Saturday, 16 June 2012

Dyspamet Chewtab Tablets 200mg





1. Name Of The Medicinal Product



DYSPAMET* CHEWTAB* TABLETS 200 mg.


2. Qualitative And Quantitative Composition



'Dyspamet' 'Chewtab' Tablets contain 200 mg cimetidine per tablet.



3. Pharmaceutical Form



White, square, chewable tablets with a surface design consisting of a raised portion towards one side of the tablet and a curved depression over the rest of the surface.



4. Clinical Particulars



4.1 Therapeutic Indications



Cimetidine is a histamine H2-receptor antagonist which rapidly inhibits both basal and stimulated gastric secretion of acid and reduces pepsin output.



'Dyspamet' is indicated in the treatment of duodenal and benign gastric ulceration, recurrent and stomal ulceration, oesophageal reflux disease and other conditions where reduction of gastric acid by cimetidine has been shown to be beneficial: persistent dyspeptic symptoms with or without ulceration, particularly meal-related upper abdominal pain; the prophylaxis of gastrointestinal haemorrhage from stress ulceration in seriously ill patients; before general anaesthesia in patients thought to be at risk of acid aspiration (Mendelson's) syndrome, particularly obstetric patients during labour; to reduce malabsorption and fluid loss in the short bowel syndrome; and in pancreatic insufficiency to reduce degradation of enzyme supplements. 'Dyspamet' is also recommended in the management of the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.



4.2 Posology And Method Of Administration



Oral: 'Dyspamet' tablets should be chewed thoroughly before swallowing. The total daily dose should not normally exceed 2.4 g. Dosage should be reduced in patients with impaired renal function (see Section 4.4).



Adults: The usual dosage is 400 mg twice a day with breakfast and at bedtime. For patients with duodenal or benign gastric ulceration, a single daily dose of 800 mg at bedtime is recommended. Other effective regimens are 200 mg three times a day with meals and 400 mg at bedtime (1.0 g/day) and, if inadequate, 400 mg four times a day (1.6 g/day) also with meals and at bedtime.



Symptomatic relief is usually rapid. Treatment should be given initially for at least four weeks (six weeks in benign gastric ulcer). Most ulcers will have healed by that stage, but those which have not will usually do so after a further course of treatment.



Treatment may be continued for longer periods in those patients who may benefit from reduction of gastric secretion and the dosage may be reduced as appropriate to 400 mg at bedtime or 400 mg in the morning and at bedtime



In patients with benign peptic ulcer disease, relapse may be prevented by continued treatment, usually with 400 mg at bedtime; 400 mg in the morning and at bedtime has also been used.



In oesophageal reflux disease, 400 mg four times a day, with meals and at bedtime, for four to eight weeks is recommended to heal oesophagitis and relieve associated symptoms.



In patients with very high gastric acid secretion (e.g. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome) it may be necessary to increase the dose to 400 mg four times a day, or in occasional cases further.



Antacids can be made available to all patients until symptoms disappear.



In the prophylaxis of haemorrhage from stress ulceration in seriously ill patients, doses of 200-400 mg can be given every four to six hours.



In patients thought to be at risk of acid aspiration syndrome a dose of 400 mg can be given 90-120 minutes before induction of general anaesthesia or, in obstetric practice, at the start of labour. While such a risk persists, a dose of up to 400 mg may be repeated at four-hourly intervals as required up to the usual daily maximum of 2.4 g. The usual precautions to avoid acid aspiration should be taken.



In the short bowel syndrome, e.g. following substantial resection for Crohn's disease, the usual dosage range (see above) can be used according to individual response.



To reduce degradation of pancreatic enzyme supplements, 800-1600 mg a day may be given according to response in four divided doses, one to one and a half hours before meals.



Elderly: The normal adult dosage may be used unless renal function is markedly impaired (see Sections 4.4 and 4.8).



Children: Experience in children is less than that in adults. In children more than two years old, cimetidine 25-30 mg/kg body weight per day in divided doses may be administered.



The use of cimetidine in children less than two years old is not fully evaluated; 20 mg/kg body weight per day in divided doses has been used.



4.3 Contraindications



Hypersensitivity to cimetidine



4.4 Special Warnings And Precautions For Use



Dosage should be reduced in patients with impaired renal function according to creatinine clearance. The following dosages are suggested: creatinine clearance of 0 to 15 ml per minute, 200 mg twice a day; 15 to 30 ml per minute, 200 mg three times a day; 30 to 50 ml per minute, 200 mg four times a day; over 50 ml per minute, normal dosage. Cimetidine is removed by haemodialysis, but not to any significant extent by peritoneal dialysis.



Clinical trials with cimetidine of over six years continuous treatment and more than 15 years' widespread use have not revealed unexpected adverse reactions related to long



Cimetidine treatment can mask the symptoms and allow transient healing of gastric cancer. This potential delay in diagnosis should particularly be borne in mind in patients of middle age and over with new or recently changed dyspeptic symptoms.



4.5 Interaction With Other Medicinal Products And Other Forms Of Interaction



Cimetidine can prolong the elimination of drugs metabolised by oxidation in the liver. Although pharmacological interactions with a number of drugs, e.g. diazepam, propranolol, have been demonstrated, only those with oral anticoagulants, phenytoin, theophylline and intravenous lignocaine appear, to date, to be of clinical significance. Close monitoring of patients on 'Dyspamet' receiving oral anticoagulants or phenytoin is recommended and a reduction in the dosage of these drugs may be necessary.



In patients on drug treatment or with illnesses that could cause falls in blood cell count, the possibility that H2-receptor antagonism could potentiate this effect should be borne in mind.



4.6 Pregnancy And Lactation



Although tests in animals and clinical evidence have not revealed any hazards from the administration of cimetidine during pregnancy or lactation, both animal and human studies have shown that it does cross the placental barrier and is excreted in milk. As with most drugs, the use of 'Dyspamet' should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation unless essential.



4.7 Effects On Ability To Drive And Use Machines



Not applicable.



4.8 Undesirable Effects



Over 56 million patients have been treated with cimetidine worldwide and adverse reactions have been infrequent. Diarrhoea, dizziness or rash, usually mild and transient, and tiredness have been reported. Gynaecomastia has been reported and is almost always reversible on discontinuing treatment.



Biochemical or biopsy evidence of reversible liver damage has been reported occasionally. Reversible confusional states have occurred, usually in the elderly or already very ill patients, e.g. those with renal failure. Thrombocytopenia and leucopenia, including agranulocytosis (see Section 4.4), reversible on withdrawal of treatment, have been reported rarely; pancytopenia and aplastic anaemia have been reported very rarely. There have been very rare reports of interstitial nephritis, acute pancreatitis, fever, headache, myalgia, arthralgia, sinus bradycardia, tachycardia and heart block, all reversible on withdrawal of treatment. In common with other H2-receptor antagonists, there have been very rare reports of anaphylaxis. Alopecia has been reported but no causal relationship has been established. Reversible impotence has also been very rarely reported but no causal relationship has been established at usual therapeutic doses. Isolated increases of plasma creatinine have been of no clinical significance.



4.9 Overdose



Acute overdosage of up to 20 grams cimetidine has been reported several times with no significant ill effects. Induction of vomiting and/or gastric lavage may be employed together with symptomatic and supportive therapy.



5. Pharmacological Properties



5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties



Cimetidine is a histamine H2-receptor antagonist which rapidly inhibits both basal and stimulated gastric secretion of acid and reduces pepsin output.



5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties



Cimetidine is well absorbed after oral-administration, metabolised in the liver and excreted mainly through the kidney with a half-life of about two hours. The effects on acid secretion are of longer duration.



5.3 Preclinical Safety Data



Not applicable.



6. Pharmaceutical Particulars



6.1 List Of Excipients



Eudragit (E100), sorbitol(E420), lactose, croscarmellose sodium (type A), sodium saccharin, aspartame, magnesium stearate (E572), aniseed and butterscotch flavourings.



6.2 Incompatibilities



Not applicable.



6.3 Shelf Life



3 years



6.4 Special Precautions For Storage



Store the tablets in a dry place.



6.5 Nature And Contents Of Container



'Chewtab' Tablets, in opaque blister packs of 120 (20 x 6).



6.6 Special Precautions For Disposal And Other Handling



None stated.



