Saturday, 31 March 2012

Zoladex


Generic Name: goserelin (Subcutaneous route)

goe-se-REL-in

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.


  • Zoladex

Available Dosage Forms:


  • Implant

Therapeutic Class: Antineoplastic Agent


Pharmacologic Class: Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone Agonist


Uses For Zoladex


Goserelin is a hormone similar to the one normally released from the hypothalamus gland in the brain. It is used to treat a number of medical problems. These include:


  • Cancer of the prostate in men

  • Cancer of the breast in women if it develops before or around the time of menopause

  • Endometriosis, a painful condition caused by extra tissue growing inside or outside of the uterus, and

  • Thinning of the lining of the uterus before surgery on the uterus.

When given regularly as an implant, goserelin works every day to decrease the amount of estrogen and testosterone in the blood.


Reducing the amount of estrogen in the body is one way of treating endometriosis and cancer of the breast, and can help thin the uterus lining before surgery. Goserelin prevents the growth of tissue associated with endometriosis in adult women during treatment and for up to 6 months after treatment is discontinued.


Reducing the amount of testosterone in the body is one way of treating cancer of the prostate.


Suppressing estrogen can thin the bones or slow their growth. This is a problem for adult women whose bones are no longer growing like the bones of children. This is why goserelin is used only for up to 6 months in adult women treated for endometriosis.


This medicine is to be given only by or under the supervision of your doctor.


Before Using Zoladex


In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:


Allergies


Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.


Pediatric


Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of goserelin in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.


Geriatric


Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of goserelin in elderly men. However, safety and efficacy have not been established for elderly women.


Pregnancy








Pregnancy CategoryExplanation
All TrimestersXStudies in animals or pregnant women have demonstrated positive evidence of fetal abnormalities. This drug should not be used in women who are or may become pregnant because the risk clearly outweighs any possible benefit.

Breast Feeding


There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.


Interactions with Medicines


Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.


Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol


Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.


Other Medical Problems


The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:


  • Alcohol abuse or

  • Osteoporosis, family history of or

  • Tobacco cigarette smoking—May increase risk for osteoporosis (thinning of the bones).

  • Diabetes or

  • Hypercalcemia (high calcium in the blood) or

  • Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.

  • Nerve problems caused by bone lesions in the spine (in treatment of cancer of the prostate) or

  • Problems in passing urine (in treatment of cancer of the prostate)—Conditions may get worse for a short time after goserelin treatment is started.

Proper Use of Zoladex


A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin near your stomach. This medicine may be given once every 28 days or once every 3 months. Your schedule depends on the reason you are using this medicine. To stay on the right schedule with the medicine, make sure you keep all appointments.


It is very important that you continue to receive the medicine, even after you begin to feel better.


Precautions While Using Zoladex


It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.


For female patients: You should not receive this medicine if you are pregnant or may become pregnant. Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Your birth control pills may not work as well while you are receiving this medicine. Use a nonhormonal form of birth control together with your pills to keep from getting pregnant while you are receiving this medicine and for at least 12 weeks after treatment. Nonhormonal birth control includes vaginal spermicides, condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.


For female patients: During the time you are receiving goserelin, your menstrual period may not be regular or you may not have a menstrual period at all. This is to be expected when being treated with this medicine. If regular menstrual periods continue during treatment or do not begin within 2 to 3 months after you stop using this medicine, check with your doctor.


For male patients: This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you are diabetic and notice a change in the results of your blood or urine sugar tests, check with your doctor.


When you first start using this medicine for cancer treatment, some of your symptoms might get worse for a short time. You might also have new symptoms. You might have bone pain, back pain, or trouble urinating. These symptoms should improve within a few weeks. Tell your doctor if you have any new symptoms or your symptoms get worse.


This medicine can cause decreases in bone mineral density, which may lead to osteoporosis or weakened bones. Talk with your doctor about how this risk will affect you.


This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have a rash; itching; hoarseness; trouble breathing; trouble swallowing; or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are using this medicine.


Before you have any medical tests, tell the medical doctor in charge that you are using this medicine. The results of some tests may be affected by this medicine.


Zoladex Side Effects


Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.


Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:


For all adultsLess common
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat

Rare
  • Bone, muscle, or joint pain

  • changes in skin color of the face

  • fainting

  • fast or irregular breathing

  • numbness or tingling of the hands or feet

  • puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes

  • shortness of breath

  • skin rash, hives, or itching

  • sudden, severe decrease in blood pressure and collapse

  • tightness in the chest or wheezing

  • troubled breathing

For females onlyRare
  • Anxiety

  • deepening of voice

  • increased hair growth

  • mental depression

  • mood changes

  • nervousness

For males onlyRare
  • Pains in the chest

  • pain in the groin or legs (especially in the calves of the legs)

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:


For all adultsMore common
  • Sudden sweating and feelings of warmth (also called hot flashes)

Less common
  • Blurred vision

  • burning, itching, redness, or swelling at the place of injection

  • decreased interest in sexual intercourse

  • dizziness

  • headache

  • nausea or vomiting

  • swelling and increased tenderness of the breasts

  • swelling of the feet or lower legs

  • trouble with sleeping

  • weight gain

For females onlyMore common
  • Light, irregular vaginal bleeding

  • stopping of menstrual periods

Less common
  • Burning, dryness, or itching of the vagina

  • pelvic pain

For males onlyLess common
  • Bone pain

  • constipation

  • decreased size of the testicles

  • inability to have or keep an erection

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.


Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Zoladex side effects (in more detail)



The information contained in the Thomson Reuters Micromedex products as delivered by Drugs.com is intended as an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment. It is not a substitute for a medical exam, nor does it replace the need for services provided by medical professionals. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before taking any prescription or over the counter drugs (including any herbal medicines or supplements) or following any treatment or regimen. Only your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for you.


The use of the Thomson Reuters Healthcare products is at your sole risk. These products are provided "AS IS" and "as available" for use, without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Thomson Reuters Healthcare and Drugs.com make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, usefulness or completeness of any of the information contained in the products. Additionally, THOMSON REUTERS HEALTHCARE MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTIES AS TO THE OPINIONS OR OTHER SERVICE OR DATA YOU MAY ACCESS, DOWNLOAD OR USE AS A RESULT OF USE OF THE THOMSON REUTERS HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED. Thomson Reuters Healthcare does not assume any responsibility or risk for your use of the Thomson Reuters Healthcare products.


More Zoladex resources


  • Zoladex Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Zoladex Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Zoladex Drug Interactions
  • Zoladex Support Group
  • 8 Reviews for Zoladex - Add your own review/rating


  • Zoladex Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Zoladex Monograph (AHFS DI)

  • Zoladex MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Zoladex Consumer Overview



Compare Zoladex with other medications


  • Bleeding Disorder
  • Breast Cancer, Palliative
  • Endometriosis
  • Prostate Cancer

Sunday, 25 March 2012

estradiol and medroxyprogesterone


Generic Name: estradiol and medroxyprogesterone (ess tra DY ol and med ROX ee pro JESS te role)

Brand Names: Lunelle


What is estradiol and medroxyprogesterone?

Estradiol and medroxyprogesterone contains a combination of female hormones that prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). This medication also causes changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.


Estradiol and medroxyprogesterone is used as contraception to prevent pregnancy.


