll, patients can call: 1-800-999-6673 ext.240.
The patient advocates at the toll-free number listed above will be able to help patients with the application process for this program. The toll-free program number is open from 10 am to 6 pm Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.
8. What if I use my spasticity to help with balance or to help perform other daily activities?
If your spasticity helps you with posture and balance, please be careful when using Zanaflex Capsules® since the medication can decrease you spasticity.
9. Do Zanaflex Capsules® have any side effects?
Zanaflex Capsules® may cause side effects in some people, including the following:
Sudden drop in blood pressure: Some people in clinical studies experienced this effect, known as "hypotension."
Possible liver damage: If you have liver disease, please tell your doctor before starting treatment, as this drug should be used with extreme caution in these cases. Tests showing changes in liver function that could be the result of liver damage have been found in some patients. In most cases, these changes resolved when the drug was stopped. In very rare cases, liver damage was permanent. Your doctor may choose to monitor your liver function through routine blood tests during the first few months you are taking Zanaflex Capsules®.
Sleepiness: You should not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking this drug. Sleepiness could be made worse if you take your medication with alcohol or certain other drugs.
Hallucinations: In two studies, a small percentage of people had hallucinations (saw things that did not really exist).
The most common side effects reported in clinical studies were dry mouth, sleepiness, weakness and dizziness. Other side effects include urinary tract infections, infection and constipation. Talk to your doctor if you have kidney or liver damage, or if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Also, talk to your doctor about any medicines you are currently taking, including birth control pills. For further information consult the Prescribing Information.
10. Can I take other medications while taking Zanaflex Capsules®?
You should not take Zanaflex Capsules® if you are currently taking fluvoxamine (Luvox®) or ciprofloxacin (Cipro®). If you are taking clonidine (Catapres® and Catapres TTS®) or other blood pressure medications, tell your doctor before taking Zanaflex Capsules®. For questions concerning interactions with other medications, consult with your doctor.
11. Can I stop taking Zanaflex Capsules® if I want to?
A sudden stop in treatment can cause certain medical problems; therefore, you should always talk to your doctor before deciding to stop Zanaflex Capsules® treatment.
12. How can I get started on Zanaflex Capsules®?
Your doctor will determine if Zanaflex Capsules® are the right choice for you. Only your doctor can prescribe Zanaflex Capsules®.
13. How can I learn more about spasticity?
For more information on spasticity you can contact one the following organizations:
14. Do Zanaflex Capsules® come in different strengths?
Zanaflex Capsules® are available in 2 mg, 4 mg and 6 mg strengths. Since the capsule is available in three strengths, your doctor will recommend what doses you should take and how often to take them. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.