7. Marketing Authorisation Holder



Smith Kline and French Laboratories Ltd



Mundells



Welwyn Garden City



Herts AL7 1EY



Trading as:



SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals



Mundells



Welwyn Garden City



Herts AL7 1EY



8. Marketing Authorisation Number(S)



PL 0002/0148



9. Date Of First Authorisation/Renewal Of The Authorisation



13.7.87/25.7.97.



10. Date Of Revision Of The Text



4.2.00



* Trade mark




Friday, 15 June 2012

conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone


Generic Name: conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone (CON jew gay ted ESS troe jenz and meth ill tess TOSS ter own)

Brand names: Premarin with Methyltestosterone, Premarin with MethylTESTOSTERone


What are conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone?

Conjugated estrogens are female sex hormones necessary for many processes in the body.


Methyltestosterone is a naturally occurring androgen ("male" sex hormone) that is produced in the testes in men and, in small amounts, by the ovaries and the brain in women.


The combination, conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone, is used to treat symptoms of menopause that have not responded to estrogen therapy alone. Most often, conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone is used to treat the symptoms of menopause in women who also have diminished libido (a declining interest in sexual activity).


Conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.


What is the most important information I should know about conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone?


Conjugated estrogens increase the risk of developing a condition (endometrial hyperplasia) that may lead to cancer of the lining of the uterus. Taking progestins, another hormone drug, with conjugated estrogens may lower the risk of developing this condition. Therefore, if your uterus has not been removed, your doctor may prescribe a progestin for you to take together with the estrogen. Visit your doctor regularly and report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away.


Have yearly physical exams and examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis.


Notify your doctor if you experience vomiting, swelling of the arms or legs, hoarseness, deepening of the voice, male-pattern baldness, excessive hair growth, clitoral enlargement, or yellowing of the skin or eyes. Do not take conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone if you are pregnant.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone?


Do not take conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone without first talking to your doctor if you have

  • a circulation, bleeding, or blood-clotting disorder;




  • undiagnosed, abnormal vaginal bleeding; or




  • any type of breast, uterine, or hormone-dependent cancer.



Taking conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone may be dangerous in some cases if you have any of the conditions listed above.


Before taking conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone, tell your doctor if you have



  • high blood pressure, angina, or heart disease;




  • high levels of cholesterol or triglycerides in the blood;



  • liver disease;

  • kidney disease;


  • asthma;




  • epilepsy;




  • migraines;




  • diabetes;




  • depression;




  • gallbladder disease;




  • uterine fibroids; or




  • had a hysterectomy (uterus removed).



You may not be able to take conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.


Conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone are in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone are known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not take this medication if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. Conjugated estrogens may pass into breast milk, decrease milk flow, and have other effects on milk composition. It is not known whether methyltestosterone will affect a nursing baby. Do not take conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone?


Take this medication exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.


Take each dose with a full glass of water. Take conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone with food or milk if you find it causes stomach upset.

Try to take this medication at the same time each day. You may be taking it every day, or every day for 3 weeks with 1 week off each month to mimic your body's natural cycle. Follow the directions on your prescription label.


Have yearly physical exams and examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis.


Store conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?


Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.


What happens if I overdose?


An overdose of this medication is unlikely to threaten life. Consult an emergency room or poison control center for advice.

Symptoms of an overdose might include nausea, vomiting, and breakthrough bleeding.


What should I avoid while taking conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone?


There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone unless your doctor directs otherwise.


Conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone side effects


If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone and seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor immediately:

  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);




  • a blood clot (pain, redness, and swelling in an arm or leg; shortness of breath; chest pain; headache; blurred vision; or confusion);




  • a lump in a breast;




  • liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue); or




  • hoarseness, deepening of the voice, male-pattern baldness, excessive hair growth, or clitoral enlargement (these changes may be irreversible).



Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take the medication and talk to your doctor if you experience



  • decreased appetite or nausea;




  • swollen breasts;




  • acne or skin color changes;




  • increased or decreased sex drive;




  • migraine headaches or dizziness;




  • water retention (swollen hands, feet, or ankles);




  • intolerance to contact lenses;




  • depression; or




  • changes in menstrual cycle or breakthrough bleeding.



Conjugated estrogens increase the risk of developing a condition (endometrial hyperplasia) that may lead to cancer of the lining of the uterus. Taking progestins, another hormone drug, with conjugated estrogens may lower the risk of developing this condition. Therefore, if your uterus has not been removed, your doctor may prescribe a progestin for you to take together with the estrogen. Visit your doctor regularly and report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away.


It is unclear to what extent estrogen treatments may affect the risk of breast cancer.


Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.


What other drugs will affect conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone?


Before taking conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:



  • an anticoagulant (blood thinner) such as warfarin (Coumadin);




  • a thyroid medication;




  • insulin or another diabetes medicine such as glipizide (Glucotrol) or glyburide (Diabeta, Micronase);




  • tamoxifen (Nolvadex);




  • phenytoin (Dilantin) or ethotoin (Peganone);




  • carbamazepine (Tegretol);




  • phenobarbital (Solfoton, Luminal);




  • primidone (Mysoline); or




  • rifampin (Rifadin).



A dosage adjustment or special monitoring may be required during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.


Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.



More conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone resources


  • Conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone Drug Interactions
  • Conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone Support Group
  • 0 Reviews for Conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone - Add your own review/rating


Compare conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone with other medications


  • Menopausal Disorders
  • Postmenopausal Symptoms


Where can I get more information?


  • Your pharmacist has additional information about conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?


Conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone is available with a prescription under the brand name Premarin with Methyltestosterone. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.



Thursday, 14 June 2012

Fluticasone Powder


Pronunciation: floo-TICK-ah-ZONE
Generic Name: Fluticasone
Brand Name: Examples include Flovent Diskus and Flovent Rotadisk


Fluticasone Powder is used for:

Preventing asthma attacks. Fluticasone Powder will not stop an asthma attack once one has started. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.


Fluticasone Powder is a corticosteroid. It works by decreasing the irritation and swelling of the breathing tubes (bronchial tubes) of the lung to control or prevent asthma symptoms.


Do NOT use Fluticasone Powder if:


  • you are allergic to any ingredient in Fluticasone Powder

  • you are having a severe asthma attack

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



Before using Fluticasone Powder:


Some medical conditions may interact with Fluticasone Powder. 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 taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

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

  • if you have glaucoma; cataracts; a bacterial, fungal, parasitic, or viral infection; measles; chicken pox; shingles; tuberculosis (TB); a positive TB skin test; diarrhea; or a herpes infection in the eye; or if you have recently received a vaccination

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


  • Certain medicine that act on the liver (eg, protease inhibitors [eg, ritonavir], ketoconazole) because they may increase the actions and side effects of Fluticasone Powder

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Fluticasone Powder 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 Fluticasone Powder:


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


  • An extra patient leaflet is available with Fluticasone Powder. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.

  • Fluticasone Powder is for oral inhalation only.

  • If you use 2 inhalations for a dose, use the first and wait at least 30 seconds before using the second inhalation.

  • Do not use Fluticasone Powder with a spacer device.

  • Rinse your mouth out or gargle with water after using Fluticasone Powder to prevent mouth sores or a bad aftertaste.

  • If you miss a dose of Fluticasone Powder, use 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 use 2 doses at once.

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



Important safety information:


  • Fluticasone Powder is used to prevent the occurrence of asthma attacks. It is not to be used for a severe asthma attack that requires quick relief. Ask your doctor to provide you with another medicine that is used to relieve sudden asthma attacks.

  • Avoid exposure to chicken pox and measles. If exposed, contact your doctor at once.

  • If you are also using a bronchodilator inhaler, be sure to always carry the inhaler with you to use during asthma attacks.

  • Always have a spare inhaler available in case the unit malfunctions or is empty.

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

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

  • After you begin using Fluticasone Powder, a few weeks may pass before the full benefit is obtained. Continue to use it as directed during this time.

  • Use caution if you switch from an oral steroid (eg, prednisone) to Fluticasone Powder. It may take several months for your body to make enough natural steroids to handle events that cause physical stress. Such events may include injury, surgery, infection, loss of blood electrolytes, or a sudden asthma attack. These may be severe and sometimes fatal. Contact your doctor right away if any of these events occur. You may need to take an oral steroid (eg, prednisone) again. Carry a card at all times that says you may need an oral steroid (eg, prednisone) if any of these events occur.

  • Fluticasone Powder should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 4 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.

  • Corticosteroids may affect growth rate in CHILDREN and teenagers in some cases. They may need regular growth checks while they use Fluticasone Powder.

  • PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Fluticasone Powder while you are pregnant. It is not known if Fluticasone Powder is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Fluticasone Powder, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.


Possible side effects of Fluticasone Powder:


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:



Back problems; bronchitis; cough; diarrhea; difficulty speaking; dry mouth; fever; flu; headache; hoarseness; muscle pain; nausea; oral yeast infection; runny nose; sinus inflammation; sore throat; stomach pain or discomfort; stuffy nose; throat irritation; upper respiratory tract infection.



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 mouth, face, lips, or tongue); cataracts; choking; fainting; growth suppression in children; irregular heartbeat; numbness or tingling in arms or legs; pounding in the chest; severe dizziness; sudden weight loss; swelling of the throat; unusual weakness; vomiting; wheezing; white curd-like patches in the mouth; worsening of asthma.



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.



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.


Proper storage of Fluticasone Powder:

Store Fluticasone Powder at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. The inhalation device is not reusable. Inhalation devices should be thrown away 2 months after the foil over-wrap is opened or on the expiration date (whichever comes first). Place the sticker provided with the product on the tube and enter the date the foil over-wrap is opened. Do not puncture any of the blisters until you are ready to take a dose. Keep Fluticasone Powder out of the reach of children and away from pets.


General information:


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

  • Fluticasone Powder 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 Fluticasone Powder. 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 Fluticasone resources


  • Fluticasone Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Fluticasone Drug Interactions
  • Fluticasone Support Group
  • 4 Reviews for Fluticasone - Add your own review/rating


Compare Fluticasone with other medications


  • Asthma, Maintenance
  • Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
  • Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Sunday, 10 June 2012

Aprinox 2.5 and 5mg Tablets





1. Name Of The Medicinal Product



Aprinox Tablets 2.5 mg



Aprinox Tablets 5 mg


2. Qualitative And Quantitative Composition



Each Aprinox Tablet 2.5 mg contains bendroflumethiazide 2.5 mg



Each Aprinox Tablet 5 mg contains bendroflumethiazide 5 mg



For excipients, see section 6.1



3. Pharmaceutical Form



White tablets



4. Clinical Particulars



4.1 Therapeutic Indications



For the treatment of oedema and hypertension. Aprinox may also be used to suppress lactation.



4.2 Posology And Method Of Administration



For oral administration.



Adults:



Oedema



Initially, 5-10 mg in the morning, daily or on alternate days; maintenance dose 5-10 mg one to three times weekly.



Hypertension



The usual dose is 2.5 mg taken in the morning. Higher doses are rarely necessary.



Suppression of lactation



5 mg in the morning and 5 mg at midday for about five days.



Children: Dosage in children may be up to 400 mcg/kg bodyweight initially, reducing to 50-100 mcg/kg bodyweight daily for maintenance.



Elderly: The dosage of thiazide diuretics may need to be reduced in the elderly, particularly when renal function is impaired, because of the possibility of electrolyte imbalance.



4.3 Contraindications



Aprinox is contra-indicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to thiazides; refractory hypokalaemia, hyponatraemia, hypercalcaemia; severe renal and hepatic impairment; symptomatic hyperuricaemia and Addison's disease.



4.4 Special Warnings And Precautions For Use



Bendroflumethiazide should be used with caution in patients with mild to moderate hepatic or renal impairment (avoid if severe). Renal function should be continuously monitored during thiazide therapy. Thiazide diuretics may exacerbate or activate systemic lupus erythematosus in susceptible patients.



All thiazide diuretics can produce a degree of electrolyte imbalance, especially in patients with renal or hepatic impairment or when dosage is high or prolonged. Serum electrolytes should be checked for abnormalities, particularly hypokalaemia, and the latter corrected by the addition of a potassium supplement to the regimen. Aggravates diabetes and gout; increased risk of hypomagnesaemia in alcoholic cirrhosis.



Regular ongoing monitoring and blood tests are to be performed in elderly patients and patients who are on long term treatment with bendroflumethiazide.



This product contains lactose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malsorption should not take this medicine.



4.5 Interaction With Other Medicinal Products And Other Forms Of Interaction



Sensitivity to digitalis glycosides may be increased by the hypokalaemic effect of concurrent bendroflumethiazide. Patients should be observed for signs of digitalis intoxication, in particular arrhythmias, and if these appear, the dosage of the digitalis glycoside should be temporarily reduced and a potassium supplement given to restore stability.



Serum lithium concentrations may be increased by concurrent use of thiazide diuretics.



Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents may blunt the diuretic and antihypertensive effects of thiazide diuretics. Diuretics may increase the risk of nephrotoxicity of NSAIDs.



Xanthines, beta-agonists, ACTH, corticosteroids, acetazolamide and carbenoxolone may exacerbate the hypokalaemia associated with thiazide use. Thiazide diuretics may enhance the neuromuscular blocking effects of the non-depolarising muscle relaxants, e.g. tubocurarine.



Thiazides may enhance the effects of antihypertensive agents, while postural hypotension associated with therapy may be enhanced by concomitant ingestion of alcohol, barbiturates or opioids.



Concomitant use of carbamazepine may increase the risk of hyponatraemia.



There is an increased risk of hyponatraemia if thiazides are given with amphotericin.



The risk of hypercalcaemia is increased by the concomitant intake of calcium salts or vitamin D preparations.



Concomitant use with cisplatin can lead to an increased risk of nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity.



The cardiac toxicity of disopyramide, amiodarone, flecainide and quinidine is increased if hypokalaemia occurs. The action of lidocaine and mexiletine is antagonised by hypokalaemia.



There is an increased risk of hyponatraemia when thiazides are used concomitantly with aminoglutethimide. Thiazides can cause an increased risk of hypercalcaemia with toremifene.



Colestipol and colestyramine may reduce the absorption of thiazide diuretics and should therefore be given 2 hours prior to, or after the ingestion of bendroflumethiazide.



Calcium-channel blockers and moxisylyte can cause an enhanced hypotensive effect.



There is an increased risk of postural hypotension with tricyclic antidepressants. There may also be an increased risk of hypokalaemia if thiazides are given with reboxetine. Concomitant use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), baclofen or tizanidine may also give an increased hypotensive effect.



Oestrogens and combined oral contraceptives may antagonise the diuretic effect of thiazides.



There is an increased risk of first-dose hypotensive effect of post-synaptic alpha-blockers such as prazosin.



Hypokalaemia increases the risk of ventricular arrhythmias with pimozide or thioridazine, therefore, concomitant use should be avoided. Hypokalaemia or other electrolyte imbalance also increases the risk of ventricular arrhythmias with terfenadine.



Bendroflumethiazide may interfere with a number of laboratory tests, including estimation of serum protein-bound iodine and tests of parathyroid function.



4.6 Pregnancy And Lactation



Diuretics are best avoided for the management of oedema of pregnancy or hypertension in pregnancy as their use may be associated with hypokalaemia, increased blood viscosity and reduced placental perfusion.



There is inadequate evidence of safety in human pregnancy and foetal bone marrow depression and thrombocytopenia have been described. Foetal and neonatal jaundice have also been described.



As diuretics pass into breast milk and bendroflumethiazide can suppress lactation, its use should be avoided in mothers who wish to breast feed.



4.7 Effects On Ability To Drive And Use Machines



No adverse effects known.



4.8 Undesirable Effects



All thiazide diuretics can produce a degree of electrolyte imbalance, e.g. hypokalaemia.



Thiazide diuretics may raise the serum uric acid levels with subsequent exacerbation of gout in susceptible subjects.



Thiazide diuretics sometimes lower carbohydrate tolerance and the insulin dosage of the diabetic patient may require adjustment. Care is necessary when bendroflumethiazide is administered to those with a known predisposition to diabetes.



Postural hypotension and mild gastro-intestinal effects; hypokalaemia, hypomagnesaemia, hyponatraemia, hypercalcaemia, hypochloraemic alkalosis, hyperuricaemia, gout, hyperglycaemia, and altered plasma lipid concentration.



Less commonly, rashes, photosensitivity; blood disorders (including neutropenia and thrombocytopenia – when given in late pregnancy neonatal thrombocytopenia has been reported); pancreatitis, intrahepatic cholestasis, and hypersensitivity reactions (including pneumonitis, pulmonary oedema, severe skin reactions) also reported.