Estradiol and medroxyprogesterone may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.


What is the most important information I should know about estradiol and medroxyprogesterone?


Do not use birth control injections if you are pregnant or if you have recently had a baby. Do not use this medication if you have any of the following conditions: a history of stroke or blood clot, circulation problems (especially if caused by diabetes), a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer, abnormal vaginal bleeding, liver disease or liver cancer, severe high blood pressure, migraine headaches, a heart valve disorder, or a history of jaundice caused by birth control pills.

You may need to use back-up birth control, such as condoms or a spermicide, when you first start using this medication. Follow your doctor's instructions.


Using hormones can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack, especially if you smoke and are older than 35.

Some drugs can make birth control injections less effective, which may result in pregnancy. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, including vitamins, minerals and herbal products. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.


What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using estradiol and medroxyprogesterone?


This medication can cause birth defects. Do not use if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant, or if you miss two menstrual periods in a row. If you have recently had a baby, wait at least 4 weeks before using birth control injections (6 weeks if you are breast-feeding). Do not use this medication if you have:

  • a history of a stroke or blood clot;




  • circulation problems (especially if caused by diabetes);




  • a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer;




  • abnormal vaginal bleeding;




  • liver disease or liver cancer;




  • severe high blood pressure;




  • severe migraine headaches;




  • a heart valve disorder; or




  • a history of jaundice caused by birth control pills.



Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take birth control hormones.



  • high blood pressure, heart disease, congestive heart failure, angina (chest pain), or a history of heart attack;




  • high cholesterol or if you are overweight;




  • kidney disease;




  • a history of depression;




  • gallbladder disease;




  • diabetes;




  • seizures or epilepsy;




  • a history of irregular menstrual cycles; or




  • a history of fibrocystic breast disease, lumps, nodules, or an abnormal mammogram.




The hormones in this medication can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. This medication may also slow breast milk production. Do not use if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is estradiol and medroxyprogesterone used?


This medication is given as an injection into a muscle in your upper arm, thigh, or buttocks. You will receive this injection in your doctor's office or other clinic setting. Before receiving your first injection, tell your doctor about all other forms of birth control you have used within the past 7 days.


The first injection of this medication is given during the first 5 days of a normal menstrual period, or within 5 days after undergoing a complete first-trimester abortion.


After your first injection, you will need to receive monthly injections every 28 to 30 days to assure prevention of pregnancy. Do not allow more than 33 days to pass between injections, even if your menstrual period has started later than expected.


Tell your doctor if your period has not started by the time you are due for your monthly injection.

If you need to have any type of medical tests or surgery, or if you will be on bed rest, you may need to stop using this medication for a short time. Any doctor or surgeon who treats you should know that you are using birth control injections.


Your doctor will need to see you on a regular basis while you are using this medication. Do not miss any appointments.


What happens if I miss a dose?


Missing a monthly injection increases your risk of becoming pregnant. Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your injection.


What happens if I overdose?


Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and vaginal bleeding.


What should I avoid while using estradiol and medroxyprogesterone?


Do not smoke while using birth control injections, especially if you are older than 35. Smoking can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack caused by birth control pills.

Birth control injections will not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases--including HIV and AIDS. Using a condom is the only way to protect yourself from these diseases.


Estradiol and medroxyprogesterone side effects


Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

  • sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;




  • sudden headache, confusion, pain behind the eyes, problems with vision, speech, or balance;




  • chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;




  • a change in the pattern or severity of migraine headaches;




  • nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);




  • swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;




  • a breast lump;




  • symptoms of depression (sleep problems, weakness, mood changes); or




  • ongoing pain, bleeding, or other drainage where the shot was given.



Less serious side effects may include:



  • mild nausea, vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps;




  • breast pain, tenderness, or swelling;




  • freckles or darkening of facial skin;




  • increased hair growth, loss of scalp hair;




  • changes in weight or appetite;




  • problems with contact lenses;




  • vaginal itching or discharge;




  • changes in your menstrual periods, decreased sex drive; or




  • headache, nervousness, dizziness, tired feeling.



This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.


Estradiol and medroxyprogesterone Dosing Information


Usual Adult Dose for Contraception:

0.5 mL administered by intramuscular injection, into the deltoid, gluteus maximus, or anterior thigh. The first injection should be within the first 5 days of the onset of a normal menstrual period, or within 5 days of a complete abortion, but not earlier than 4 weeks postpartum if not breast-feeding, or 6 weeks postpartum if breast-feeding.


What other drugs will affect estradiol and medroxyprogesterone?


Some drugs can make birth control hormones less effective, which may result in pregnancy. Before using birth control pills, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:



  • phenylbutazone (Azolid, Butazolidin);




  • prednisolone (Orapred);




  • theophylline (Respbid, Theo-Dur);




  • aminoglutethamide (Cytadren);




  • cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf);




  • St. John's wort;




  • antibiotics such as amoxicillin (Augmentin), ampicillin (Omnipen), doxycycline (Doryx, Vibramycin), griseofulvin (Grisactin, Grifulvin V, Fulvicin PG), minocycline (Minocin), penicillin (Veetids, Pen Vee K, Bicillin), rifampin (Rifadin), rifabutin (Mycobutin), tetracycline (Sumycin, Achromycin, Robitet), and others;




  • seizure medicines such as phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamazepine (Tegretol), felbamate (Felbatol), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), topiramate (Topamax), or primidone (Mysoline);




  • a barbiturate such as amobarbital (Amytal), butabarbital (Butisol), mephobarbital (Mebaral), secobarbital (Seconal), or phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton); or




  • HIV medicines such as amprenavir (Agenerase), atazanavir (Reyataz), tipranavir (Aptivus), indinavir (Crixivan), saquinavir (Invirase), lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra), fosamprenavir (Lexiva), ritonavir (Norvir), or nelfinavir (Viracept).



This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with estradiol and medroxyprogesterone. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.



More estradiol and medroxyprogesterone resources


  • Estradiol and medroxyprogesterone Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Estradiol and medroxyprogesterone Drug Interactions
  • Estradiol and medroxyprogesterone Support Group
  • 0 Reviews for Estradiol and medroxyprogesterone - Add your own review/rating


Compare estradiol and medroxyprogesterone with other medications


  • Birth Control


Where can I get more information?


  • Your pharmacist can provide more information about estradiol and medroxyprogesterone.


Evista 60mg film-coated tablets





EVISTA 60 mg film coated tablets



raloxifene hydrochloride




Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking your medicine.



  • Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.

  • If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

  • This medicine has been prescribed for you. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.

  • If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.




In this leaflet:



  • 1. What EVISTA is and what it is used for

  • 2. Before you take EVISTA

  • 3. How to take EVISTA

  • 4. Possible side effects

  • 5. How to store EVISTA

  • 6. Further information





What Evista Is And What It Is Used For



EVISTA belongs to a group of non-hormonal medicines called Selective Oestrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs). When a woman reaches the menopause, the level of the female sex hormone oestrogen goes down. EVISTA mimics some of the helpful effects of oestrogen after the menopause.



EVISTA is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. EVISTA reduces the risk of vertebral fractures in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. A reduction in the risk of hip fractures has not been shown.



