Monday, October 3, 2016

Pharmorubicin Rapid Dissolution 10mg, 20mg, 50mg & 150mg





1. Name Of The Medicinal Product



Pharmorubicin Rapid Dissolution 10mg, 20mg, 50mg & 150mg


2. Qualitative And Quantitative Composition



After reconstitution, each vial contains 2 mg/ml epirubicin hydrochloride



5 ml vials contain 10 mg of epirubicin hydrochloride



10 ml vials contain 20 mg of epirubicin hydrochloride



25 ml vials contain 50 mg of epirubicin hydrochloride



75 mlvials contain 150 mg epirubicin hydrochloride.



For excipients, see section 6.1.



3. Pharmaceutical Form



Powder for solution for injection or infusion



Red, freeze-dried, sterile, , powder for injection containing 10 mg, 20 mg, 50 mg and 150 mg epirubicin hydrochloride.



4. Clinical Particulars



4.1 Therapeutic Indications



Pharmorubicin has produced responses in a wide range of neoplastic conditions, including breast , ovarian, gastric lung and colorectal carcinomas, malignant lymphomas, leukaemias and multiple myeloma.



Intravesical administration of Pharmorubicin has been found to be beneficial in the treatment of superficial bladder cancer, carcinoma-in-situ and in the prophylaxis of recurrences after transurethral resection.



4.2 Posology And Method Of Administration



Intravenous administration:



Pharmorubicin is not active when given orally and should not be injected intramuscularly or intrathecally.



It is advisable to give the drug via the tubing of a freely running IV saline infusion after checking that the needle is well placed in the vein. This method minimises the risk of drug extravasation and makes sure that the vein is flushed with saline after the administration of the drug. Extravasation of Pharmorubicin from the vein during injection may give rise to severe tissue lesions, even necrosis. Venous sclerosis may result from injection into small vessels or repeated injections into the same vein.



Conventional doses:



When Pharmorubicin is used as a single agent, the recommended dosage in adults is 60-90 mg/m2 body area; the drug should be injected IV over 3-5 minutes and, depending on the patients' haematomedullary status, the dose should be repeated at 21 day intervals.



High doses:



Pharmorubicin as a single agent for the treatment of lung cancer at high doses should be administered according to the following regimens:



Lung cancer



• Small cell lung cancer (previously untreated): 120 mg/m2 day 1, every 3 weeks



• Non small cell lung cancer (squamous, large cell, and adenocarcinoma previously untreated): 135 mg/m2 day 1 or 45 mg/m2 days 1, 2, 3, every 3 weeks.



Breast cancer



In the aduvant treatment of early breast cancer patients with positive lymph nodes, intravenous doses of erpirubicin ranging from 100 mg/m2 (as a single dose on day 1) to 120 mg/m2 (in two divided doses on days 1 and 8) every 3-4 weeks, in combination with intravenous cyclophosphamide and 5-fluorouracil and oral tamoifen, are recommended.



The drug should be given as an I.V. bolus over 3-5 minutes or as an infusion up to 30 minutes. Lower doses (60-75 mg/m2 for conventional treatment and 105-120 mg/m2 for high dose schedules) are recommended for patients whose bone marrow function has already been impaired by previous chemotherapy or radiotherapy, by age, or neoplastic bone-marrow infiltration. The total dose per cycle may be divided over 2-3 successive days. When the drug is used in combination with other antitumour agents, the doses need to be adequately reduced. Since the major route of elimination of Pharmorubicin is the hepatobiliary system, the dosage should be reduced in patients with impaired liver function, in order to avoid an increase of overall toxicity. Moderate liver impairment (bilirubin: 1.4-3 mg/100ml) requires a 50% reduction of dose, while severe impairment (bilirubin> 3 mg/100 ml) necessitates a dose reduction of 75%.



Moderate renal impairment does not appear to require a dose reduction in view of the limited amount of Pharmorubicin excreted by this route.



Intravesical administration:



Pharmorubicin may be given by intravesical administration for the treatment of superficial bladder cancer and carcinoma-in-situ. It should not be used in this way for the treatment of invasive tumours which have penetrated the bladder wall where systemic therapy or surgery is more appropriate. Epirubicin has also been successfully used intravesically as a prophylactic agent after transurethral resection of superficial tumours in order to prevent recurrences.



While many regimens have been used, the following may be helpful as a guide: for therapy 8 x weekly instillations of 50 mg/50 ml (diluted with saline or distilled sterile water). In the case of local toxicity (chemical cystitis), a dose reduction to 30 mg per 50 ml is advised. For carcinoma-in-situ, depending on the individual tolerability of the patient, the dose may be increased up to 80 mg/50 ml. For prophylaxis, 4 x weekly administrations of 50 mg/50 ml followed by 11 x monthly instillations at the same dosage, is the schedule most commonly used.



The solution should be retained intravesically for 1 hour. To avoid undue dilution with urine, the patient should be instructed not to drink any fluid in the 12 hours prior to instillation. During the instillation, the patient should be rotated occasionally and should be instructed to void at the end of the instillation time.



4.3 Contraindications



Hypersensitivity to epirubicin or any other component of the product, other anthracyclines or anthracenediones.



• Lactation



Intravenous use:



• persistent myelosuppression



• severe hepatic impairment



• severe myocardial insufficiency



• recent myocardial infarction



• severe arrhythmias



• previous treatments with maximum cumulative doses of epirubicin and/or other anthracyclines and anthracenediones (see section 4.4)



• patients with acute systemic infections



• unstable angina pectoris



• myocardiopathy



Intravesical use:



• urinary tract infections



• inflammation of the bladder



• haematuria



• invasive tumours penetrating the bladder



• catheterisation problems



4.4 Special Warnings And Precautions For Use



General - Epirubicin should be administered only under the supervision of qualified physicians experienced in the use of cytotoxic therapy.



Patients should recover from acute toxicities (such as stomatitis, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and generalized infections) of prior cytotoxic treatment before beginning treatment with epirubicin.



While treatment with high doses of epirubicin (e.g., 2 every 3 to 4 weeks) causes adverse events generally similar to those seen at standard doses (< 90 mg/m2 every 3 to 4 weeks), the severity of the neutropenia and stomatitis/mucositis may be increased. Treatment with high doses of epirubicin does require special attention for possible clinical complications due to profound myelosuppression.



Cardiac Function - Cardiotoxicity is a risk of anthracycline treatment that may be manifested by early (i.e., acute) or late (i.e., delayed) events.



Early (i.e., Acute) Events. Early cardiotoxicity of epirubicin consists mainly of sinus tachycardia and/or electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities such as non-specific ST-T wave changes. Tachyarrhythmias, including premature ventricular contractions, ventricular tachycardia, and bradycardia, as well as atrioventricular and bundle-branch block have also been reported. These effects do not usually predict subsequent development of delayed cardiotoxicity, are rarely of clinical importance, and are generally not a consideration for the discontinuation of epirubicin treatment.



Late (i.e., Delayed) Events. Delayed cardiotoxicity usually develops late in the course of therapy with epirubicin or within 2 to 3 months after treatment termination, but later events (several months to years after completion of treatment) have also been reported. Delayed cardiomyopathy is manifested by reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and/or signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure (CHF) such as dyspnoea, pulmonary oedema, dependent oedema, cardiomegaly and hepatomegaly, oliguria, ascites, pleural effusion, and gallop rhythm. Life-threatening CHF is the most severe form of anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy and represents the cumulative dose-limiting toxicity of the drug.