Rarely, blood dyscrasias, including agranulocytosis, aplastic anaemia, thrombocytopenia and leucopenia, and pancreatitis have been reported with long term therapy. Skin rashes and impotence (reversible on withdrawal of treatment) have occasionally been reported.



4.9 Overdose



Symptoms of overdosage include anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, diuresis, dehydration, hypotension, dizziness, weakness, muscle cramps, paraesthesia, tetany, gastrointestinal bleeding, hyponatraemia, hypo- or hyperglycaemia, hypokalaemia and metabolic alkalosis. Initial treatment consists of either emesis or gastric lavage, if appropriate. Otherwise treatment should be symptomatic and supportive including the correction of fluid and electrolyte imbalance.



Blood pressure should also be monitored.



There is no specific antidote.



5. Pharmacological Properties



5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties



Bendroflumethiazide is a thiazide diuretic which reduces the absorption of electrolytes from the renal tubules, thereby increasing the excretion of sodium and chloride ions, and consequently of water. The excretion of other electrolytes, notably potassium and magnesium, is also increased. The excretion of calcium is reduced. Thiazides also reduce carbonic anhydrase activity so that bicarbonate excretion is increased, but this effect is generally small and does not appreciably alter the acid base balance or the pH of the urine. Thiazides also have a hypotensive effect, due to a reduction in peripheral resistance and enhance the effects of other antihypertensive agents.



5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties



Bendroflumethiazide is completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and it is fairly extensively metabolised. About 30% is excreted unchanged in the urine. The onset of diuretic action of the thiazides following oral administration occurs within two hours and the peak effect between three and six hours after administration. The duration of the diuretic action of bendroflumethiazide is between 18 and 24 hours. The onset of the hypotensive action is generally three or four days.



5.3 Preclinical Safety Data



Not applicable



6. Pharmaceutical Particulars



6.1 List Of Excipients



Lactose



Maize Starch



Stearic acid



French chalk for tablets.



6.2 Incompatibilities



Not applicable.



6.3 Shelf Life



36 months



6.4 Special Precautions For Storage



None



6.5 Nature And Contents Of Container



Amber glass bottle having a tin-plate cap with a waxed aluminium-faced pulpboard liner.



Pack size: 100 and 500 tablets.



PVC/Al blister pack



Pack size: 28 Tablets



6.6 Special Precautions For Disposal And Other Handling



None



7. Marketing Authorisation Holder



Waymade PLC Trading as Sovereign Medical



Sovereign House



Miles Gray Road



Basildon, Essex SS14 3FR



8. Marketing Authorisation Number(S)



Aprinox Tablets 2.5 mg: PL 06464/0706



Aprinox Tablets 5 mg: PL 06464/0707



9. Date Of First Authorisation/Renewal Of The Authorisation



11 January 1999



10. Date Of Revision Of The Text



06 October 2006




Friday, 8 June 2012

Vivaglobin 160mg / ml solution for injection (subcutaneous use)





CSL Behring




Vivaglobin,

160mg/ml solution for injection



(for subcutaneous use)



Human Normal Immunoglobulin



Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this 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 Vivaglobin is and what it is used for

  • 2. Before you use Vivaglobin

  • 3. How to use Vivaglobin

  • 4. Possible side effects

  • 5. How to store Vivaglobin

  • 6. Further information




What Vivaglobin Is And What It Is Used For



What is Vivaglobin?


Vivaglobin is a solution for injection under the skin (subcutaneous use). The solution contains human normal immunoglobulin.


Immunoglobulins are important components of the body’s immune response system. They are produced from cells in the blood and act as inhibitors (antibodies) to foreign substances.


Human normal immunoglobulin contains mainly immunoglobulin G (IgG) having a broad spectrum of antibodies against various infectious agents. Vivaglobin contains the immunoglobulin G antibodies present in the healthy population. Adequate doses of this medicinal product may restore abnormally low immunoglobulin G levels to the normal range.




What is Vivaglobin used for?


Vivaglobin is used for:


  • Replacement of antibodies in adults and children suffering from congenital (primary) immunodeficiency syndromes such as:

    • congenital absence of antibodies (agammaglobulinaemia) or antibody deficiency (hypogammaglobulinaemia)
    • common variable immunodeficiency
    • severe combined immunodeficiency
    • IgG subclass deficiencies with recurrent infections

  • Replacement of antibodies in:

    • cancer of bone marrow (myeloma) or
    • malignant illness of white blood cells (chronic lymphatic leukaemia). This disease leads to severe antibody deficiency (secondary hypogammaglobulinaemia) and recurrent infections.




Before You Use Vivaglobin


The following sections contain information that you and your doctor should consider before using Vivaglobin.



Do NOT infuse Vivaglobin


  • if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to any of the components of the product (see section 6). Please inform your doctor if you are allergic to any medicine or food.

  • into a blood vessel

  • into a muscle if you suffer of a severe deficiency of blood platelets (thrombocytopenia) or other disorders of blood clotting



Take special care with Vivaglobin


  • if Vivaglobin is accidentally administered into a blood vessel. You could develop a severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock). This reaction is seen as a fall in blood pressure and shortness of breath

  • if you receive human normal immunoglobulin for the first time

  • if you have received another product for treatment of the same symptoms in the past

  • when treatment has been interrupted for more than eight weeks

True allergic reactions are rare. They can occur in the very rare cases of IgA deficiency with anti-IgA antibodies. In this case your doctor will treat you with caution.


Rarely, Vivaglobin can induce a fall in blood pressure with anaphylactic (allergic) reaction. This reaction may also occur if you had tolerated previous treatment with normal human immunoglobulin.



Potential complications can often be avoided by ensuring


  • that you are not sensitive to human normal immunoglobulin. The product should initially be injected slowly. The recommended infusion rate should be adhered to (see 3. 'How to use Vivaglobin')

  • that you are carefully monitored for any symptoms throughout the infusion period especially if:

    • you receive human normal immunoglobulin for the first time
    • you switched from an alternative product or
    • there has been a long interval since the previous infusion.

In these cases you should be monitored during the first infusion and for the first hour thereafter. All other patients should be observed for at least 20 minutes after administration.


On suspicion of an allergic or anaphylactic reaction the administration has to be discontinued immediately. In case of shock the current medical standards for shock treatment have to be applied.



Information on safety with respect to infections


When medicines are made from human blood or plasma, certain measures are put in place to prevent infections being passed on to patients. These include:


  • careful selection of blood and plasma donors to make sure those at risk of carrying infections are excluded

  • the testing of each donation and pools of plasma for signs of virus/infections.

Manufacturers of these products also include steps in the processing of the blood or plasma that can inactivate or remove viruses. Despite these measures, when medicines prepared from human blood or plasma are administered, the possibility of passing on infection cannot be totally excluded. This also applies to any unknown or emerging viruses or other types of infections.


The measures taken are considered effective for enveloped viruses such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, the AIDS virus), hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus (liver inflammation), and for the non-enveloped hepatitis A virus and parvovirus B19 (Sticker's disease).


Immunoglobulins have not been associated with hepatitis A or parvovirus B19 infections possibly because the antibodies against these infections, which are contained in the product, are protective.


Every time you take Vivaglobin you should record the following data in your treatment diary:


  • the date of administration

  • the batch number of the product

  • the injected volume



Taking other medicines


  • Please ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any other medicines including vaccines or medicines obtained without a prescription.

  • You must not mix this medicinal product with other medicinal products, solvents or diluents.

  • Results of some blood tests may be affected by Vivaglobin. If you are due to receive blood tests of any sort, make sure the doctor treating you knows you are receiving Vivaglobin.



Pregnancy and lactation


  • Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine if you are pregnant or breast feeding your baby.

  • The safety of this medicinal product for use in human pregnancy has not been established in controlled clinical trials.

  • Clinical experience with immunoglobulins suggests that no harmful effects on the course of pregnancy, or on the foetus and the neonate are to be expected.

  • Your doctor will decide if it is suitable for you to receive Vivaglobin if you are pregnant or breast feeding your baby.



Driving and using machines


Vivaglobin does not affect your ability to drive and use machines.




Important information about some of the ingredients of Vivaglobin


Vivaglobin contains up to 110 mg (4.8 mmol) sodium per dose (75 kg body weight) if the maximum daily dose is given (11.25 g = 70.3 ml). This should be taken into consideration if you are on a controlled sodium diet.





How To Use Vivaglobin


Always use Vivaglobin exactly as your doctor has told you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.


Your doctor will calculate the correct dose for you taking into account your weight and response to treatment.