Osteoporosis is a disease that causes your bones to become thin and fragile - this disease is especially common in women after the menopause. Although it may have no symptoms at first, osteoporosis makes you more likely to break bones, especially in your spine, hips and wrists and may cause back pain, loss of height and a curved back.





Before You Take Evista




Do not take EVISTA:



  • If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to raloxifene or any of the ingredients of EVISTA.

  • If there is still a possibility that you can get pregnant, EVISTA could harm your unborn child.

  • If you are being treated or have been treated for blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism or retinal vein thrombosis).

  • If you have liver disease (examples of liver disease include cirrhosis, mild hepatic impairment or cholestatic jaundice).

  • If you have any unexplained vaginal bleeding. This must be investigated by your doctor.

  • If you have active uterine cancer, as there is insufficient experience of EVISTA use in women with this disease.

  • If you have severe kidney problems.




Take special care with EVISTA



The following are reasons why this product may not be suitable for you. If any of them apply to you, talk to your doctor before you take the medicine.



  • If you are immobilised for some time such as being wheel-chair bound, needing to be admitted to a hospital or having to stay in bed while recovering from an operation or an unexpected illness.

  • If you are receiving oral oestrogen therapy.

  • If you are suffering from breast cancer, as there is insufficient experience of EVISTA use in women with this disease.

  • If you have had a cerebrovascular accident (e.g. stroke), or if your doctor has told you that you are at high risk of having one.

It is unlikely that EVISTA will cause vaginal bleeding. So any vaginal bleeding while you take EVISTA is unexpected. You should have this investigated by your doctor.



EVISTA does not treat postmenopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes.



EVISTA lowers total cholesterol and LDL ("bad") cholesterol. In general, it does not change triglycerides or HDL ("good") cholesterol. However, if you have taken oestrogen in the past and had extreme elevations in triglycerides, you should talk to your doctor before taking EVISTA.





Taking other medicines



Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.



If you are taking digitalis medicines for your heart or anticoagulants like warfarin to thin your blood, your doctor may need to adjust your dose of these medicines.



Tell your doctor if you are taking cholestyramine which is mainly used as lipid-lowering medicine.





Pregnancy and breast-feeding



EVISTA is for use only by postmenopausal women and must not be taken by women who could still have a baby. Evista could harm your unborn child.



Do not take EVISTA if you are breast-feeding as it might be excreted in mother's milk.





Driving and using machines



EVISTA has no known effects on driving or using machines.





Important information about some ingredients of EVISTA



If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to lactose, a type of sugar, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product.






How To Take Evista



Always take this product exactly as your doctor has told you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.



The dose is one tablet a day. It does not matter what time of day you take your tablet but taking the tablet at the same time each day will help you remember to take it. You may take it with or without food.



The tablets are for oral use.



Swallow the tablet whole. If you wish you may take a glass of water with it.



Your doctor will tell you how long you should continue to take EVISTA. The doctor may also advise you to take calcium and vitamin D supplements.




If you stop taking EVISTA



You should talk to your doctor first.



If you have the impression that the effect of this product is too strong or too weak, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.





If you forget to take EVISTA



Take a tablet as soon as you remember and then continue as before.





If you take more EVISTA than you should



Tell your doctor or pharmacist.






Possible Side Effects



Like all medicines, EVISTA can cause side effects although not everybody gets them. The majority of side effects seen with EVISTA have been mild.




The most common side effects (affects more than 1 user in 10) are:



  • Hot flushes (vasodilatation)

  • Flu syndrome




Common side effects (affects 1 to 10 users in 100) are:



  • Leg cramps

  • Swelling of hands, feet and legs (peripheral oedema)

  • Gallstones




Uncommon side effects (affects 1 to 10 users in 1000) are:



  • Increased risk of blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis)

  • Increased risk of blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism)

  • Increased risk of blood clots in the eyes (retinal vein thrombosis)

  • Skin around the vein is red and painful (superficial vein thrombophlebitis)




Very rare side effects (affects less than 1 user in 10,000) are:



  • Rash

  • Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and stomach upset

  • Increased blood pressure

  • Decrease in the number of the platelets in the blood

  • Blood clot in an artery (for example stroke)

  • Headache including migraine

  • Mild breast symptoms such as pain, enlargement and tenderness

In rare cases, blood levels of liver enzymes may increase during treatment with EVISTA.




If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.





How To Store Evista



Keep out of the reach and sight of children.



Do not use after the expiry date which is stated on the pack.



Store in the original package. Do not freeze.



Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.





Further Information




What EVISTA contains



  • The active substance is raloxifene hydrochloride. Each tablet contains 60 mg of raloxifene hydrochloride, which is equivalent to 56 mg raloxifene.

  • The other ingredients of EVISTA tablets are:

Tablet Core: Povidone, polysorbate 80, anhydrous lactose, lactose monohydrate, crospovidone, magnesium stearate.



Tablet coating: Titanium dioxide (E 171), polysorbate 80, hypromellose, macrogol 400, carnauba wax.



Ink: Shellac, propylene glycol, indigo carmine (E 132).





What EVISTA looks like and contents of the pack



EVISTA are white, oval, film coated tablets which are marked with the number 4165. They are packed in blisters or in plastic bottles. The blister boxes contain 14, 28 or 84 tablets. The bottles contain 100 tablets. Not all pack sizes may be marketed.





Marketing Authorisation Holder




Daiichi Sankyo Europe GmbH

Zielstattstrasse 48

D-81379 Munich

Germany





Manufacturer




Lilly S.A.

Avda. de la Industria 30

28108 Alcobendas (Madrid)

Spain




For any information about this medicinal product, please contact the representative in your country:




























































United Kingdom

Daiichi Sankyo UK Ltd

Tel:+44-(0) 1753 893 600




This leaflet was last approved in: August 2008



Detailed information on this medicine is available on the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) web site: http://www.emea.europa.eu






Saturday, 24 March 2012

Eporatio 5,000 IU





1. Name Of The Medicinal Product



Eporatio 5,000 IU/0.5 ml solution for injection in pre


2. Qualitative And Quantitative Composition



One pre-filled syringe contains 5,000 international units (IU) (41.7 µg) epoetin theta in 0.5 ml solution for injection corresponding to 10,000 IU (83.3 µg) epoetin theta per ml.



Epoetin theta (recombinant human erythropoietin) is produced in Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells (CHO



For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1.



3. Pharmaceutical Form



Solution for injection (injection) in pre



The solution is clear and colourless.



4. Clinical Particulars



4.1 Therapeutic Indications



- Treatment of symptomatic anaemia associated with chronic renal failure in adult patients.



- Treatment of symptomatic anaemia in adult cancer patients with non-myeloid malignancies receiving chemotherapy.



4.2 Posology And Method Of Administration



Special requirements



Epoetin theta treatment should be initiated by physicians experienced in the above-mentioned indications.



Routes of administration



The solution can be administered subcutaneously (SC) or intravenously (IV). Subcutaneous use is preferable in patients who are not undergoing haemodialysis, in order to avoid puncturing peripheral veins. If epoetin theta is substituted for another epoetin, the same route of administration should be used. Epoetin theta should be administered by the subcutaneous route to cancer patients with non



Posology



Symptomatic anaemia associated with chronic renal failure



Anaemia symptoms and sequelae may vary with age, gender, and overall burden of disease; a physician's evaluation of the individual patient's clinical course and condition is necessary. Epoetin theta should be administered either subcutaneously or intravenously in order to increase haemoglobin level to not greater than 12 g/dl (7.45 mmol/l).