The risk of developing CHF increases rapidly with increasing total cumulative doses of epirubicin in excess of 900 mg/m2 ; this cumulative dose should only be exceeded with extreme caution (see section 5.1).



Cardiac function should be assessed before patients undergo treatment with epirubicin and must be monitored throughout therapy to minimize the risk of incurring severe cardiac impairment. The risk may be decreased through regular monitoring of LVEF during the course of treatment with prompt discontinuation of epirubicin at the first sign of impaired function. The appropriate quantitative method for repeated assessment of cardiac function (evaluation of LVEF) includes multi-gated radionuclide angiography (MUGA) or echocardiography (ECHO). A baseline cardiac evaluation with an ECG and either a MUGA scan or an ECHO is recommended, especially in patients with risk factors for increased cardiotoxicity. Repeated MUGA or ECHO determinations of LVEF should be performed, particularly with higher, cumulative anthracycline doses. The technique used for assessment should be consistent throughout follow-up.



Given the risk of cardiomyopathy, a cumulative dose of 900 mg/m2 epirubicin should be exceeded only with extreme caution.



Risk factors for cardiac toxicity include active or dormant cardiovascular disease, prior or concomitant radiotherapy to the mediastinal/pericardial area, previous therapy with other anthracyclines or anthracenediones, and concomitant use of other drugs with the ability to suppress cardiac contractility or cardiotoxic drugs (e.g., trastuzumab) (see section 4.5).



Cardiac function monitoring must be particularly strict in patients receiving high cumulative doses and in those with risk factors. However, cardiotoxicity with epirubicin may occur at lower cumulative doses whether or not cardiac risk factors are present.



It is probable that the toxicity of epirubicin and other anthracyclines or anthracenediones is additive.



Haematologic Toxicity As with other cytotoxic agents, epirubicin may produce myelosuppression. Haematologic profiles should be assessed before and during each cycle of therapy with epirubicin, including differential white blood cell (WBC) counts. A dose-dependent, reversible leucopoenia and/or granulocytopenia (neutropenia) is the predominant manifestation of epirubicin haematologic toxicity and is the most common acute dose-limiting toxicity of this drug. Leucopoenia and neutropenia are generally more severe with high-dose schedules, reaching the nadir in most cases between days 10 and 14 after drug administration; this is usually transient with the WBC/neutrophil counts returning to normal values in most cases by day 21. Thrombocytopenia and anaemia may also occur. Clinical consequences of severe myelosuppression include fever, infection, sepsis/septicaemia, septic shock, haemorrhage, tissue hypoxia, or death.



Secondary Leukaemia - Secondary leukaemia, with or without a preleukaemic phase, has been reported in patients treated with anthracyclines, including epirubicin. Secondary leukaemia is more common when such drugs are given in combination with DNA-damaging antineoplastic agents, in combination with radiation treatment, when patients have been heavily pre-treated with cytotoxic drugs, or when doses of the anthracyclines have been escalated. These leukaemia's can have a 1- to 35.1).



Gastrointestinal - Epirubicin is emetigenic. Mucositis/stomatitis generally appears early after drug administration and, if severe, may progress over a few days to mucosal ulcerations. Most patients recover from this adverse event by the third week of therapy.



Liver Function - The major route of elimination of epirubicin is the hepatobiliary system. Serum total bilirubin and AST levels should be evaluated before and during treatment with epirubicin. Patients with elevated bilirubin or AST may experience slower clearance of drug with an increase in overall toxicity. Lower doses are recommended in these patients (see sections 4.2 and 5.2). Patients with severe hepatic impairment should not receive epirubicin (see section 4.3).



Renal Function - Serum creatinine should be assessed before and during therapy. Dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with serum creatinine> 5 mg/dL (see section 4.2).



Effects at Site of Injection - Phlebosclerosis may result from an injection into a small vessel or from repeated injections into the same vein. Following the recommended administration procedures may minimize the risk of phlebitis/thrombophlebitis at the injection site (see section 4.2).



Extravasation - Extravasation of epirubicin during intravenous injection may produce local pain, severe tissue lesions (vesication, severe cellulitis) and necrosis. Should signs or symptoms of extravasation occur during intravenous administration of epirubicin, the drug infusion should be immediately discontinued. The patient's pain may be relieved by cooling down the area and keeping it cool for 24 hours. The patient should be monitored closely during the subsequent period of time, as necrosis may occur after several weeks extravasation occurs, a plastic surgeon should be consulted with a view to possible excision.



Other - As with other cytotoxic agents, thrombophlebitis and thromboembolic phenomena, including pulmonary embolism (in some cases fatal), have been coincidentally reported with the use of epirubicin



Tumor-Lysis Syndrome - Epirubicin may induce hyperuricemia because of the extensive purine catabolism that accompanies rapid drug-induced lysis of neoplastic cells (tumour-lysis syndrome). Blood uric acid levels, potassium, calcium phosphate, and creatinine should be evaluated after initial treatment. Hydration, urine alkalinization, and prophylaxis with allopurinol to prevent hyperuricemia may minimize potential complications of tumour-lysis syndrome.



Immunosuppressant Effects/Increased Susceptibility to Infections - Administration of live or live-attenuated vaccines in patients immunocompromised by chemotherapeutic agents including epirubicin, may result in serious or fatal infections. (see section 4.5)



Reproductive system: Epirubicin can cause genotoxicity. Men and women treated with epirubicin should adopt appropriate contraceptives Patients desiring to have children after completion of therapy should be advised to obtain genetic counselling if appropriate and available.



Additional Warnings and Precautions for Other Routes of Administration



Intravesical route - Administration of epirubicin may produce symptoms of chemical cystitis (such as dysuria, polyuria, nocturia, stranguria, haematuria, bladder discomfort, necrosis of the bladder wall) and bladder constriction. Special attention is required for catheterization problems (e.g., uretheral obstruction due to massive intravesical tumours).



Intra-arterial route - Intra-arterial administration of epirubicin (transcatheter arterial embolisation for the localized or regional therapies of primary hepatocellular carcinoma or liver metastases) may produce (in addition to systemic toxicity qualitatively similar to that observed following intravenous administration of epirubicin) localized or regional events which include gastro-duodenal ulcers (probably due to reflux of the drugs into the gastric artery) and narrowing of bile ducts due to drug-induced sclerosing cholangitis. This route of administration can lead to widespread necrosis of the perfused tissue.



Excipients



Epirubicin, powder for solution for injection, contains methyl parahydroxybenzoate. This may cause allergic reactions (which may occur after treatment), and in rare cases, respiratory difficulties.



4.5 Interaction With Other Medicinal Products And Other Forms Of Interaction



Epirubicin is mainly used in combination with other cytotoxic drugs. Additive toxicity may occur especially with regard to bone marrow/haematologic and gastro-intestinal effects (see section 4.4). The use of epirubicin in combination chemotherapy with other potentially cardiotoxic drugs, as well as the concomitant use of other cardioactive compounds (e.g., calcium channel blockers), requires monitoring of cardiac function throughout treatment.



Epirubicin is extensively metabolized by the liver. Changes in hepatic function induced by concomitant therapies may affect epirubicin metabolism, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic efficacy and/or toxicity (see section 4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use).