A loading dose of at least 1.3 to 3.1 millilitres per kilogram divided over several days may be required. Following this, maintenance doses may be given, usually weekly, to reach a cumulative monthly dose of about 2.5 to 5 millilitres per kilogram of body weight



Method of administration


  • Home treatment should be initiated and monitored by a physician experienced in the treatment of immunodeficiency and in the guidance of patients for home treatment. You will be instructed in:

    • the use of a syringe driver
    • infusion techniques
    • the keeping of a treatment diary and
    • measures to be taken in case of severe adverse events.

  • Vivaglobin is a ready-for-use solution. (see section 5. 'How to store Vivaglobin' and 6. subsection 'What Vivaglobin looks like and content of the pack').

  • Do not use solutions that are cloudy or have deposits.

  • The solution should be administered at body temperature.

  • Vivaglobin should be administered via the subcutaneous route.

  • The recommended infusion rate is 22 ml/hour (millilitres per hour).

Vivaglobin should preferentially be administered into the fleshy part of the abdominal wall, thigh and/or buttocks. No more than 15 ml should be injected into a single site. Doses over 15 ml should be divided and injected into 2 or more sites.


Your doctor will instruct you how to dispose of unused product or waste material.


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




Overdose/missed doses


If you think you have had too much Vivaglobin or have missed a dose, speak to your doctor.





Possible Side Effects


Like all medicines Vivaglobin can have side effects, although not everybody gets them.



Please contact your doctor immediately, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital immediately, if you notice the following:



Very rarely (less than 1 in 10,000 treated persons)



  • Allergic reactions including difficulty breathing, skin reactions, swelling of the throat and lips and a fall in blood pressure. These reactions may be severe (anaphylaxis). This may happen even if you have had no reaction to previous treatment with Vivaglobin or a similar product.


  • Fainting e.g. dizziness, dimming of vision and ringing in the ears


  • Cardiovascular reactions e.g. a fall in blood pressure, particularly if the product has been inadvertently injected into a blood vessel (see also section 2 subheading 'Take special care with Vivaglobin')


Please contact your doctor if any of the following side effects occur, or if you notice any effects not listed in this leaflet



  • Generalised reactions e.g. chills, fever, headache (possibly caused by increased blood pressure), generally feeling unwell, feeling/being sick, rash, dizziness, joint pain or moderate back pain


  • Nervous system disorders e.g. migraine



Very common side effects (more than 1 in 10 treated persons)



  • Local reactions at the injection site e.g. swelling, soreness, redness, hardening of the skin, local heat, itching, bruising or rash

    The frequency of these local reactions declines rapidly within the first ten infusions, when patients became used to this form of treatment.




How To Store Vivaglobin


  • Store in a refrigerator (+2 °C to +8 °C) and keep the container in the outer carton in order to protect from light. Do not freeze!

  • Keep out of the reach and sight of children.

  • Do not use Vivaglobin after the expiry date, which is stated on the label and carton.

  • The product must be inspected visually prior to administration and should not be used if there is any variation of physical appearance (see also section 3 subheading 'Method of administration' and section 6 subheading 'What Vivaglobin looks like and contents of the pack').

  • The product may be stored at room temperature (up to 25 °C) for a limited period of three months or until the expiry date (whichever date comes first) without being refrigerated again during this period. The new expiry date at room temperature should be noted on the carton. At the end of this period the product has to be used or discarded.

  • Once an ampoule or injection vial has been opened the solution should be used immediately

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



Further Information



What Vivaglobin contains



  • The active substance is: human normal immunoglobulin, 160 mg/ml solution for injection, 480 mg/3 ml vial or 800 mg/5 ml ampoule or 1600 mg/10 ml vial or 3200 mg/20 ml vial.


  • Other ingredients are: glycine, sodium chloride, hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide (for pH adjustment), water for injections



What Vivaglobin looks like and contents of the pack


Vivaglobin is a clear solution for subcutaneous injection.


The colour can vary from colourless to pale-yellow up to light-brown during its shelf-life.



Pack sizes


3 ml of solution in a vial - pack of 1 or 10 vials


5 ml of solution in an ampoule - pack of 1 ampoule (UK only)


10 ml of solution in a vial - pack of 1, 10 or 20 vials


20 ml of solution in a vial - pack of 1 vial


Not all pack sizes may be marketed.




Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer



CSL Behring GmbH

Emil-von-Behring-Strasse 76

35041 Marburg

Germany





This leaflet was last approved in: October 2009


For further information contact



CSL Behring UK Limited

Hayworth House

Market Place

Haywards Heath

West Sussex

RH16 1DB

UK

Telephone number: 01444 447 405






Thursday, 7 June 2012

Bonviva 3mg / 3ml solution for injection in pre-filled syringe





1. Name Of The Medicinal Product



Bonviva 3 mg solution for injection


2. Qualitative And Quantitative Composition



One pre-filled syringe of 3 ml solution contains 3 mg ibandronic acid (as 3.375 mg ibandronic acid, monosodium salt, monohydrate).



The concentration of ibandronic acid in the solution for injection is 1 mg per ml.



Excipients: Sodium (less than 1 mmol per dose).



For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1.



3. Pharmaceutical Form



Solution for injection.



Clear, colourless solution.



4. Clinical Particulars



4.1 Therapeutic Indications



Treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women at increased risk of fracture (see section 5.1).



A reduction in the risk of vertebral fractures has been demonstrated, efficacy on femoral neck fractures has not been established.



4.2 Posology And Method Of Administration



Posology



The recommended dose of ibandronic acid is 3 mg, administered as an intravenous injection over 15 - 30 seconds, every three months.



Patients must receive supplemental calcium and vitamin D (see section 4.4 and section 4.5)



If a dose is missed, the injection should be administered as soon as convenient. Thereafter, injections should be scheduled every 3 months from the date of the last injection.



The optimal duration of bisphosphonate treatment for osteoporosis has not been established. The need for continued treatment should be re-evaluated periodically based on the benefits and potential risks of Bonviva on an individual patient basis, particularly after 5 or more years of use.



Special populations



Patients with renal impairment



No dose adjustment is necessary for patients with mild or moderate renal impairment where serum creatinine is equal or below 200 μmol/l (2.3 mg/dl) or where creatinine clearance (measured or estimated) is equal or greater than 30 ml/min.



Bonviva injection is not recommended for use in patients who have a serum creatinine above 200 μmol/l (2.3 mg/dl) or who have a creatinine clearance (measured or estimated) below 30 ml/min, because of limited clinical data available from studies including such patients (see section 4.4 and section 5.2)



Patients with hepatic impairment



No dose adjustment is required (see section 5.2).



Elderly population



No dose adjustment is required (see section 5.2).



Paediatric population



There is no relevant use of Bonviva in children, and Bonviva was not studied in the paediatric population .



Method of administration:



For intravenous use.



Strict adherence to the intravenous administration route is required (see section 4.4).



4.3 Contraindications



- Hypersensitivity to ibandronic acid or to any of the excipients.



- Hypocalcaemia



4.4 Special Warnings And Precautions For Use



Administration failures



Care must be taken not to administer Bonviva injection via intra-arterial or paravenous administration as this could lead to tissue damage.



Hypocalcaemia



Bonviva, like other bisphosphonates administered intravenously, may cause a transient decrease in serum calcium values.



Existing hypocalcaemia must be corrected before starting Bonviva injection therapy. Other disturbances of bone and mineral metabolism should also be effectively treated before starting Bonviva injection therapy.



All patients must receive adequate supplemental calcium and vitamin D.



Atypical fractures of the femur



Atypical subtrochanteric and diaphyseal femoral fractures have been reported with bisphosphonate therapy, primarily in patients receiving long-term treatment for osteoporosis. These transverse or short oblique fractures can occur anywhere along the femur from just below the lesser trochanter to just above the supracondylar flare. These fractures occur after minimal or no trauma and some patients experience thigh or groin pain, often associated with imaging features of stress fractures, weeks to months before presenting with a completed femoral fracture. Fractures are often bilateral; therefore the contralateral femur should be examined in bisphosphonate-treated patients who have sustained a femoral shaft fracture. Poor healing of these fractures has also been reported. Discontinuation of bisphosphonate therapy in patients suspected to have an atypical femur fracture should be considered pending evaluation of the patient, based on an individual benefit risk assessment.



