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Apo-Flunarizine

In this factsheet:
• How does Apo-Flunarizine work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Apo-Flunarizine?
• What form(s) does Apo-Flunarizine come in?
• Who should NOT take Apo-Flunarizine?
• What side effects are possible with Apo-Flunarizine?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Apo-Flunarizine?
• What other drugs could interact with Apo-Flunarizine?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

How does Apo-Flunarizine work? What will it do for me?

Flunarizine is used to prevent migraine headaches with or without aura (warning signs that occur before the headache begins). This medication should not be used for treatment of acute migraine headaches (headaches that have already started).

Flunarizine helps to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks and, to a lesser extent, the severity of the attacks. Flunarizine does not appear to have an effect on how long attacks last. The effect of flunarizine may not be seen for several weeks. Do not stop taking the medication due to lack of effect within the first six to eight weeks.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use Apo-Flunarizine?

The recommended adult dose of flunarizine is 10 mg daily taken in the evening with or without food. Those who have side effects may find 5 mg daily in the evening to be effective.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is very important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It should be taken on a regular basis for maximum effectiveness. Flunarizine does not appear to have an effect on how long attacks last. The effect of flunarizine may not be seen for several weeks. Do not stop taking the medication due to lack of effect within the first six to eight weeks.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Apo-Flunarizine come in?

Each red and grey, size No. 4 capsule, imprinted "APO 5" on one side, contains flunarizine HCl equivalent to flunarizine 5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, lactose monohydrate, stearic acid, and talc; capsule shell: black iron oxide, D&C Red No. 28, D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 40, gelatin, silicon dioxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, and titanium dioxide; edible black ink on capsule shell: pharmaceutical shellac, ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, n-butyl alcohol, propylene glycol, ammonium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and black iron oxide.

Who should NOT take Apo-Flunarizine?

Flunarizine should not be taken by anyone with:

• an allergy to flunarizine or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• a history of depression
• a history of involuntary movement disorders (extrapyramidal symptoms)

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