Anthracyclines including epirubicin should not be administered in combination with other cardiotoxic agents unless the patient's cardiac function is closely monitored. Patients receiving anthracyclines after stopping treatment with other cardiotoxic agents, especially those with long half-lives such as trastuzumab, may also be at an increased risk of developing cardiotoxicity. The half-life of trastuzumab is approximately 28.5 days and may persist in the circulation for up to 24 weeks. Therefore, physicians should avoid anthracycline-based therapy for up to 24 weeks after stopping trastuzumab when possible. If anthracyclines are used before this time, careful monitoring of cardiac function is recommended.



Vaccination with a live vaccine should be avoided in patients receiving epirubicin. Killed or inactivated vaccines may be administered; however, the response to such vaccines may be diminished.



Cimetidine increased the AUC of epirubicin by 50% and should be discontinued during treatment with epirubicin



When given prior to epirubicin, paclitaxel can cause increased plasma concentrations of unchanged epirubicin and its metabolites, the latter being, however, neither toxic nor active. Coadministration of paclitaxel or docetaxel did not affect the pharmacokinetics of epirubicin when epirubicin was administered prior to the taxane.



This combination may be used if using staggered administration between the two agents. Infusion of epirubicin and paclitaxel should be performed with at least a 24 hour interval between the 2 agents.



Dexverapamil may alter the pharmacokinetics of epirubicin and possibly increase its bone marrow depressant effects.



One study found that docetaxel may increase the plasma concentrations of epirubicin metabolites when administered immediately after epirubicin



Quinine may accelerate the initial distribution of epirubicin from blood into the tissues and may have an influence on the red blood cells partitioning of epirubicin.



The co-administration of interferon α2b may cause a reduction in both the terminal elimination half-life and the total clearance of epirubicin.



The possibility of a marked disturbance of haematopoiesis needs to be kept in mind with a (pre) treatment with medications which influences the bone marrow (i.e. cytostatic agents, sulphonamide, chloramphenicol, diphenylhydantoin, amidopyrine-derivate, antiretroviral agents).



4.6 Pregnancy And Lactation



(See section 5.3)



Impairment of Fertility



Epirubicin could induce chromosomal damage in human spermatozoa. Men undergoing treatment with epirubicin should use effective contraceptive methods and if appropriate and available, seek advice on sperm preservation due to the possibility of irreversible infertility caused by therapy.



Epirubicin may cause amenorrhea or premature menopause in premenopausal women.



Pregnancy



Experimental data in animals suggest that epirubicin may cause foetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. If epirubicin is used during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the foetus.



There are no studies in pregnant women. Epirubicin should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus.



Lactation



It is not known whether epirubicin is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs, including other anthracyclines, are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from epirubicin, mothers should discontinue nursing prior to taking this drug.



4.7 Effects On Ability To Drive And Use Machines



There have been no reports of particular adverse events relating to effects on ability to drive and to use machines.



4.8 Undesirable Effects



The following undesirable effects have been observed and reported during treatment with epirubicin with the following frequencies: Very common (



More than 10% of treated patients can expect to develop undesirable effects. The most common undesirable effects are myelosuppression, gastrointestinal side effects, anorexia, alopecia, infection.





















































































System Organ Class




Frequency




Undesirable effects




Infections and infestations




Common




Infection




Not Known




Septic shock, sepsis, pneumonia


 


Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (incl cysts and polyps)




Rare




Acute lymphocytic leukaemia, acute myelogenous leukaemia




Blood and the lymphatic system disorders




Very Common




Myelosuppression (leucopenia, granucytopenia and neutropenia, anemia and febrile neutropenia)




Uncommon




Thrombocytopenia


 


Not known




Haemorrhage and tissue hypoxia as result of myelosoppression.


 


Immune system disorders




Rare




Anaphylaxis




Metabolism and nutrition disorders




Common




Anorexia, dehydration




Rare




Hyperuricemia (see section 4.4 )


 


Nervous system disorders




Rare




Dizziness




Eye disorders




Not known




Conjunctivitis, keratitis




Cardiac disorders




Rare




Congestive heart failure, (dyspnoea; oedema, hepatomegaly, ascites, pulmonary oedema, pleural effusions, gallop rhythm) cardiotoxicity (e.g. ECG abnormalities, arythmias, cardiomyopathy), ventricular tachycardia, bradycardia, AV block, bundle-branch block.




Vascular disorders




Common




Hot flashes, Hot flushes




Uncommon




Phlebitis, thrombophebitis


 


Not known




Shock, thromboembolism, including pulmonary emboli


 


Gastrointestinal disorders




Common




Mucositis, esophagitis, stomatitis, vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea




Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders




Very Common




Alopecia




Rare




Urticaria


 


Not Known




Local toxicity, rash, itch, skin changes, erythema, flushes, skin and nail hyperpigmentation, photosensitivity, hypersensitivity to irradiated skin (radiation-recall reaction)


 


Renal and urinary disorders




Very common




Red coloration of urine for 1 to 2 days after administration




Reproductive system and breast disorders




Rare




Amenorrhea, azoospermia




General disorders and administration site conditions




Common




Infusion site erythema




Rare




Malaise, asthenia, fever, chills


 


Investigations




Rare




Changes in transaminase levels




Not Known




Asymptomatic drops in left ventricular ejection fraction


 


Injury, poisoning and procedural complications




Common




Chemical cystitis, sometimes haemorrhagic, has been observed following intravesical administration (see section 4.4 ).



Intravesical administration:



As only a small amount of active ingredient is reabsorbed after intravesical instillation, severe systemic adverse drug reactions as well as allergic reactions are rare. Commonly reported are local reactions like burning sensation and frequent voiding (pollakisuria).Occasional bacterial or chemical cystitis have been reported (see section 4.4). These ADRs are mostly reversible.



4.9 Overdose



Acute overdosage with epirubicin will result in severe myelosuppression (mainly leucopoenia and thrombocytopenia), gastrointestinal toxic effects (mainly mucositis) and acute cardiac complications. Latent cardiac failure has been observed with anthracyclines several months to years after completion of treatment (see section 4.4). Patients must be carefully monitored. If signs of cardiac failure occur, patients should be treated according to conventional guidelines.



Treatment:



Symptomatic. Epirubicin cannot be removed by dialysis.



5. Pharmacological Properties



5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties



Pharmacotherapeutic group (ATC code) – L01D B



The mechanism of action of Pharmorubicin is related to its ability to bind to DNA. Cell culture studies have shown rapid cell penetration, localisation in the nucleus and inhibition of nucleic acid synthesis and mitosis. Pharmorubicin has proved to be active on a wide spectrum of experimental tumours including L1210 and P388 leukaemias, sarcomas SA180 (solid and ascitic forms), B 16 melanoma, mammary carcinoma, Lewis lung carcinoma and colon carcinoma 38. It has also shown activity against human tumours transplanted into athymic nude mice (melanoma, mammary, lung, prostatic and ovarian, carcinomas).



5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties



In patients with normal hepatic and renal function, plasma levels after I.V. injection of 60-150mg/m2 of the drug follow a tri-exponential decreasing pattern with a very fast first phase and a slow terminal phase with a mean half-life of about 40 hours. These doses are within the limits of pharmacokinetic linearity both in terms of plasma clearance values and metabolic pathway. The major metabolites that have been identified are epirubicinol (13-OH-epirubicin) and glucuronides of epirubicin and epirubicinol.



The 4'-O- glucuronidation distinguishes epirubicin from doxorubicin and may account for the faster elimination of epirubicin and its reduced toxicity. Plasma levels of the main metabolite, the 13-OH derivative (epirubicinol) are consistently lower and virtually parallel those of the unchanged drug.