Due to intra-patient variability, occasional individual haemoglobin values for a patient above and below the desired haemoglobin level may be observed. Haemoglobin variability should be addressed through dose management, with consideration for the haemoglobin target range of 10 g/dl (6.21 mmol/l) to 12 g/dl (7.45 mmol/l). A sustained haemoglobin level of greater than 12 g/dl (7.45 mmol/l) should be avoided; guidance for appropriate dose adjustment if haemoglobin values exceeding 12 g/dl (7.45 mmol/l) are observed are described below.



A rise in haemoglobin of greater than 2 g/dl (1.24 mmol/l) over a four week period should be avoided. If the rise in haemoglobin is greater than 2 g/dl (1.24 mmol/l) in 4 weeks or the haemoglobin value exceeds 12 g/dl (7.45 mmol/l), the dose should be reduced by 25 to 50%. It is recommended that haemoglobin be monitored every two weeks until levels have stabilised and periodically thereafter. If the haemoglobin level continues to increase, therapy should be interrupted until the haemoglobin level begins to decrease, at which point therapy should be restarted at a dose approximately 25% below the previously administered dose.



In the presence of hypertension or existing cardiovascular, cerebrovascular or peripheral vascular diseases, the increase in haemoglobin and the target haemoglobin value should be determined individually taking into account the clinical picture.



Treatment with epoetin theta is divided into two stages.



Correction phase



Subcutaneous administration: The initial posology is 20 IU/kg body weight 3 times per week. The dose may be increased after 4 weeks to 40 IU/kg, 3 times per week, if the increase in haemoglobin is not adequate (< 1 g/dl [0.62 mmol/l] within 4 weeks). Further increases of 25% of the previous dose may be made at monthly intervals until the individual target haemoglobin level is obtained.



Intravenous administration: The initial posology is 40 IU/kg body weight 3 times per week. The dose may be increased after 4 weeks to 80 IU/kg, 3 times per week, and by further increases of 25% of the previous dose at monthly intervals, if needed.



For both routes of administration, the maximum dose should not exceed 700 IU/kg body weight per week.



Maintenance phase



The dose should be adjusted as necessary to maintain the individual target haemoglobin level between 10 g/dl (6.21 mmol/l) to 12 g/dl (7.45 mmol/l), whereby a haemoglobin level of 12 g/dl (7.45 mmol/l) should not be exceeded. If a dose adjustment is required to maintain the desired haemoglobin level, it is recommended that the dose be adjusted by approximately 25%.



Subcutaneous administration: The weekly dose can be given as one injection per week or three times per week.



Intravenous administration: Patients who are stable on a three times weekly dosing regimen may be switched to twice-weekly administration.



If the frequency of administration is changed, haemoglobin level should be monitored closely and dose adjustments may be necessary.



The maximum dose should not exceed 700 IU/kg body weight per week.



If epoetin theta is substituted for another epoetin, haemoglobin level should be monitored closely and the same route of administration should be used.



Patients should be monitored closely to ensure that the lowest approved dose of epoetin theta is used to provide adequate control of the symptoms of anaemia.



Symptomatic anaemia in cancer patients with non-myeloid malignancies receiving chemotherapy



Epoetin theta should be administered by the subcutaneous route to patients with anaemia (e.g. haemoglobin concentration



Due to intra-patient variability, occasional individual haemoglobin values for a patient above and below the desired haemoglobin level may be observed. Haemoglobin variability should be addressed through dose management, with consideration for the haemoglobin target range of 10 g/dl (6.21 mmol/l) to 12 g/dl (7.45 mmol/l). A sustained haemoglobin level of greater than 12 g/dl (7.45 mmol/l) should be avoided; guidance for appropriate dose adjustment if haemoglobin values exceeding 12 g/dl (7.45 mmol/l) are observed are described below.



The recommended initial dose is 20,000 IU, independent of bodyweight, given once-weekly. If, after 4 weeks of therapy, the haemoglobin value has increased by at least 1 g/dl (0.62 mmol/l), the current dose should be continued. If the haemoglobin value has not increased by at least 1 g/dl (0.62 mmol/l) a doubling of the weekly dose to 40,000 IU should be considered. If, after an additional 4 weeks of therapy, the haemoglobin increase is still insufficient an increase of the weekly dose to 60,000 IU should be considered.



The maximum dose should not exceed 60,000 IU per week.



If, after 12 weeks of therapy, the haemoglobin value has not increased by at least 1 g/dl (0.62 mmol/l), response is unlikely and treatment should be discontinued.



If the rise in haemoglobin is greater than 2 g/dl (1.24 mmol/l) in 4 weeks or the haemoglobin level exceeds 12 g/dl (7.45 mmol/l), the dose should be reduced by 25 to 50%. Treatment with epoetin theta should be temporarily discontinued if haemoglobin levels exceed 13 g/dl (8.07 mmol/l). Therapy should be reinitiated at approximately 25% lower than the previous dose after haemoglobin levels fall to 12 g/dl (7.45 mmol/l) or below.



Therapy should be continued up to 4 weeks after the end of chemotherapy.



Patients should be monitored closely to ensure that the lowest approved dose of epoetin theta is used to provide adequate control of the symptoms of anaemia.



Special populations



Paediatric patients



There is no experience in children and adolescents.



Method of administration



The solution can be administered subcutaneously or intravenously. Subcutaneous use is preferable in patients who are not undergoing haemodialysis, in order to avoid puncturing peripheral veins. If epoetin theta is substituted for another epoetin, the same route of administration should be used. In cancer patients with non



Subcutaneous injections should be given into the abdomen, arm or thigh.



Eporatio is supplied in a single use pre-filled syringe. The solution should be visually inspected prior to use. Only clear, colourless solutions without particles should be used. The solution for injection should not be shaken. It should be allowed to reach a comfortable temperature (15 °C



Eporatio must not be mixed with other medicinal products (see section 6.2).



The injection sites should be rotated and the injection performed slowly to avoid discomfort at the site of injection.



4.3 Contraindications



- Hypersensitivity to the active substance, other epoetins and derivatives or to any of the excipients.



- Uncontrolled hypertension.



4.4 Special Warnings And Precautions For Use



General



Supplementary iron therapy is recommended for all patients with serum ferritin values below 100 µg/l or with transferrin saturation below 20%. To ensure effective erythropoiesis, iron status has to be evaluated for all patients prior to and during treatment.



Non-response to therapy with epoetin theta should prompt a search for causative factors. Deficiencies of iron, folic acid or vitamin B12 reduce the effectiveness of epoetins and should therefore be corrected. Intercurrent infections, inflammatory or traumatic episodes, occult blood loss, haemolysis, aluminium intoxication, underlying haematological diseases or bone marrow fibrosis may also compromise the erythropoietic response. A reticulocyte count should be considered as part of the evaluation.



Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA)



If typical causes of non-response are excluded, and the patient has a sudden drop in haemoglobin associated with reticulocytopenia, an examination of anti-erythropoietin antibodies and the bone marrow for diagnosis of pure red cell aplasia should be considered. Discontinuation of treatment with epoetin theta should be taken into account.



PRCA caused by neutralising anti-erythropoietin antibodies has been reported in association with erythropoietin therapy. These antibodies have been shown to cross-react with all epoetins, and patients suspected or confirmed to have neutralising antibodies to erythropoietin should not be switched to epoetin theta (see section 4.8).



Hypertension



Patients on epoetin theta therapy can experience an increase in blood pressure or aggravation of existing hypertension particularly during the initial treatment phase.



Therefore, in patients treated with epoetin theta, special care should be taken to monitor closely and control blood pressure. Blood pressure should be controlled adequately before initiation and during therapy to avoid acute complications, such as hypertensive crisis with encephalopathy-like symptoms (e.g. headaches, confused state, speech disturbances, impaired gait) and related complications (seizures, stroke), which may also occur in individual patients with otherwise normal or low blood pressure. If these reactions occur, they require the immediate attention of a physician and intensive medical care. Particular attention should be paid to sudden sharp migraine-like headaches as a possible warning signal.



Increases in blood pressure may require treatment with antihypertensive medicinal products or a dose increase of existing antihypertensive medicinal products. In addition, a reduction of the administered dose of epoetin theta needs to be considered. If blood pressure values remain high, temporary interruption of epoetin theta therapy may be required. Once hypertension has been controlled with more intensified therapy, epoetin theta therapy should be re-started at a reduced dose.



Misuse



Misuse of epoetin theta by healthy persons may lead to an excessive increase in haemoglobin and haematocrit. This may be associated with life-threatening cardiovascular complications.



Special populations



Due to limited experience, the efficacy and safety of epoetin theta could not be assessed in patients with impaired liver function or homozygous sickle cell anaemia.



In clinical trials, patients over 75 years of age had a higher incidence of serious and severe adverse events irrespective of a causal relationship to treatment with epoetin theta. Furthermore, deaths were more frequent in this patient group compared to younger patients.



Laboratory monitoring



It is recommended that haemoglobin measurement, a complete blood count and platelet count be performed regularly.



Symptomatic anaemia associated with chronic renal failure



The use of epoetin theta in nephrosclerotic patients not yet undergoing dialysis should be defined individually, as a possible accelerated progression of renal failure cannot be ruled out with certainty.



During haemodialysis, patients treated with epoetin theta may require increased anticoagulation treatment to prevent clotting of the arterio-venous shunt.



In patients with chronic renal failure, the maintenance haemoglobin concentration should not exceed the upper limit of the target haemoglobin concentration recommended in section 4.2. In clinical trials, an increased risk of death and serious cardiovascular events was observed when epoetins were administered to target a haemoglobin level in excess of 12 g/dl (7.45 mmol/l). Controlled clinical trials have not shown significant benefits attributable to the administration of epoetins when the haemoglobin concentration is increased beyond the level necessary to control symptoms of anaemia and to avoid blood transfusion.



Symptomatic anaemia in cancer patients with non-myeloid malignancies receiving chemotherapy



Effect on tumour growth



Epoetins are growth factors that primarily stimulate red blood cell production. Erythropoietin receptors may be expressed on the surface of a variety of tumour cells. As with all growth factors, there is a concern that epoetins could stimulate the growth of any type of malignancy (see section 5.1).



In several controlled studies, epoetins have not been shown to improve overall survival or decrease the risk of tumour progression in patients with anaemia associated with cancer. In controlled clinical studies, use of epoetins has shown:



- shortened time to tumour progression in patients with advanced head and neck cancer receiving radiation therapy when administered to target a haemoglobin level in excess of 14 g/dl (8.69 mmol/l),



- shortened overall survival and increased deaths attributed to disease progression at 4 months in patients with metastatic breast cancer receiving chemotherapy when administered to target a haemoglobin value of 12



- increased risk of death when administered to target a haemoglobin value of 12 g/dl (7.45 mmol/l) in patients with active malignant disease receiving neither chemotherapy nor radiation therapy.



Epoetins are not indicated for use in this patient population.



In view of the above, in some clinical situations blood transfusion should be the preferred treatment for the management of anaemia in patients with cancer. The decision to administer recombinant erythropoietins should be based on a benefit-risk assessment with the participation of the individual patient, which should take into account the specific clinical context. Factors that should be considered in this assessment should include the type of tumour and its stage, the degree of anaemia, life



Excipients



This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per pre-filled syringe, i.e. essentially 'sodium-free'.



4.5 Interaction With Other Medicinal Products And Other Forms Of Interaction



No interaction studies have been performed.



4.6 Pregnancy And Lactation



For epoetin theta no clinical data on exposed pregnancies are available. Animal studies with other epoetins do not indicate direct harmful effects with respect to pregnancy, embryonal/foetal development, parturition or postnatal development (see section 5.3). Caution should be exercised when prescribing to pregnant women.



It is unknown whether epoetin theta is excreted in human breast milk, but data in neonates show no absorption or pharmacological activity of erythropoietin when given together with breast milk. A decision on whether to continue/discontinue breast-feeding or to continue/discontinue therapy with epoetin theta should be made taking into account the benefit of breast-feeding to the child and the benefit of epoetin theta therapy for the woman.



4.7 Effects On Ability To Drive And Use Machines



Epoetin theta has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.



4.8 Undesirable Effects



The safety of epoetin theta has been evaluated based on results from clinical studies including 972 patients.



Approximately 9% of patients can be expected to experience an adverse reaction. The most frequent undesirable effects are hypertension, influenza-like illness and headache.



Adverse reactions listed below are classified according to System Organ Class. Frequency groupings are defined according to the following convention:















Very common:


Common:


Uncommon:


Rare:


Very rare:

< 1/10,000;

Not known:

cannot be estimated from the available data.














































System organ class




Adverse reaction




Frequency


 


Symptomatic anaemia associated with chronic renal failure




Symptomatic anaemia in cancer patients with non-myeloid malignancies receiving chemotherapy


  


Blood and lymphatic system disorders




Thromboembolic events







 




Not known




Shunt thrombosis




Common







 


 


Immune system disorders




Hypersensitivity reactions




Not known


 


Nervous system disorders




Headache




Common


 


Vascular disorders




Hypertension




Common


 


Hypertensive crisis




Common







 


 


Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders




Skin reactions




Common


 


Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders




Arthralgia







 




Common




General disorders and administration site conditions




Influenza-like illness




Common


 


Shunt thrombosis may occur, especially in patients who have a tendency to hypotension or whose arterio-venous fistulae exhibit complications (e.g. stenoses, aneurisms) (see section 4.4).



One of the most frequent adverse reactions during treatment with epoetin theta is an increase in blood pressure or aggravation of existing hypertension particularly during the initial treatment phase. Hypertension occurs in chronic renal failure patients more often during the correction phase than during the maintenance phase. Hypertension can be treated with appropriate medicinal products (see section 4.4).



Hypertensive crisis with encephalopathy-like symptoms (e.g. headaches, confused state, speech disturbances, impaired gait) and related complications (seizures, stroke) may also occur in individual patients with otherwise normal or low blood pressure (see section 4.4).



Skin reactions such as rash, pruritus or injection site reactions may occur.