During bisphosphonate treatment patients should be advised to report any thigh, hip or groin pain and any patient presenting with such symptoms should be evaluated for an incomplete femur fracture.



Renal impairment



Patients with concomitant diseases, or who use medicinal products which have potential for undesirable effects on the kidney, should be reviewed regularly in line with good medical practice during treatment.



Due to limited clinical experience, Bonviva injection is not recommended for patients with a serum creatinine above 200 μmol/l (2.3 mg/dl) or with a creatinine clearance below 30 ml/min (see section 4.2 and section 5.2).



Osteonecrosis of the jaw



Osteonecrosis of the jaw, generally associated with tooth extraction and/or local infection (including osteomyelitis) has been reported in patients with cancer receiving treatment regimens including primarily intravenously administered bisphosphonates. Many of these patients were also receiving chemotherapy and corticosteroids. Osteonecrosis of the jaw has also been reported in patients with osteoporosis receiving oral bisphosphonates.



A dental examination with appropriate preventive dentistry should be considered prior to treatment with bisphosphonates in patients with concomitant risk factors (e.g. cancer, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, corticosteroids, poor oral hygiene).



While on treatment, these patients should avoid invasive dental procedures if possible. For patients who develop osteonecrosis of the jaw while on bisphosphonate therapy, dental surgery may exacerbate the condition. For patients requiring dental procedures, there are no data available to suggest whether discontinuation of bisphosphonate treatment reduces the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw. Clinical judgement of the treating physician should guide the management plan of each patient based on individual benefit/risk assessment.



4.5 Interaction With Other Medicinal Products And Other Forms Of Interaction



Metabolic interactions are not considered likely, since ibandronic acid does not inhibit the major human hepatic P450 isoenzymes and has been shown not to induce the hepatic cytochrome P450 system in rats. Furthermore, plasma protein binding is approximately 85 % - 87 % (determined in vitro at therapeutic ibandronic acid concentrations), and thus there is a low potential for interaction with other medicinal products due to displacement. Ibandronic acid is eliminated by renal excretion only and does not undergo any biotransformation. The secretory pathway appears not to include known acidic or basic transport systems involved in the excretion of other active substances.



Pharmacokinetic interaction studies in postmenopausal women have demonstrated the absence of any interaction potential with tamoxifen or hormone replacement therapy (oestrogen).



No interaction was observed when co-administered with melphalan/prednisolone in patients with multiple myeloma.



4.6 Pregnancy And Lactation



Pregnancy



There are no adequate data from the use of ibandronic acid in pregnant women. Studies in rats have shown some reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3). The potential risk for humans is unknown. Bonviva should not be used during pregnancy.



Breast-feeding



It is not known whether ibandronic acid is excreted in human milk. Studies in lactating rats have demonstrated the presence of low levels of ibandronic acid in the milk following intravenous administration. Bonviva should not be used during lactation.



Fertility



There are no data on the effects of ibandronic acid from humans. In reproductive studies in rats by the oral route, ibandronic acid decreased fertility. In studies in rats using the intravenous route, ibandronic acid decreased fertility at high daily doses (see section 5.3).



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.



4.8 Undesirable Effects



The safety of oral treatment with ibandronic acid 2.5 mg daily was evaluated in 1251 patients treated in 4 placebo-controlled clinical studies, with the large majority of patients coming from the pivotal three-year fracture study (MF 4411). The overall safety profile of ibandronic acid 2.5 mg daily in all these studies was similar to that of placebo.



In the pivotal two-year study in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis (BM16550), the overall safety of intravenous injection of Bonviva 3 mg every 3 months and oral ibandronic acid 2.5 mg daily were shown to be similar. The overall proportion of patients who experienced an adverse reaction was 26.0 % and 28.6 % for Bonviva 3 mg injection every 3 months after one year and two years, respectively. The majority of adverse reactions were mild to moderate in intensity. Most cases of adverse reactions did not lead to cessation of therapy.



The most commonly reported adverse reaction was influenza like illness.



Adverse reactions considered by investigators to be causally related to Bonviva are listed below by System Organ Class.



Frequencies are defined as common (



Table 1: Adverse drug reactions occurring in postmenopausal women receiving Bonviva 3 mg injection every 3 months or ibandronic acid 2.5 mg daily in the phase III studies BM16550 and MF 4411 and in postmarketing experience.

















































System Organ Class




Common




Uncommon




Rare




Very rare




Immune system disorders



 

 


Hypersensitivity reaction



 


Nervous system disorders




Headache



 

 

 


Eye disorders



 

 


Ocular inflammation*†



 


Vascular disorders



 


Phlebitis/ thrombophlebitis



 

 


Gastrointestinal disorders




Gastritis, Dyspepsia, Diarrhoea, Abdominal pain, Nausea, Constipation



 

 

 


Skin and subcutaneous tissues disorders




Rash



 


Angioedema, Facial swelling/oedema, Urticaria



 


Musculoskeletal, connective tissue and bone disorders




Arthralgia, Myalgia, Musculoskeletal pain, Back pain




Bone pain




Atypical subtrochanteric and diaphyseal femoral fractures† (bisphosphonate class adverse reaction )




Osteonecrosis of jaw*†




General disorders and administration site conditions




Influenza like illness*, Fatigue




Injection site reactions, Asthenia



 

 


*See further information below



†Identified in postmarketing experience.



Influenza-like illness



Transient, influenza-like symptoms have been reported in patients receiving intravenous injection of Bonviva 3 mg every 3 months, typically in association with the first dose.



Influenza-like illness includes events reported as acute phase reaction or symptoms, including myalgia, arthralgia, fever, chills, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, and bone pain. Such symptoms were generally of short duration, mild or moderate in intensity, and resolved during continuing treatment without requiring remedial measures.



Osteonecrosis of jaw



Osteonecrosis of the jaw has been reported in patients treated by bisphosphonates. The majority of the reports refer to cancer patients, but such cases have also been reported in patients treated for osteoporosis. Osteonecrosis of the jaw is generally associated with tooth extraction and / or local infection (including osteomyelitis). Diagnosis of cancer, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, corticosteroids and poor oral hygiene are also deemed as risk factors (see section 4.4).



Ocular inflammation



Ocular inflammation events such as uveitis, episcleritis and scleritis have been reported with ibandronic acid. In some cases, these events did not resolve until the ibandronic acid was discontinued.



4.9 Overdose



No specific information is available on the treatment of overdosage with Bonviva.



Based on knowledge of this class of compounds, intravenous overdosage may result in hypocalcaemia, hypophosphataemia, and hypomagnesaemia. Clinically relevant reductions in serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium should be corrected by intravenous administration of calcium gluconate, potassium or sodium phosphate, and magnesium sulfate, respectively.



5. Pharmacological Properties



5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties



Pharmacotherapeutic group: Drugs for treatment of bone diseases, bisphosphonates, ATC code: M05BA06



Mechanism of action



Ibandronic acid is a highly potent bisphosphonate belonging to the nitrogen-containing group of bisphosphonates, which act selectively on bone tissue and specifically inhibit osteoclast activity without directly affecting bone formation. It does not interfere with osteoclast recruitment. Ibandronic acid leads to progressive net gains in bone mass and a decreased incidence of fractures through the reduction of elevated bone turnover towards premenopausal levels in postmenopausal women.



Pharmacodynamic effects



The pharmacodynamic action of ibandronic acid is inhibition of bone resorption. In vivo, ibandronic acid prevents bone destruction experimentally induced by cessation of gonadal function, retinoids, tumours or tumour extracts. In young (fast growing) rats, the endogenous bone resorption is also inhibited, leading to increased normal bone mass compared with untreated animals.



Animal models confirm that ibandronic acid is a highly potent inhibitor of osteoclastic activity. In growing rats, there was no evidence of impaired mineralisation even at doses greater than 5,000 times the dose required for osteoporosis treatment.



Both daily and intermittent (with prolonged dose-free intervals) long-term administration in rats, dogs and monkeys was associated with formation of new bone of normal quality and maintained or increased mechanical strength even at doses in the toxic range. In humans, the efficacy of both daily and intermittent administration with a dose-free interval of 9 - 10 weeks of ibandronic acid was confirmed in a clinical trial (MF 4411), in which ibandronic acid demonstrated anti-fracture efficacy.



In animal models ibandronic acid produced biochemical changes indicative of dose-dependent inhibition of bone resorption, including suppression of urinary biochemical markers of bone collagen degradation (such as deoxypyridinoline, and cross-linked N-telopeptides of type I collagen (NTX)).