Pharmorubicin is eliminated mainly through the liver; high plasma clearance values (0.9l/min) indicate that this slow elimination is due to extensive tissue distribution.



Urinary excretion accounts for approximately 9-10% of the administered dose in 48 hours. Biliary excretion represents the major route of elimination, about 40% of the administered dose being recovered in the bile in 72 hours.



The drug does not cross the blood-brain-barrier. When Pharmorubicin is administered intravesically the systemic absorption is minimal.



5.3 Preclinical Safety Data



The main target organs in rat, rabbit and dog following repeated dosing were the haemolymphopoietic system, GI tract, kidney, liver and reproductive organs. Epirubicin was also cardiotoxic in the species tested.



It was genotoxic, and, like other anthracyclines, carcinogenic in rats.



Epirubicin was embryotoxic in rats. No malformations were seen in rats or rabbits, but like other anthracyclines and cytotoxic drugs, epirubicin must be considered potentially teratogenic.



A local tolerance study in rats and mice showed extravasation of epirubicin causes tissue necrosis.



6. Pharmaceutical Particulars



6.1 List Of Excipients



Methyl hydroxybenzoate



Lactose monohydrate



6.2 Incompatibilities



Prolonged contact with any solution of an alkaline pH should be avoided as it will result in hydrolysis of the drug. Pharmorubicin should not be mixed with heparin due to chemical incompatibility which may lead to precipitation when the drugs are in certain proportions.



Pharmorubicin can be used in combination with other antitumour agents, but it is not recommended that it be mixed with other drugs.



6.3 Shelf Life



a) Shelf life of the product as package for sale.



Four years



b) Shelf life after reconstitution according to directions:



From a microbiological point of view, the product should be used immediately after first penetration of the rubber stopper. If not used immediately, in use storage times and conditions are the responsibility of the user.



6.4 Special Precautions For Storage



Keep container in the outer carton.



6.5 Nature And Contents Of Container



5 ml, 10 ml, 50 ml and 75 ml colourless glass vial Type I with chlorobutyl rubber bung and aluminium snap cap.



6.6 Special Precautions For Disposal And Other Handling



Preparation of the freeze-dried powder for intravenous administration. Dissolve in sodium chloride/water for injection. The vial contents will be under a negative pressure. To minimize aerosol formation during reconstitution, particular care should be taken when the needle is inserted. Inhalation of any aerosol produced during reconstitution must be avoided. After gentle agitation the reconstituted solution will be transparent and red in appearance.



Intravenous administration . Epirubicin should be administered into the tubing of a freely flowing intravenous infusion (0.9% sodium chloride). To minimize the risk of thrombosis or perivenous extravasation, the usual infusion times range between 3 and 20 minutes depending upon dosage and volume of the infusion solution. A direct push injection is not recommended due to the risk of extravasation, which may occur even in the presence of adequate blood return upon needle aspiration (see Warning and Precautions).



Discard any unused solution.



Intravesical administration. Epirubicin should be instilled using a catheter and retained intravesically for 1 hour. During instillation, the patient should be rotated to ensure that the vesical mucosa of the pelvis receives the most extensive contact with the solution. To avoid undue dilution with urine, the patient should be instructed not to drink any fluid in the 12 hours prior to instillation. The patient should be instructed to void at the end of the instillation.



Protective measures: The following protective recommendations are given due to the toxic nature of this substance:



Personnel should be trained in good technique for reconstitution and handling.



• Pregnant staff should be excluded from working with this drug.



• Personnel handling epirubicin should wear protective clothing: goggles, gowns and disposable gloves and masks.



• A designated area should be defined for reconstitution (preferably under a laminar flow system); the work surface should be protected by disposable, plastic-backed, absorbent paper.



• All items used for reconstitution, administration or cleaning, including gloves, should be placed in high-risk, waste disposal bags for high temperature incineration.Spillage or leakage should be treated with dilute sodium hypochlorite (1% available chlorine) solution, preferably by soaking, and then water.



• All cleaning materials should be disposed of as indicated previously.



• In case of skin contact thouroughly wash the affected area with soap and water or sodium bicarbonate solution. However, do not abrade the skin by using a scrub brush.In case of contact with the eye(s), hold back the eyelid of the affected eye(s) and flush with copius amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. Then seek medical evaluation by a physician.



• Always wash hands after removing gloves.



7. Marketing Authorisation Holder



Pharmacia Limited



Ramsgate Road



Sandwich



Kent



CT13 9NJ



United Kingdom



8. Marketing Authorisation Number(S)



PL 00032/0276



9. Date Of First Authorisation/Renewal Of The Authorisation



Date of first authorisation: 14 May 2004



Date of last renewal: 16 September 2010



10. Date Of Revision Of The Text



16 September 2010



Ref: PM 4_0




Friday, September 30, 2016

Physiotens







Physiotens



Moxonidine



Tablets



200 micrograms



300 micrograms



400 micrograms



What you should know about Physiotens


Please read this leaflet before you take your Physiotens. It gives you important information about your tablets. Please keep this leaflet safe. You may want to read it again. If you have any questions or you are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or a pharmacist.





What is Physiotens for ?


Physiotens reduces high blood pressure. Medicines which reduce blood pressure are known as anti-hypertensives.




Before taking your tablets



Please tell your doctor or a pharmacist before you start to take your tablets if you:


  • have a heart complaint (for example, heart failure or abnormal rhythm);

  • have a serious liver or kidney complaint;

  • have ever had an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients; or

  • have had attacks of angioneurotic oedema (a serious allergic reaction which causes swellings of the face or throat).



There is limited experience on the use of Physiotens by patients who:


  • are pregnant, or think they might be;

  • are breast-feeding;

  • have leg pains caused by poor blood circulation;

  • have Raynaud’s disease (poor circulation which makes the toes and fingers numb and pale);

  • have Parkinson’s disease (a disease of the nerves which causes tremor, stiffness and shuffling);

  • have epilepsy (fits);

  • have glaucoma (swelling behind the eyes);

  • are depressed; or

  • are under 16 years old.



Tell your doctor if you think any of the above apply to you.


Some medicines can affect the way other medicines work. Before you start taking Physiotens, tell your doctor or a pharmacist if you are taking other medicines to reduce your blood pressure, antidepressants (tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine and amitriptyline) or sleeping tablets (known as benzodiazepines). As we do not know whether alcohol affects the way Physiotens works, you shouldn’t drink alcohol while you are taking Physiotens.





How to take your tablets


Your treatment will normally start with one 200 microgram tablet each morning. After about three weeks, your doctor may increase this dose to 400 micrograms each day. After another three weeks, your doctor may need to increase this dose to 600 micrograms each day. Do not take 600 micrograms as one dose - take 300 micrograms in the morning and 300 micrograms in the evening. Physiotens is not recommended for children under 16.


Your doctor may tell you to take a lower dose than normal if you have a kidney complaint.


Take your tablets with a drink of water, before, during or after a meal.


Keep taking your tablets unless your doctor decides you should stop. If this happens, your doctor will tell you how to reduce your dose gradually. If you are taking more than one medicine for high blood pressure, your doctor will tell you which medicine to stop first so that your body can adjust gradually to the change.


If you miss a dose, ignore it and take the next dose at the normal time. Don’t take two doses together to make up for the one you have missed.


If someone takes an overdose (too many Physiotens tablets), call a doctor or go to the nearest hospital casualty department immediately. Show the pack to the doctor.