Symptoms of influenza-like illness such as fever, chills and asthenic conditions have been reported.



Certain adverse reactions have not yet been observed with epoetin theta, but are generally accepted as being attributable to epoetins:



In isolated cases in patients with chronic renal failure, neutralising anti-erythropoietin antibody-mediated PRCA associated with therapy with other epoetins has been reported. If PRCA is diagnosed, therapy with epoetin theta must be discontinued and patients should not be switched to another recombinant epoetin (see section 4.4).



4.9 Overdose



The therapeutic margin of epoetin theta is very wide. In the case of overdose, polycythaemia can occur. In the event of polycythaemia, epoetin theta should be temporarily withheld.



If severe polycythaemia occurs, conventional methods (phlebotomy) may be indicated to reduce the haemoglobin level.



5. Pharmacological Properties



5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties



Pharmacotherapeutic group: Other anti-anaemic preparations, ATC code: B03XA01



Mechanism of action



Human erythropoietin is an endogenous glycoprotein hormone that is the primary regulator of erythropoiesis through specific interaction with the erythropoietin receptor on the erythroid progenitor cells in the bone marrow. It acts as a mitosis-stimulating factor and differentiation hormone. The production of erythropoietin primarily occurs in and is regulated by the kidney in response to changes in tissue oxygenation. Production of endogenous erythropoietin is impaired in patients with chronic renal failure and the primary cause of their anaemia is erythropoietin deficiency. In patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy the aetiology of anaemia is multifactorial. In these patients, erythropoietin deficiency and a reduced response of erythroid progenitor cells to endogenous erythropoietin both contribute significantly towards their anaemia.



Epoetin theta is identical in its amino acid sequence and similar in its carbohydrate composition (glycosylation) to endogenous human erythropoietin.



Preclinical efficacy



The biological efficacy of epoetin theta has been demonstrated after intravenous and subcutaneous administration in various animal models in vivo (mice, rats, dogs). After administration of epoetin theta, the number of erythrocytes, the haematocrit values and reticulocyte counts increase.



Clinical efficacy and safety



Symptomatic anaemia associated chronic renal failure



Data from correction phase studies in 284 chronic renal failure patients show that the haemoglobin response rates (defined as haemoglobin levels above 11 g/dl at two consecutive measurements) in the epoetin theta group (88.4% and 89.4% in studies in patients on dialysis and not yet undergoing dialysis, respectively) were comparable to epoetin beta (86.2% and 81.0%, respectively). The median time to response was similar in the treatment groups with 56 days in haemodialysis patients and 49 days in patients not yet undergoing dialysis.



Two randomised controlled studies were conducted in 270 haemodialysis patients and 288 patients not yet undergoing dialysis, who were on stable treatment with epoetin beta. Patients were randomised to continue their current treatment or to be converted to epoetin theta (same dose as epoetin beta) in order to maintain their haemoglobin levels. During the evaluation period (weeks 15 to 26), the mean and median level of haemoglobin in patients treated with epoetin theta was virtually identical to their baseline haemoglobin level. In these two studies, 180 haemodialysis patients and 193 patients not undergoing dialysis were switched from maintenance phase treatment with epoetin beta to treatment with epoetin theta for a period of six months showing stable haemoglobin values and a similar safety profile as epoetin beta. In the clinical studies, patients not yet undergoing dialysis (subcutaneous administration) discontinued the study more frequently than haemodialysis patients (intravenous administration) as they had to terminate the study when starting dialysis.



In two long-term studies, the efficacy of epoetin theta was evaluated in 124 haemodialysis patients and 289 patients not yet undergoing dialysis. The haemoglobin levels remained within the desired target range and epoetin theta was well tolerated over a period of up to 15 months.



In the clinical studies, pre-dialysis patients were treated once-weekly with epoetin theta, 174 patients in the maintenance phase study and 111 patients in the long-term study.



Symptomatic anaemia in cancer patients with non-myeloid malignancies receiving chemotherapy



409 cancer patients receiving chemotherapy were included in two prospective, randomised double



Effect on tumour growth



Erythropoietin is a growth factor that primarily stimulates red cell production. Erythropoietin receptors may be expressed on the surface of a variety of tumour cells.



Survival and tumour progression have been examined in five large controlled studies involving a total of 2,833 patients, of which four were double-blind placebo-controlled studies and one was an open-label study. Two of the studies recruited patients who were being treated with chemotherapy. The target haemoglobin concentration in two studies was> 13 g/dl; in the remaining three studies it was 12



Data from three placebo-controlled clinical studies in 586 anaemic cancer patients conducted with epoetin theta, showed no negative effect of epoetin theta on survival. During the studies, mortality was lower in the epoetin theta group (6.9%) compared to placebo (10.3%).



A systematic review has also been performed involving more than 9,000 cancer patients participating in 57 clinical trials. Meta-analysis of overall survival data produced a hazard ratio point estimate of 1.08 in favour of controls (95% CI: 0.99, 1.18; 42 trials and 8,167 patients). An increased relative risk of thromboembolic events (RR 1.67, 95% CI: 1.35, 2.06; 35 trials and 6,769 patients) was observed in patients treated with recombinant human erythropoietin. There is therefore consistent evidence to suggest that there may be significant harm to patients with cancer who are treated with recombinant human erythropoietin. The extent to which these outcomes might apply to the administration of recombinant human erythropoietin to patients with cancer, treated with chemotherapy to achieve haemoglobin concentrations less than 13 g/dl, is unclear because few patients with these characteristics were included in the data reviewed.



5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties



General



The pharmacokinetics of epoetin theta have been examined in healthy volunteers, in patients with chronic renal failure and in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. The pharmacokinetics of epoetin theta are independent of age or gender.



Subcutaneous administration



Following subcutaneous injection of 40 IU/kg body weight epoetin theta at three different sites (upper arm, abdomen, thigh) in healthy volunteers, similar plasma level profiles were observed. The extent of absorption (AUC) was slightly greater after injection in the abdomen in comparison to the other sites. The maximum concentration is reached after an average of 10 to 14 hours and the average terminal half-life ranges from approximately 22 to 41 hours.



Average bioavailability of epoetin theta after subcutaneous administration is approximately 31% compared with intravenous administration.



In pre-dialysis patients with chronic renal failure following subcutaneous injection of 40 IU/kg body weight, the protracted absorption results in a concentration plateau, whereby the maximum concentration is reached after an average of approximately 14 hours. The terminal half-life is higher than after intravenous administration, with an average of 25 hours after single dosing and 34 hours in steady state after repeated dosing three times weekly, without leading to an accumulation of epoetin theta.



In cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, after repeated subcutaneous administration of 20,000 IU epoetin theta once-weekly, the terminal half-life is 29 hours after the first dose and 28 hours in steady state. No accumulation of epoetin theta was observed.



Intravenous administration



In patients with chronic renal failure undergoing haemodialysis, the elimination half-life of epoetin theta is 6 hours after single dosing and 4 hours in steady state after repeated intravenous administration of 40 IU/kg body weight epoetin theta three times weekly. No accumulation of epoetin theta was observed. Following intravenous administration, the volume of distribution approximates to total blood volume.