Both daily, intermittent (with a dose-free interval of 9 - 10 weeks per quarter) oral doses as well as intravenous doses of ibandronic acid in postmenopausal women produced biochemical changes indicative of dose-dependent inhibition of bone resorption.



Bonviva intravenous injection decreased levels of serum C-telopeptide of the alpha chain of Type I collagen (CTX) within 3 - 7 days of starting treatment and decreased levels of osteocalcin within 3 months.



Following treatment discontinuation, there is a reversion to the pathological pre-treatment rates of elevated bone resorption associated with postmenopausal osteoporosis.



The histological analysis of bone biopsies after two and three years of treatment of postmenopausal women with doses of oral ibandronic acid 2.5 mg daily and intermittent intravenous doses of up to 1 mg every 3 months showed bone of normal quality and no indication of a mineralisation defect. An expected decrease in bone turnover, normal quality of bone and absence of defects in mineralization were also seen after two years of treatment with Bonviva 3 mg injection.



Clinical efficacy



Independent risk factors, for example, low BMD, age, the existence of previous fractures, a family history of fractures, high bone turnover and low body mass index should be considered in order to identify women at increased risk of osteoporotic fractures.



Bonviva 3 mg injection every 3 months



Bone mineral density (BMD)



Bonviva 3 mg intravenous injection, administered every 3 months, was shown to be at least as effective as oral ibandronic acid 2.5 mg daily in a 2-year, randomised, double-blind, multicentre, non-inferiority study (BM16550) of postmenopausal women (1386 women aged 55 - 80) with osteoporosis (lumbar spine BMD T-score below -2.5 SD at baseline). This was demonstrated in both the primary analysis at one year and in the confirmatory analysis at two years endpoint (Table 2).



The primary analysis of data from study BM16550 at one year and the confirmatory analysis at 2 years demonstrated the non-inferiority of 3 mg every 3 months injection dosing regimen compared to 2.5 mg oral daily dosing regimen, in terms of mean increases in BMD at lumbar spine, total hip, femoral neck and trochanter (Table 2).



Table 2: Mean relative change from baseline of lumbar spine, total hip, femoral neck and trochanter BMD after one year (primary analysis) and two years of treatment (Per-Protocol Population) in study BM 16550.

































 


One year data in study BM 16550




Two year data in study BM 16550


  


Mean relative changes from baseline % [95% CI]




ibandronic acid 2.5 mg daily



(N=377)




Bonviva 3 mg injection every 3 months



(N=365)




ibandronic acid 2.5 mg daily



(N=334)




Bonviva 3 mg injection every 3 months



(N=334)




Lumbar spine L2-L4 BMD




3.8 [3.4, 4.2]




4.8 [4.5, 5.2]




4.8 [4.3, 5.4]




6.3 [5.7, 6.8]




Total hip BMD




1.8 [1.5, 2.1]




2.4 [2.0, 2.7]




2.2 [1.8, 2.6]




3.1 [2.6, 3.6]




Femoral neck BMD




1.6 [1.2, 2.0]




2.3 [1.9, 2.7]




2.2 [1.8, 2.7]




2.8 [2.3, 3.3]




Trochanter BMD




3.0 [2.6, 3.4]




3.8 [3.2, 4.4]




3.5 [3.0, 4.0]




4.9 [4.1, 5.7]



Furthermore, Bonviva 3 mg injection every 3 months was proven superior to oral ibandronic acid 2.5 mg daily for increases in lumbar spine BMD in a prospectively planned analysis at one year, p<0.001, and at two years, p<0.001.



For lumbar spine BMD, 92.1 % of patients receiving 3 mg injection every 3 months increased or maintained their BMD after 1 year of treatment (i.e. were responders) compared with 84.9 % of patients receiving oral 2.5 mg daily (p=0.002). After 2 years of treatment, 92.8 % of patients receiving 3 mg injections and 84.7 % of patient receiving 2.5 mg oral therapy had increased or maintained lumbar spine BMD (p=0.001).



For total hip BMD, 82.3 % of patients receiving 3 mg injection every 3 months were responders at one year, compared with 75.1 % of patients receiving 2.5 mg daily orally (p=0.02). After 2 years of treatment, 85.6 % of patients receiving 3 mg injections and 77.0 % of patient receiving 2.5 mg oral therapy had increased or maintained total hip BMD (p=0.004).



The proportion of patients who increased or maintained their BMD at one year at both lumbar spine and total hip was 76.2 % in the 3 mg injection every 3 months arm and 67.2 % in the 2.5 mg daily orally arm (p=0.007). At two years, 80.1 % and 68.8 % of patients met this criterion in the 3 mg every 3 months injection arm and the 2.5 mg daily arm (p=0.001).



Biochemical markers of bone turn-over



Clinically meaningful reductions in serum CTX levels were observed at all time points measured. At 12 months median relative changes from baseline were –58.6 % for the intravenous injection of 3 mg every 3 months regimen and –62.6 % for oral 2.5 mg daily regimen. In addition, 64.8 % of patients receiving 3 mg every 3 months injection were identified as responders (defined as a decrease



Based on the results of study BM 16550, Bonviva 3 mg intravenous injection, administered every 3 months is expected to be at least as effective in preventing fractures as the oral regimen of ibandronic acid 2.5 mg daily.



Ibandronic acid 2.5 mg daily tablets



In the initial three-year, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, fracture study (MF 4411), a statistically significant and medically relevant decrease in the incidence of new radiographic morphometric and clinical vertebral fractures was demonstrated (table 3). In this study, ibandronic acid was evaluated at oral doses of 2.5 mg daily and 20 mg intermittently as an exploratory regimen. Ibandronic acid was taken 60 minutes before the first food or drink of the day (post-dose fasting period). The study enrolled women aged 55 to 80 years, who were at least 5 years postmenopausal, who had a BMD at the lumbar spine of -2 to -5 SD below the premenopausal mean (T-score) in at least one vertebra [L1-L4], and who had one to four prevalent vertebral fractures. All patients received 500 mg calcium and 400 IU vitamin D daily. Efficacy was evaluated in 2,928 patients. Ibandronic acid 2.5 mg administered daily, showed a statistically significant and medically relevant reduction in the incidence of new vertebral fractures. This regimen reduced the occurrence of new radiographic vertebral fractures by 62 % (p=0.0001) over the three year duration of the study. A relative risk reduction of 61 % was observed after 2 years (p=0.0006). No statistically significant difference was attained after 1 year of treatment (p=0.056). The anti-fracture effect was consistent over the duration of the study. There was no indication of a waning of the effect over time.



The incidence of clinical vertebral fractures was also significantly reduced by 49 % after 3 years (p=0.011). The strong effect on vertebral fractures was furthermore reflected by a statistically significant reduction of height loss compared to placebo (p<0.0001).



Table 3: Results from 3 years fracture study MF 4411 (%, 95 % CI)
























 


Placebo



(N=974)




ibandronic acid 2.5 mg daily



(N=977)




Relative risk reduction



New morphometric vertebral fractures



 


62% (40.9, 75.1)




Incidence of new morphometric vertebral fractures




9.56% (7.5, 11.7)




4.68% (3.2, 6.2)




Relative risk reduction of clinical vertebral fracture



 


49%



(14.03, 69.49)




Incidence of clinical vertebral fracture




5.33% (3.73, 6.92)




2.75%



(1.61, 3.89)




BMD – mean change relative to baseline lumbar spine at year 3




1.26% (0.8, 1.7)




6.54% (6.1, 7.0)




BMD – mean change relative to baseline total hip at year 3




-0.69%



(-1.0, -0.4)




3.36%



(3.0, 3.7)



The treatment effect of ibandronic acid was further assessed in an analysis of the subpopulation of patients who, at baseline, had a lumbar spine BMD T-score below –2.5 (table 4). The vertebral fracture risk reduction was very consistent with that seen in the overall population.