Physiotens Side Effects


You may have some of the following side effects when you first start to take Physiotens:


  • A dry mouth

  • Headaches

  • General weakness

  • Dizziness

  • Feeling sick

  • Difficulty sleeping

  • Skin flushing

The side effects listed above will ease as your treatment continues. Sometimes, people who take Physiotens tablets complain of drowsiness. If you feel drowsy, don´t drive or use machinery.


Occasionally, people taking Physiotens may develop allergic skin reactions (rash, itching, inflamed or reddened skin) and very rarely angioedema (a serious allergic reaction which causes swelling of the face or throat). Please tell your doctor if you think you have these or any other side effects.




How to store your tablets


  • Do not store your tablets above 25°C.

  • Do not take the tablets after the expiry date printed on the carton.

  • Keep all medicines where children cannot see or reach them.

  • Take any tablets you haven’t used to a pharmacist.

These tablets are for you. Please do not give them to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you.




What’s in your tablets ?



Each tablet contains 200 micrograms, 300 micrograms or 400 micrograms of moxonidine.



The tablets also contain lactose, crospovidone, povidone, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, ethylcellulose, talc, polyethylene glycol 6000, red ferric oxide (E171) and titanium dioxide (E172).



The 200 microgram tablets are round, pale pink and are marked 0.2. The 300 microgram tablets are round, pale red and are marked 0.3. The 400 microgram tablets are round, dull red and are marked 0.4.



Physiotens tablets come in packs of 28.




The marketing authorisation holder is :



Solvay Healthcare Ltd.

Southampton

SO18 3JD

UK




The tablets are made by :



Solvay Pharmaceuticals

01400 Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne

France



This leaflet was approved in May 2007.


Registered trademark


1056693 CL575





Physiotens Tablets 200 micrograms





1. Name Of The Medicinal Product



Physiotens® Tablets 200 micrograms



Cynt Tablets 200 micrograms



Moxonidine 200 micrograms Tablets


2. Qualitative And Quantitative Composition



Each tablet contains 200 micrograms moxonidine.



Excipients:



95.8 mg lactose per tablet



For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1.



3. Pharmaceutical Form



Film coated tablets.



Light pink, round, biconvex, film-coated tablets imprinted '0.2' on one face.



4. Clinical Particulars



4.1 Therapeutic Indications



Mild to moderate essential or primary hypertension.



4.2 Posology And Method Of Administration



Adults (including the elderly):



Treatment should be started with 200 micrograms of Physiotens/Cynt/Moxonidine in the morning. The dose may be titrated after three weeks to 400 micrograms, given as one dose or as divided doses (morning and evening) until a satisfactory response has been achieved. If the response is still unsatisfactory after a further three weeks' treatment, the dosage can be increased up to a maximum of 600 micrograms in divided doses (morning and evening).



A single dose of 400 micrograms of Physiotens/Cynt/Moxonidine and a daily dose of 600 micrograms in divided doses (morning and evening) should not be exceeded.



In patients with moderate renal dysfunction (GFR above 30 ml/min, but below 60 ml/min), the single dose should not exceed 200 micrograms and the daily dose should not exceed 400 micrograms of moxonidine.



The tablets should be taken with a little liquid. As the intake of food has no influence on the pharmacokinetic properties of moxonidine, the tablets may be taken before, during or after the meal.



Paediatric population



Physiotens/Cynt/Moxonidine is not recommended for use in children and adolescents below 18 years due to lack of data on safety and efficacy.



4.3 Contraindications



Physiotens/Cynt/Moxonidine should not be used in cases of:



- hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients



- sick sinus syndrome or sino-atrial block



- 2nd or 3rd degree atrioventricular block



- bradycardia (below 50 beats/minute at rest)



- severe heart failure (see Section 4.4)



- severe renal dysfunction (GFR <30 ml/min, serum creatinine concentration>160 µmol/l).



Physiotens/Cynt/Moxonidine should not be used because of lack of therapeutic experience in cases of:



- pregnancy or lactation (see Section 4.6)



- children and adolescents below 18 years of age.



4.4 Special Warnings And Precautions For Use



When moxonidine is used in patients with 1st degree AV block, special care should be exercised to avoid bradycardia.



When moxonidine is used in patients with severe coronary artery disease or unstable angina pectoris, special care should be exercised due to the fact that there is limited experience in this patient population.



Caution is advised in the administration of moxonidine to patients with renal impairment as moxonidine is excreted primarily via the kidneys. In these patients careful titration of the dose is recommended, especially at the start of therapy. Dosing should be initiated with 200 micrograms daily and can be increased to a maximum of 400 micrograms daily if clinically indicated and well tolerated.



If Moxonidine is used in combination with a beta-blocker and both treatments have to be discontinued, the beta-blocker should be discontinued first and then Moxonidine after a few days.



So far, no rebound-effect has been observed on the blood pressure after discontinuing the treatment with moxonidine. However, an abrupt discontinuance of the moxonidine treatment is not advisable; instead the dose should be reduced gradually over a period of two weeks.



Due to a lack of clinical data supporting the safety in patients with co-existing moderate heart failure, Physiotens/Cynt/Moxonidine must be used with caution in such patients.



Treatment with Physiotens/Cynt/Moxonidine should not be discontinued abruptly, but should be withdrawn gradually over a period of two weeks.



Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the rare Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine.



4.5 Interaction With Other Medicinal Products And Other Forms Of Interaction



Concurrent administration of other antihypertensive agents enhances the hypotensive effect of Physiotens/Cynt/Moxonidine.



Since tricyclic antidepressants may reduce the effectiveness of centrally acting antihypertensive agents, it is not recommended that tricyclic antidepressants be co- administered with moxonidine.



Moxonidine can potentiate the effect of tricyclic anti-depressants (avoid co-prescribing), tranquillisers, alcohol, sedatives and hypnotics.



Moxonidine moderately augmented the impaired performance in cognitive functions in subjects receiving lorazepam. Moxonidine may enhance the sedative effect of benzodiazepines when administered concomitantly.



Moxonidine is excreted through tubular excretion. Interaction with other agents that are excreted through tubular excretion cannot be excluded.



4.6 Pregnancy And Lactation



Pregnancy:



There are no adequate data from use of moxonidine in pregnant woman. Studies in animals have shown embryo-toxicological effects (see section 5.3). The potential risk for humans is unknown. Moxonidine should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary.



Lactation:



Moxonidine is secreted in breast milk and should therefore not be used during breast -feeding.



If therapy with moxonidine is considered absolutely necessary, breast-feeding should be stopped.



4.7 Effects On Ability To Drive And Use Machines



No studies on the effects on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed.



Somnolence and dizziness have been reported. This should be borne in mind when performing these tasks.



4.8 Undesirable Effects



Most frequent side effects reported by those taking moxonidine include dry mouth, dizziness, asthenia and somnolence. These symptoms often decrease after the first few weeks of treatment.



Undesirable Effects by System Organ Class (observed during placebo-controlled clinical trials with n=886 patients exposed to moxonidine resulted in frequencies below):












































MedDRA system organ class




Very Common






Common






Uncommon






Cardiac disorders



 

 


Bradycardia




Ear and labyrinth disorders



 

 


Tinnitus




Nervous system disorders



 


Headache*, Dizziness/Vertigo, Somnolence




Syncope*




Vascular disorders



 

 


Hypotension*



(including orthostatic)




Gastrointestinal disorders




Dry mouth




Diarrhoea, Nausea/Vomiting/Dyspepsia



 


Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders



 


Rash/ Pruritus




Angioedema




General disorders and administration site reactions



 


Asthenia




Oedema




Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders



 


Back pain




Neck pain




Psychiatric disorders



 


Insomnia




Nervousness



* there was no increase in frequency compared to placebo



4.9 Overdose



Symptoms of overdose



In the few cases of overdose that have been reported, a dose of 19.6 mg was ingested acutely without fatality. Signs and symptoms reported included: headache, sedation, somnolence, hypotension, dizziness, asthenia, bradycardia, dry mouth, vomiting, fatigue and upper abdominal pain. In case of a severe overdose close monitoring of especially consciousness disturbances and respiratory depression is recommended.