5.3 Preclinical Safety Data



Non-clinical data with epoetin theta reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of safety pharmacology and repeated-dose toxicity.



Non-clinical data with other epoetins reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of genotoxicity and toxicity to reproduction.



In reproductive toxicity studies performed with other epoetins, effects interpreted as being secondary to decreased maternal body weight were observed at doses sufficiently in excess to the recommended human dose.



6. Pharmaceutical Particulars



6.1 List Of Excipients



Sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate



Sodium chloride



Polysorbate 20



Trometamol



Hydrochloric acid (6 M) (for pH adjustment)



Water for injections



6.2 Incompatibilities



In the absence of compatibility studies, this medicinal product must not be mixed with other medicinal products.



6.3 Shelf Life



2 years



6.4 Special Precautions For Storage



Store in a refrigerator (2 °C – 8 °C).



Do not freeze.



Keep the pre-filled syringe in the outer carton in order to protect from light.



For the purpose of ambulatory use, the patient may remove the product from the refrigerator and store it at a temperature not above 25 °C for a single period of up to 7 days without exceeding the expiry date. Once removed from the refrigerator, the medicinal product must be used within this period or disposed of.



6.5 Nature And Contents Of Container



0.5 ml of solution in a pre-filled syringe (type I glass) with a tip cap (bromobutyl rubber), a plunger stopper (teflonised chlorobutyl rubber), an injection needle (stainless steel) and with or without a pre



Pack sizes of 6 pre-filled syringes with or without safety device.



Not all pack sizes may be marketed.



6.6 Special Precautions For Disposal And Other Handling



The pre



Any unused product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.



7. Marketing Authorisation Holder



ratiopharm GmbH



Graf-Arco-Straße 3



89079 Ulm



Germany



info@ratiopharm.de



8. Marketing Authorisation Number(S)



EMEA/H/C/0010350000/09



9. Date Of First Authorisation/Renewal Of The Authorisation



Date of first authorisation: 29 October 2009



10. Date Of Revision Of The Text



Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) http://www.emea.europa.eu/.




Wednesday, 21 March 2012

Altace



Pronunciation: RA-mi-pril
Generic Name: Ramipril
Brand Name: Altace

Altace may cause injury or death to the fetus if taken after the third month of pregnancy. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away.





Altace is used for:

Treating high blood pressure or decreasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death in certain patients. It may be used alone or with other medicines. It is used along with other medicines to manage heart failure and improve survival after a heart attack. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.


Altace is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It works by relaxing blood vessels. This helps to lower blood pressure.


Do NOT use Altace if:


  • you are allergic to any ingredient in Altace or to another ACE inhibitor (eg, lisinopril)

  • you have a history of angioedema (swelling of the hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; or hoarseness) caused by treatment with an ACE inhibitor

  • you are in your second or third trimester of pregnancy

  • you are taking telmisartan

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.



Before using Altace:


Some medical conditions may interact with Altace. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:


  • if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

  • if you are able to become pregnant

  • if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

  • if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

  • if you have a history of heart problems (eg, aortic stenosis, heart failure), blood vessel problems, blood flow problems, bone marrow problems, kidney problems (eg, renal artery stenosis), certain liver problems (eg, ascites, cirrhosis), or diabetes

  • if you have a history of angioedema, a stroke, or a recent heart attack, or you have had a kidney transplant

  • if you have an autoimmune disease (eg, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma)

  • if you are dehydrated or have low blood volume, high blood potassium levels, or low blood sodium levels, or if you are on a low-salt (sodium) diet

  • if you are receiving treatments to reduce sensitivity to bee stings

  • if you are on dialysis or are scheduled to have surgery or undergo anesthesia

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Altace. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:


  • Diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide) because the risk of low blood pressure may be increased

  • Aldosterone blockers (eg, eplerenone), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen), potassium-sparing diuretics (eg, spironolactone, triamterene), potassium supplements, or trimethoprim because the risk of high blood potassium levels may be increased

  • Telmisartan because the risk of kidney problems may be increased

  • Certain gold-containing medicines (eg, sodium aurothiomalate) because flushing, nausea, vomiting, and low blood pressure may occur

  • Lithium or thiopurines (eg, azathioprine) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Altace

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Altace may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.


How to use Altace:


Use Altace as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.


  • Take Altace by mouth with or without food.

  • Swallow this tablet whole unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

  • Continue to take Altace even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

  • If you miss a dose of Altace, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Altace.



Important safety information:


  • Altace may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Altace with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

  • Altace may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.

  • Altace may cause a serious side effect called angioedema. Contact your doctor at once if you develop swelling of the hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; or hoarseness.

  • Altace may not work as well in black patients. They may also be at greater risk of side effects. Contact your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse.

  • Dehydration, excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea may increase the risk of low blood pressure. Contact your health care provider at once if any of these occur.

  • Rarely, Altace may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. This risk may be greater if you have certain other health problems (eg, kidney problems, collagen vascular disease). Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.

  • Check with your doctor before you use a salt substitute or a product that has potassium in it.

  • Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Altace before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

  • Patients who take medicine for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal." Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.

  • If you have high blood pressure, do not use nonprescription products that contain stimulants. These products may include diet pills or cold medicines. Contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

  • Diabetes patients - Altace may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.

  • Lab tests, including blood pressure, blood electrolyte levels, heart function, or kidney or liver function, may be performed while you use Altace. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

  • Use Altace with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.

  • Altace should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.

  • PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING: Altace may cause birth defects or fetal death if you take it while you are pregnant. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. It is not known if Altace is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Altace.


Possible side effects of Altace:


All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:



Cough; dizziness; headache; tiredness.



Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the hands, eyes, mouth, face, lips, throat, or tongue; hoarseness); chest pain; dark urine; decreased urination; difficulty swallowing; infection (eg, fever, chills, persistent sore throat); irregular heartbeat; loss of appetite; pale stools; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; stomach pain (with or without nausea or vomiting); symptoms of low blood pressure (eg, fainting, severe dizziness, lightheadedness); yellowing of the skin or eyes.



This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.


See also: Altace side effects (in more detail)


If OVERDOSE is suspected:


Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include fainting; severe dizziness or lightheadedness; weakness.


Proper storage of Altace:

Store Altace between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Altace out of the reach of children and away from pets.


General information:


  • If you have any questions about Altace, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

  • Altace is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

  • If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

  • Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Altace. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.



Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Altace resources


  • Altace Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Altace Dosage
  • Altace Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Drug Images
  • Altace Drug Interactions
  • Altace Support Group
  • 6 Reviews for Altace - Add your own review/rating


  • Altace Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Altace Consumer Overview

  • Altace Monograph (AHFS DI)

  • Altace Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

  • Ramipril Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Ramipril Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)



Compare Altace with other medications


  • Diabetic Kidney Disease
  • Heart Attack
  • Heart Failure
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Left Ventricular Dysfunction

Tuesday, 20 March 2012

Uribel


Generic Name: hyoscyamine, methenamine, methylene blue, phenyl salicylate, and sodium phosphate (Oral route)


hye-oh-SYE-a-meen SUL-fate, meth-EN-a-meen, METH-i-leen BLOO, FEN-il sal-I-si-late, SOE-dee-um FOS-fate, mono-BAY-sik


Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.