Table 4: Results from 3 years fracture study MF 4411 (%, 95 % CI) for patients with lumbar spine BMD T-score below –2.5 at baseline
























 


Placebo



(N=587)




ibandronic acid 2.5 mg daily



(N=575)




Relative Risk Reduction



New morphometric vertebral fractures



 


59% (34.5, 74.3)




Incidence of new morphometric vertebral fractures




12.54% (9.53, 15.55)




5.36% (3.31, 7.41)




Relative risk reduction of clinical vertebral fracture



 


50% (9.49, 71.91)




Incidence of clinical vertebral fracture




6.97% (4.67, 9.27)




3.57% (1.89, 5.24)




BMD – mean change relative to baseline lumbar spine at year 3




1.13% (0.6, 1.7)




7.01% (6.5, 7.6)




BMD – mean change relative to baseline total hip at year 3




-0.70% (-1.1, -0.2)




3.59% (3.1, 4.1)



In the overall patient population of the study MF4411, no reduction was observed for non-vertebral fractures, however daily ibandronic acid appeared to be effective in a high-risk subpopulation (femoral neck BMD T-score < -3.0), where a non-vertebral fracture risk reduction of 69% was observed.



Daily oral treatment with ibandronic acid 2.5 mg tablets resulted in progressive increases in BMD at vertebral and nonvertebral sites of the skeleton.



Three-year lumbar spine BMD increase compared to placebo was 5.3 % and 6.5 % compared to baseline. Increases at the hip compared to baseline were 2.8 % at the femoral neck, 3.4 % at the total hip, and 5.5 % at the trochanter.



Biochemical markers of bone turnover (such as urinary CTX and serum Osteocalcin) showed the expected pattern of suppression to premenopausal levels and reached maximum suppression within a period of 3 - 6 months of using 2.5 mg ibandronic acid daily.



A clinically meaningful reduction of 50 % of biochemical markers of bone resorption was observed as early as one month after starting treatment with ibandronic acid 2.5 mg.



Paediatric population



Bonviva was not studied in the paediatric population, therefore no efficacy or safety data are available for this patient population.



5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties



The primary pharmacological effects of ibandronic acid on bone are not directly related to actual plasma concentrations, as demonstrated by various studies in animals and humans.



Plasma concentrations of ibandronic acid increase in a dose-proportional manner after intravenous administration of 0.5 mg to 6 mg.



Absorption



Not applicable



Distribution



After initial systemic exposure, ibandronic acid rapidly binds to bone or is excreted into urine. In humans, the apparent terminal volume of distribution is at least 90 l and the amount of dose reaching the bone is estimated to be 40 – 50 % of the circulating dose. Protein binding in human plasma is approximately 85 % - 87 % (determined in vitro at therapeutic ibandronic acid concentrations), and thus there is a low potential for interaction with other medicinal products due to displacement.



Biotransformation



There is no evidence that ibandronic acid is metabolised in animals or humans.



Elimination



Ibandronic acid is removed from the circulation via bone absorption (estimated to be 40 – 50 % in postmenopausal women) and the remainder is eliminated unchanged by the kidney.



The range of observed apparent half-lives is broad, the apparent terminal half-life is generally in the range of 10 - 72 hours. As the values calculated are largely a function of the duration of study, the dose used, and assay sensitivity, the true terminal half-life is likely to be substantially longer, in common with other bisphosphonates. Early plasma levels fall quickly, reaching 10 % of the peak values within 3 and 8 hours after intravenous or oral administration, respectively.



Total clearance of ibandronic acid is low with average values in the range 84 - 160 ml/min. Renal clearance (about 60 ml/min in healthy postmenopausal females) accounts for 50 – 60 % of total clearance, and is related to creatinine clearance. The difference between the apparent total and renal clearances is considered to reflect the uptake by bone.



Pharmacokinetics in special clinical situations



Gender



Pharmacokinetics of ibandronic acid are similar in men and women.



Race



There is no evidence for any clinically relevant inter-ethnic differences between Asians and Caucasians in ibandronic acid disposition. There is limited data available on patients of African origin.



Patients with renal impairment



Renal clearance of ibandronic acid in patients with various degrees of renal impairment is linearly related to creatinine clearance (CLcr).



No dose adjustment is necessary for patients with mild or moderate renal impairment (CLcr equal or above 30 ml/min).



Subjects with severe renal impairment (CLcr less than 30 ml/min) receiving daily oral administration of 10 mg ibandronic acid for 21 days, had 2 - 3 fold higher plasma concentrations than subjects with normal renal function and total clearance of ibandronic acid was 44 ml/min. After intravenous administration of 0.5 mg of ibandronic acid, total, renal, and non-renal clearances decreased by 67 %, 77 % and 50 %, respectively, in subjects with severe renal failure, but there was no reduction in tolerability associated with the increase in exposure. Due to the limited clinical experience, Bonviva is not recommended in patients with severe renal impairment (see section 4.2 and section 4.4). The pharmacokinetics of ibandronic acid in patients with end-stage renal disease was only assessed in a small number of patients managed by haemodialysis, therefore, the pharmacokinetics of ibandronic acid in the patients not undergoing haemodialysis is unknown. Due to the limited data available, ibandronic acid should not be used in all patients with end-stage renal disease.



Patients with hepatic impairment



There are no pharmacokinetic data for ibandronic acid in patients who have hepatic impairment. The liver has no significant role in the clearance of ibandronic acid, which is not metabolised but is cleared by renal excretion and by uptake into bone. Therefore dose adjustment is not necessary in patients with hepatic impairment.



Elderly population



In a multivariate analysis, age was not found to be an independent factor of any of the pharmacokinetic parameters studied. As renal function decreases with age, renal function is the only factor to take into consideration (see renal impairment section).



Paediatric population



There are no data on the use of Bonviva in these age groups.



5.3 Preclinical Safety Data



Toxic effects, e.g. signs of renal damage, were observed in dogs only at exposures considered sufficiently in excess of the maximum human exposure, indicating little relevance to clinical use.



Mutagenicity/Carcinogenicity:



No indication of carcinogenic potential was observed. Tests for genotoxicity revealed no evidence of genetic activity for ibandronic acid.



Reproductive toxicity:



Specific studies for the 3-monthly dosing regimen have not been performed. In studies with daily i.v. dosing regimen, there was no evidence for a direct foetal toxic or teratogenic effect of ibandronic acid in rats and rabbits. Body weight gain was decreased in F1 offspring in rats. In reproductive studies in rats by the oral route effects on fertility consisted of increased preimplantation losses at dose levels of 1 mg/kg/day and higher. In reproductive studies in rats by the intravenous route, ibandronic acid decreased sperm counts at doses of 0.3 and 1 mg/kg/day and decreased fertility in males at 1 mg/kg/day and in females at 1.2 mg/kg/day. Other adverse reactions to ibandronic acid in reproductive toxicity studies in the rat were those observed with bisphosphonates as a class. They include a decreased number of implantation sites, interference with natural delivery (dystocia), and an increase in visceral variations (renal pelvis ureter syndrome).



6. Pharmaceutical Particulars



6.1 List Of Excipients



Sodium chloride



Glacial acetic acid



Sodium acetate trihydrate



Water for injections



6.2 Incompatibilities



Bonviva solution for injection must not be mixed with calcium-containing solutions or other intravenously administered medicinal products.



6.3 Shelf Life



2 years.



6.4 Special Precautions For Storage



This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions.



6.5 Nature And Contents Of Container



Pre-filled syringes (5 ml) made of colourless type I glass, the grey rubber plunger stopper and tip cap are made of fluororesin-laminated butyl rubber, containing 3 ml of solution for injection.



Packs of 1 pre-filled syringe and 1 injection needle or 4 pre-filled syringes and 4 injection needles.



Not all pack sizes may be marketed.



6.6 Special Precautions For Disposal And Other Handling



Where the product is administered into an existing intravenous infusion line, the infusate should be restricted to either isotonic saline or 50 mg/ml (5 %) glucose solution. This also applies to solutions used to flush butterfly and other devices.



Any unused solution for injection, syringe and injection needle should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements. The release of pharmaceuticals in the environment should be minimized.



The following points should be strictly adhered to regarding the use and disposal of syringes and other medicinal sharps:



• Needles and syringes should never be reused.



• Place all used needles and syringes into a sharps container (puncture-proof disposable container).



• Keep this container out of the reach of children.



• Placing used sharps containers in the household waste should be avoided.



• Dispose of the full container according to local requirements or as instructed by your healthcare provider



7. Marketing Authorisation Holder



Roche Registration Limited



6 Falcon Way



Shire Park



Welwyn Garden City



AL7 1TW



United Kingdom



8. Marketing Authorisation Number(S)



EU/1/03/265/005



EU/1/03/265/006



9. Date Of First Authorisation/Renewal Of The Authorisation



23 February 2004/ 23 February 2009



10. Date Of Revision Of The Text



27th July 2011



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