In addition, based on a few high dose studies in animals, transient hypertension, tachycardia, and hyperglycaemia may also occur.



Treatment of overdose



No specific antidote is known. In case of hypotension, circulatory support such as fluids and dopamine administration may be considered. Bradycardia may be treated with atropine. α-Receptor antagonists may diminish or abolish the paradoxal hypertensive effects of a moxonidine overdose.



5. Pharmacological Properties



5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties



Pharmacotherapeutic group: Imidazoline receptor agonists, moxonidine, ATC code: C02AC05.



In different animal models, Physiotens/Cynt/Moxonidine has been shown to be a potent antihypertensive agent. Available experimental data convincingly suggest that the site of the antihypertensive action of Physiotens/Cynt/Moxonidine is the central nervous system (CNS). Within the brainstem, Physiotens/Cynt/Moxonidine has been shown to selectively interact with I1-imidazoline receptors. These imidazoline-sensitive receptors are concentrated in the rostral ventrolateral medulla, an area critical to the central control of the peripheral sympathetic nervous system. The net effect of this interaction with the I1-imidazoline receptor appears to result in a reduced activity of sympathetic nerves (demonstrated for cardiac, splanchnic and renal sympathetic nerves).



Physiotens/Cynt/Moxonidine differs from other available centrally acting antihypertensives by exhibiting only low affinity to central α2-adrenoceptors as compared to I1-imidazoline receptors; α2-adrenoceptors are considered the molecular target via which sedation and dry mouth, the most common undesired side effects of centrally acting antihypertensives, are mediated.



In humans, Physiotens/Cynt/Moxonidine leads to a reduction of systemic vascular resistance and consequently in arterial blood pressure.



5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties



Oral moxonidine treatment of rats and dogs resulted in rapid and almost complete absorption and peak plasma levels within <0.5 hours. Average plasma concentrations were comparable in both species after p.o. and i.v. administration. The elimination half-lives of radioactivity and unchanged compound were estimated to be 1-3 hours. Moxonidine and its two main metabolites (4,5-dehydromoxonidine and a guanidine derivative) was predominantly excreted in the urine. No indication of moxonidine cumulation was observed in either species during chronic toxicity studies after 52 weeks.



In humans, about 90% of an oral dose of moxonidine is absorbed; it is not subject to first-pass metabolism and its bio-availability is 88%. Food intake does not interfere with moxonidine pharmacokinetics. Moxonidine is 10-20% metabolised, mainly to 4,5-dehydromoxonidine and to a guanidine derivative by opening of the imidazoline ring. The hypotensive effect of 4,5-dehydromoxonidine is only 1/10, and that of the guanidine derivative is less than 1/100 of that of moxonidine. The maximum plasma levels of moxonidine are reached 30-180 minutes after the intake of a film-coated tablet.



Only about 7% of moxonidine is bound to plasma protein (Vdss=1.8 ± 0.4 l/kg). Moxonidine and its metabolites are eliminated almost entirely via the kidneys. More than 90% of the dose is eliminated via the kidneys in the first 24 hours after administration, while only about 1% is eliminated via the faeces. The cumulative renal excretion of unchanged moxonidine is about 50-75%.



The mean plasma elimination half-life of moxonidine is 2.2-2.3 hours, and the renal elimination half-life is 2.6-2.8 hours.



Pharmacokinetics in the elderly



Small differences between the pharmacokinetic properties of moxonidine in the healthy elderly and younger adults are unlikely to be clinically significant. As there is no accumulation of moxonidine, dosage adjustment is unnecessary provided renal function is normal.



Pharmacokinetics in children



No pharmacokinetic studies have been performed in children.



Pharmacokinetics in renal impairment



In moderately impaired renal function (GFR 30-60 ml/min), AUC increased by 85% and clearance decreased to 52%. In such patients the hypotensive effect of Physiotens/Cynt/Moxonidine should be closely monitored, especially at the start of treatment; additionally, single doses should not exceed 200 micrograms and the daily dose should not exceed 400 micrograms.



5.3 Preclinical Safety Data



Non-clinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of safety pharmacology, repeated dose toxicity, genotoxicity and carcinogenic potential.



Chronic oral treatment for 52 weeks of rats (with dosages of 0.12-4 mg/kg) and dogs (with dosages of 0.04-0.4 mg/kg) revealed significant effects of moxonidine only at the highest doses. Slight disturbances of electrolyte balance (decrease of blood sodium and increase of potassium, urea and creatinine) were found in the high dose rats and emesis and salivation only for the high dose dogs. In addition slight increases of liver weight were obvious for both high dose species.



Reproductive toxicity studies showed no effect on fertility and no teratogenic potential. Embryo-fetal toxicity was seen at doses associated with maternal toxicity.



Increased embryo-fetal loss and delayed fetal development were seen in rats with doses above 2 mg/kg/day and in rabbits with doses above 0.7 mg /kg/day. In a peri- and post natal study in rats reduced pup weight, viability and delayed development was noted with doses above 1 mg/kg/day.



6. Pharmaceutical Particulars



6.1 List Of Excipients



Lactose, povidone, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, ethylcellulose, polyethylene glycol 6000, talc, red ferric oxide, titanium dioxide.



6.2 Incompatibilities



No incompatibilities are known.



6.3 Shelf Life



2 years.



6.4 Special Precautions For Storage



Do not store above 25°C.



6.5 Nature And Contents Of Container



The tablets are packed in blister strips of 14. The blister strips are made of PVC/PVdC or PVC film with covering Aluminium foil. Each carton contains 14, 28 or 84 tablets.



6.6 Special Precautions For Disposal And Other Handling



None.



7. Marketing Authorisation Holder



Solvay Healthcare Limited



Mansbridge Road



West End



Southampton



SO18 3JD



8. Marketing Authorisation Number(S)



PL 00512/0152



9. Date Of First Authorisation/Renewal Of The Authorisation



15 September 1997/ 5 April 2002



10. Date Of Revision Of The Text



July 2010




Pavacol-D






Pavacol-D


pholcodine



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


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

  • Ask your pharmacist if you need more information or advice.

  • You must contact a doctor if your symptoms worsen or do not improve after 5 days.

  • If you notice any side effects (see section 4) or any side effects not mentioned in this leaflet, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.



In this leaflet:



  • 1. What Pavacol-D is and what it is used for


  • 2. Before you take Pavacol-D


  • 3. How you take Pavacol-D


  • 4. Possible side effects


  • 5. How to store Pavacol-D


  • 6. Further information




What Pavacol-D is and what it is used for


Pavacol-D is a dark brown liquid that contains the active ingredient pholcodine. Pholcodine is one of a group of medicines called anti-tussives (help to prevent coughing).


Pavacol-D is a cough suppressant for relief of acute non-productive cough associated with upper respiratory tract infection.


For children aged 6 to 12 years: simple treatments should be tried first before you give this medicine. Further information on treating coughs and colds in children can be found at the end of this leaflet.