  • Phosphasal

  • Urelle

  • Uretron D/S

  • Uribel

  • Urimar-T

  • UR N-C

  • Ustell

  • Uticap

  • Utira-C

  • Utrona-C

Available Dosage Forms:


  • Tablet

  • Capsule

  • Tablet, Enteric Coated

  • Tablet, Extended Release

Therapeutic Class: Urinary Antispasmodic


Pharmacologic Class: Hyoscyamine


Chemical Class: Salicylate, Non-Aspirin


Uses For Uribel


Urelle® is a combination of five medicines: hyoscyamine, methenamine, methylene blue, phenyl salicylate, and sodium phosphate. It is used to relieve discomfort, swelling, pain, frequent urge to urinate, and cramps or spasms of the urinary tract caused by an infection or a diagnostic procedure.


Hyoscyamine is an antispasmodic drug, which relieves muscle cramps or spasms. Methenamine and methylene blue are antiseptic drugs, which help clear a urinary tract infection. Phenyl salicylate is a pain reliever. Sodium phosphate makes the urine more acidic, which helps methenamine work better.


This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.


Before Using Uribel


In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:


Allergies


Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.


Pediatric


Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of Urelle® in children. However, use is not recommended in children 6 years of age and younger.


Geriatric


No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of Urelle® in geriatric patients.


Breast Feeding


There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.


Interactions with Medicines


Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.


Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.


  • Amitriptyline

  • Amoxapine

  • Bupropion

  • Cisapride

  • Citalopram

  • Clomipramine

  • Desipramine

  • Desvenlafaxine

  • Doxepin

  • Duloxetine

  • Escitalopram

  • Fluoxetine

  • Fluvoxamine

  • Imipramine

  • Isocarboxazid

  • Linezolid

  • Maprotiline

  • Mesoridazine

  • Mirtazapine

  • Nortriptyline

  • Paroxetine

  • Phenelzine

  • Pimozide

  • Potassium

  • Protriptyline

  • Selegiline

  • Sertraline

  • Sparfloxacin

  • Thioridazine

  • Tranylcypromine

  • Trimipramine

  • Venlafaxine

  • Vilazodone

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.


  • Alfuzosin

  • Amiodarone

  • Amitriptyline

  • Amoxapine

  • Apomorphine

  • Arsenic Trioxide

  • Asenapine

  • Astemizole

  • Azithromycin

  • Buspirone

  • Chloroquine

  • Chlorpromazine

  • Ciprofloxacin

  • Citalopram

  • Clarithromycin

  • Clomipramine

  • Clozapine

  • Crizotinib

  • Dasatinib

  • Desipramine

  • Disopyramide

  • Dofetilide

  • Dolasetron

  • Droperidol

  • Erythromycin

  • Flecainide

  • Fluconazole

  • Gatifloxacin

  • Gemifloxacin

  • Granisetron

  • Halofantrine

  • Haloperidol

  • Ibutilide

  • Iloperidone

  • Imipramine

  • Lapatinib

  • Levofloxacin

  • Lopinavir

  • Lumefantrine

  • Mefloquine

  • Methadone

  • Moxifloxacin

  • Nefazodone

  • Nilotinib

  • Norfloxacin

  • Nortriptyline

  • Octreotide

  • Ofloxacin

  • Ondansetron

  • Paliperidone

  • Pazopanib

  • Perflutren Lipid Microsphere

  • Posaconazole

  • Procainamide

  • Prochlorperazine

  • Promethazine

  • Propafenone

  • Protriptyline

  • Quetiapine

  • Quinidine

  • Quinine

  • Ranolazine

  • Salmeterol

  • Saquinavir

  • Solifenacin

  • Sorafenib

  • Sotalol

  • Sunitinib

  • Telavancin

  • Telithromycin

  • Terfenadine

  • Tetrabenazine

  • Trazodone

  • Trimipramine

  • Vandetanib

  • Vardenafil

  • Vemurafenib

  • Voriconazole

  • Ziprasidone

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.


  • Aluminum Carbonate, Basic

  • Aluminum Hydroxide

  • Aluminum Phosphate

  • Calcium Acetate

  • Calcium Carbonate

  • Calcium Citrate

  • Dihydroxyaluminum Aminoacetate

  • Dihydroxyaluminum Sodium Carbonate

  • Magaldrate

  • Magnesium Carbonate

  • Magnesium Hydroxide

  • Magnesium Oxide

  • Magnesium Trisilicate

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol


Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.


Other Medical Problems


The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:


  • Congestive heart failure or

  • Coronary heart disease or

  • Glaucoma or

  • Heart disease (e.g., mitral stenosis) or

  • Heart rhythm problems (e.g., arrhythmia) or

  • Myasthenia gravis (severe muscle weakness) or

  • Stomach or intestinal (bowel) blockage or

  • Stomach ulcers or

  • Urinary problems (e.g., bladder blockage due to an enlarged prostate)—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.

  • Allergy or intolerance to belladonna or salicylates—Use with caution. May be sensitive to this medicine also.

Proper Use of hyoscyamine, methenamine, methylene blue, phenyl salicylate, and sodium phosphate

This section provides information on the proper use of a number of products that contain hyoscyamine, methenamine, methylene blue, phenyl salicylate, and sodium phosphate. It may not be specific to Uribel. Please read with care.


Take this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better. Also, keep your appointments with your doctor for check-ups so that your doctor will be better able to tell you when to stop taking this medicine.


Drink extra fluids after you take this medicine so you will pass more urine.


Dosing


The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.


The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.


  • For oral dosage form (tablets):
    • For treatment of symptoms of urinary tract infection or diagnostic procedure:
      • Adults—One tablet four times a day

      • Children 7 years of age and older—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

      • Children 6 years of age and younger—Use is not recommended.



Missed Dose


If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.


Storage


Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.


Keep out of the reach of children.


Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.


Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.


Precautions While Using Uribel


It is very important that your doctor check the progress of you or your child at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to take it.


If your or your child's symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.


Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you or your child have blurred vision, dizziness, or rapid pulse.


This medicine will make your urine to be colored blue. This is normal and is nothing to worry about.


This medicine will not cure a serious urinary tract infection and will only work to relieve symptoms as long as you continue to take it.


Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.


Uribel Side Effects


Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.


Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:


Incidence not known
  • Blurred vision

  • dizziness

  • rapid pulse

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:


Incidence not known
  • Blue-colored urine

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.


Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.



The information contained in the Thomson Reuters Micromedex products as delivered by Drugs.com is intended as an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment. It is not a substitute for a medical exam, nor does it replace the need for services provided by medical professionals. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before taking any prescription or over the counter drugs (including any herbal medicines or supplements) or following any treatment or regimen. Only your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for you.


The use of the Thomson Reuters Healthcare products is at your sole risk. These products are provided "AS IS" and "as available" for use, without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Thomson Reuters Healthcare and Drugs.com make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, usefulness or completeness of any of the information contained in the products. Additionally, THOMSON REUTERS HEALTHCARE MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTIES AS TO THE OPINIONS OR OTHER SERVICE OR DATA YOU MAY ACCESS, DOWNLOAD OR USE AS A RESULT OF USE OF THE THOMSON REUTERS HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED. Thomson Reuters Healthcare does not assume any responsibility or risk for your use of the Thomson Reuters Healthcare products.