Before you take Pavacol-D



Do not give to children under 6 years of age.



You should not take Pavacol-D if you:


  • are allergic to pholcodine or any other ingredients of Pavacol-D (these are listed in Section 6).

  • have liver disease

  • have a very serious breathing problem (ventilatory failure)

  • have chronic bronchitis (inflammation of the airways)

  • have bronchiectasis (abnormal widening of one or more airways)

  • have or may have any problems with your airways such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other breathing problems

  • are taking or have taken MAOIs in the last 2 weeks (MAOIs [monoamine oxidase inhibitors] are a type of antidepressant such as phenelzine, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine or moclebemide).



Take special care with Pavacol-D and tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:


  • kidney disease

  • a history of drug abuse

  • if you suffer from a chronic or persistent cough




Tell your doctor if you still have a cough after 5 days.


Ask a doctor before use if you suffer from a chronic or persistent cough, if you have asthma, are suffering from an acute asthma attack or where the cough is accompanied by excessive secretions.




Taking other medicines/alcohol


Do not take Pavacol-D if you are taking any other cough or cold medicines.


Tell you doctor or pharmacist about any other medicines, including medicines you are taking at the same time, particularly the following:


Antidepressants, antihistamines, sleeping tablets or sedatives strong painkillers, medicines to treat epilepsy, as Pavacol-D may make you feel more sleepy.


Avoid consumption of alcohol as this may also increase drowsiness if taken with Pavacol-D.


Also tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following medicines:


Diuretics (water tablets), antihypertensives (blood pressure tablets) as Pavacol-D can lower your blood pressure.


Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are due to have or have recently had a general anaesthetic.




Pregnancy and breast-feeding


You should not take Pavacol-D during the first three months of pregnancy unless you doctor tells you to. Always speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medication.




Driving and using machines


Pavacol-D may cause sleepiness. Make sure you are not affected before you drive or operate machinery.




Important information about some of the ingredients of Pavacol-D


  • If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking Pavacol-D.

  • May have a mild laxative effect. Calorific value 2.6 kcal/g sorbitol.

  • Pavacol-D also contains small amounts of ethanol (alcohol), less than 100 mg per 5 ml.

  • The propyl and methyl hydroxybenzoates in Pavacol-D may cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed).




How you take Pavacol-D



Dosage



Adults and the elderly


One or two 5 ml spoonfuls as required. The dose may be increased to three 5 ml spoonfuls if necessary. No more than 60 ml (12 x 5 ml spoonfuls) should be taken in 24 hours.



Children


From 6 to 12 years: one 5 ml spoonful four to five times daily. No more than 25 ml (5 x 5 ml spoonfuls) should be taken in 24 hours.



Do not use for more than 5 days without the advice of a doctor.



Seek medical attention if the child's condition gets worse during treatment.



Do not give to children under 6 years of age.



Do not exceed the stated dose.




If you take more Pavacol-D than you should


Contact your doctor or go to your nearest hospital immediately. Symptoms of overdose include feeling sick, sleepiness, restlessness, excitement, co-ordination problems, and shallow breathing.



If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.




Pavacol-D Side Effects


Like all medicines, Pavacol-D can cause side-effects, although these do not affect everyone. If you experience any of the following stop taking Pavacol-D immediately and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.



  • sudden wheeziness


  • difficulty in breathing


  • severe allergic reactions including swelling of the eyelids, face or lips, rash or itching, especially affecting your whole body


The following side effects have also been reported occasionally:


  • feeling sick (nausea)

  • congestion (sputum retention)

  • constipation

  • mild laxative effect

  • drowsiness

  • dizziness

  • excitation

  • confusion

  • vomiting



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




How to store Pavacol-D


Pavacol-D should be kept out of the reach and sight of children.


Do not store above 25ºC and protect from light.


Do not use Pavacol-D after the expiry date as indicated on the box after "EXP". The expiry date refers to the last day of the month.


Medicines should not be disposed of via waste-water or with household waste. Ask your pharmacist what you should do with medications you no longer need. These measures will help protect the environment.




Further information



What Pavacol-D contains


The active substance is pholcodine 5 mg in 5 ml. The other ingredients are:


Tolu balsam, ethanol 96%, anise oil, clove oil, peppermint oil, capsicum tincture, strong ginger tincture, sorbitol solution, saccharin, sodium hydroxyethylcellulose, treacle flavour, caramel, menthol, methyl hydroxybenzoate, propyl hydroxybenzoate, and purified water.




What Pavacol-D looks like and contents of the pack


Pavacol-D is available as 50 ml, 100 ml, 150 ml, 250 ml, 300 ml, and 1000 ml round amber glass bottles with an aluminium cap.


Not all pack sizes may be marketed.




Treating cough and cold in children


It's normal for children to get 8 or more colds in a year. Gradually they build up immunity and get fewer colds. Most colds will get better within a few days and you may not need to do more than keep your child comfortable until they get over it. Because colds are caused by viruses, not bacteria, antibiotics don't help. Here are some simple steps to help your child who has a cough or cold:



  • 1. If they are hot/feverish:

Increase the amount of fluid your child normally drinks. Lower their temperature with a paracetamol or ibuprofen medicine which has doses for children. (Paracetamol is not for children under 2 months. Ibuprofen is not for children under 3 months).



  • 2. For coughs:

Although it is distressing to hear your child cough, in fact coughing serves a purpose. It helps clear phlegm on the chest or mucus from the nose. Give the child plenty or warm clear fluids to drink.



  • 3. To help with breathing:

Plain saline nose drops, available from your pharmacy, can help babies with blocked noses who are having trouble feeding.




Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer


The product licence holder is:



Alliance Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Avonbridge House

Bath Road

Chippenham

Wiltshire

SN15 2BB

United Kingdom


Pavacol-D is manufactured by:



William Ransom & Son plc

Stepfield

Witham

Essex

CM8 3AG

United Kingdom





This leaflet was last revised in May 2009


Pavacol-D is a registered trademark of Alliance Pharmaceuticals Limited. Alliance and associated devices are registered trademarks of Alliance Pharmaceuticals Limited.


© Alliance Pharmaceuticals Ltd 2009.





Pentasa Suppositories 1g





1. Name Of The Medicinal Product



PENTASA® Suppositories 1g


2. Qualitative And Quantitative Composition



Each suppository contains mesalazine 1g



3. Pharmaceutical Form



Suppositories



Oblong, compressed white to light tan, speckled suppositories



4. Clinical Particulars



4.1 Therapeutic Indications



PENTASA Suppositories are indicated for the treatment of ulcerative proctitis.



4.2 Posology And Method Of Administration



Ulcerative Proctitis:



Usual adult dose: Acute treatment: 1 suppository daily for 2 to 4 weeks.



Maintenance treatment: 1 suppository daily.



Children: Not recommended.



Elderly Patients: The usual adult dose applies.



4.3 Contraindications



PENTASA is contraindicated in:



- patients with known sensitivity to salicylates



- children under the age of 15 years



- patients with severe liver and/or renal impairment



- patients allergic to any of the ingredients



4.4 Special Warnings And Precautions For Use



Serious blood dyscrasias have been reported rarely with mesalazine. Haematological investigations should be performed if the patient develops unexplained bleeding, bruising, purpura, anaemia, fever or sore throat. Treatment should be stopped if there is suspicion or evidence of blood dyscrasia.



Most patients who are intolerant or hypersensitive to sulphasalazine are able to use PENTASA without risk of similar reactions. However, caution is recommended when treating patients allergic to sulphasalazine (risk of allergy to salicylates). Caution is recommended in patients with impaired liver function.



It is recommended that mesalazine is used with extreme caution in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment (see section 4.3).



If a patient develops dehydration while on treatment with mesalazine, normal electrolyte levels and fluid balance should be restored as soon as possible.



Mesalazine induced cardiac hypersensitivity reactions (myocarditis and pericarditis) have been reported rarely. Treatment should be discontinued on suspicion or evidence of these reactions.



4.5 Interaction With Other Medicinal Products And Other Forms Of Interaction



The concurrent use of mesalazine with other known nephrotoxic agents, such as NSAIDs and azathioprine, may increase the risk of renal reactions (see section 4.4).



Concomitant treatment with mesalazine can increase the risk of blood dyscrasia in patients receiving azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine.



4.6 Pregnancy And Lactation



PENTASA should be used with caution during pregnancy and lactation and only if the potential benefit outweighs the possible hazards in the opinion of the physician.



Mesalazine is known to cross the placental barrier, but the limited data available on its use in pregnant women do not allow assessment of possible adverse effects. No teratogenic effects have been observed in animal studies.



Blood disorders (leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, anaemia) have been reported in new-borns of mothers being treated with PENTASA.



Mesalazine is excreted in breast milk. The mesalazine concentration in breast milk is lower than in maternal blood, whereas the metabolite, acetyl mesalazine appears in similar or increased concentrations. There is limited experience of the use of oral mesalazine in lactating women. No controlled studies with PENTASA during breast-feeding have been carried out. Hypersensitivity reactions like diarrhoea in the infant cannot be excluded.



4.7 Effects On Ability To Drive And Use Machines



No adverse effects.



4.8 Undesirable Effects



Mesalazine may be associated with an exacerbation of the symptoms of colitis in those patients who have previously had such problems with sulphasalazine.



Undesirable effects are as follows:




































































Common




Gastrointestinal disorders:




(




Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain




 




Skin disorders:




 




Rash (including urticaria and erythematous rash)




 




General:




 




Headache




Rare




Blood disorders:




(




Leucopenia (including granulocytopenia), neutropenia, agranulocytosis, aplastic anaemia, thrombocytopenia




 




Nervous system disorders:




 




Peripheral neuropathy




 




Cardiac disorders:




 




Myocarditis, pericarditis




 




Respiratory disorders:




 




Allergic lung reactions (including dyspnoea, coughing, allergic alveolitis, pulmonary eosinophilia, pulmonary infiltration, pneumonitis)




 




Gastrointestinal disorders:




 




Pancreatitis, increased amylase




 




Liver:




 




Abnormalities of hepatic function and hepatotoxicity (including hepatitis, cirrhosis, hepatic failure)




 




Urogenital:




 




Abnormal renal function (including interstitial nephritis, nephrotic syndrome), urine discolouration (*see additional text)




 




Collagen disorders:




 




Lupus erythematosus-like reactions




Very rare




Blood disorders:




(<0.01% )




Anaemia, eosinophilia (as part of an allergic reaction) and pancytopenia




 




Liver:




 




Increased liver enzymes and bilirubin




 




Skin disorders:




 




Reversible alopecia, bullous skin reactions including erythema multiforme and Stevens-Johnson syndrome




 




Musculo-skeletal disorders:




 




Myalgia, arthralgia




 




Allergic reactions:




 




Hypersensitivity reactions, drug fever



*Renal failure has been reported. Mesalazine-induced nephrotoxicity should be suspected in patients developing renal dysfunction during treatment.



The mechanism of mesalazine induced myocarditis, pericarditis, pancreatitis, nephritis and hepatitis is unknown, but it might be of allergic origin.



Following rectal administration local reactions such as pruritus, rectal discomfort and urge may occur.



4.9 Overdose



Acute experience in animals:



Single oral doses of mesalazine of up to 5g/kg in pigs or a single intravenous dose of mesalazine at 920mg/kg in rats were not lethal.



Human experience:



No cases of overdose have been reported.



Management of overdose in man:



Symptomatic treatment at hospital. Close monitoring of renal function. Intravenous infusion of electrolytes may be used to promote diuresis.



5. Pharmacological Properties



5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties



Pharmacotherapeutic group: Intestinal anti-inflammatory agents.



Mechanism of action and pharmacodynamic effects:



Mesalazine is recognised as the active moiety of sulphasalazine in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. It is thought to act locally on the gut wall in inflammatory bowel disease, although its precise mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated.



Increased leucocyte migration, abnormal cytokine production, increased production of arachidonic acid metabolites, particularly leukotriene B4 and increased free radical formation in the inflamed intestinal tissue are all present in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Mesalazine has in-vitro and in-vivo pharmacological effects that inhibit leucocyte chemotaxis, decrease cytokine and leukotriene production and scavenge for free radicals. It is currently unknown which, if any of these mechanisms play a predominant role in the clinical efficacy of mesalazine.



5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties



General characteristics of the active substance:



Disposition and local availability:



PENTASA suppositories are designed to provide the distal part of the intestinal tract with high concentrations of mesalazine and a low systemic absorption. They are used to treat the rectum.



Biotransformation:



Mesalazine is metabolised both pre-systemically by the intestinal mucosa and systemically in the liver to N-acetyl mesalazine (acetyl mesalazine). The acetylation seems to be independent of the acetylator phenotype of the patient. Some acetylation also occurs through the action of colonic bacteria.



Acetyl mesalazine is thought to be clinically as well as toxicologically inactive, although this remains to be confirmed.



Absorption:



The absorption following rectal administration is low, but depends on the dose, the formulation and the extent of spread. Based on urine recoveries in healthy volunteers under steady-state conditions given a daily dose of 2g (1g x 2), approximately 10% of the dose is absorbed after administration of suppositories.



Distribution:



Mesalazine and acetyl mesalazine do not cross the blood brain barrier. Protein binding of mesalazine is approximately 50% and of acetyl mesalazine about 80%.



Elimination:



The plasma half-life of pure mesalazine is approximately 40 minutes and for acetyl mesalazine approximately 70 minutes. Both substances are excreted in urine and faeces. The urinary excretion consists mainly of acetyl mesalazine.



Characteristics in patients:



In patients with impaired liver and kidney functions, the resultant decrease in the rate of elimination and increased systemic concentration of mesalazine may constitute an increased risk of nephrotoxic adverse reactions.



5.3 Preclinical Safety Data



There are no pre-clinical data of relevance to the prescriber which are additional to that already included in other sections of the SPC.



6. Pharmaceutical Particulars



6.1 List Of Excipients



Povidone Ph. Eur.



Macrogol 6000 Ph. Eur.



Magnesium stearate Ph. Eur.



Talc Ph. Eur.



6.2 Incompatibilities



None known



6.3 Shelf Life



36 months



6.4 Special Precautions For Storage



Do not store above 25ºC. Store in the original package.



6.5 Nature And Contents Of Container



Double aluminium foil blister strips of 7 suppositories each.



Pack size: 28



6.6 Special Precautions For Disposal And Other Handling



None



7. Marketing Authorisation Holder



Ferring Pharmaceuticals Ltd.



The Courtyard



Waterside Drive



Langley



Berkshire SL3 6EZ



8. Marketing Authorisation Number(S)



PL 3194/0045



9. Date Of First Authorisation/Renewal Of The Authorisation



5th December 2002



10. Date Of Revision Of The Text



February 2005



11. LEGAL CATEGORY


POM