Monday, September 26, 2016

Orudis 100





1. Name Of The Medicinal Product



Orudis 100


2. Qualitative And Quantitative Composition



In terms of the active ingredient



Ketoprofen 100mg



3. Pharmaceutical Form



Capsules



4. Clinical Particulars



4.1 Therapeutic Indications



Recommended in the management of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute articular and periarticular disorders, (bursitis, capsulitis, synovitis, tendinitis), cervical spondylitis, low back pain (strain, lumbago, sciatica, fibrositis), painful musculoskeletal conditions, acute gout, dysmenorrhoea and control of pain and inflammation following orthopaedic surgery.



Orudis reduces joint pain and inflammation and facilitates increase in mobility and functional independence.



It does not cure the underlying disease.



4.2 Posology And Method Of Administration



Oral dosage 50 - 100mg twice daily, morning and evening, depending on patient's weight and on the severity of symptoms.



The maximum daily dose is 200mg. The balance of risks and benefits should be carefully considered before commencing treatment with 200mg daily, and higher doses are not recommended (see also section 4.4).



Best results are obtained by titrating dosage to suit each patient: start with a low dosage in mild chronic disease and a high dosage in acute or severe disease. Some patients derive greater benefit by treatment with capsules only, some with a combined capsule/suppository regimen and others with a higher dosage at night time than at early morning. Where patients require a maximum oral dosage initially, an attempt should be made to reduce this dosage for maintenance since lower dosage might be better tolerated for purposes of long-term treatment.



Elderly: The elderly are at increased risk of the serious consequences of adverse reactions. If an NSAID is considered necessary, the lowest effective dose should be used and for the shortest possible duration. The patient should be monitored regularly for GI bleeding during NSAID therapy.



Paediatric dosage: Not established.



To limit occurrence of gastrointestinal disturbance, capsules should always be taken with food (milk, meals).



Undesirable effects may be minimised by using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms (see section 4.4).



4.3 Contraindications



Ketoprofen is contraindicated in patients who have a history of hypersensitivity reactions such as bronchospasm, asthmatic attacks, rhinitis, angioedema, urticaria or other allergic-type reactions to ketoprofen, any other ingredients in this medicine, ASA or other NSAIDs. Severe, rarely fatal, anaphylactic reactions have been reported in such patients (see section 4.8 Undesirable effects).



Ketoprofen is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to any of the excipients of the drug.



Ketoprofen is also contraindicated in the third trimester of pregnancy.



Ketoprofen is contraindicated in the following cases:



- severe heart failure



- active or history of recurrent peptic ulcer/haemorrhage (two or more distinct episodes of proven ulceration or bleeding)



- history of gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation, related to previous NSAIDs therapy



- haemorrhagic diathesis



- severe hepatic insufficiency



- severe renal insufficiency



- third trimester of pregnancy



Disease in children (safety/dosage during long-term treatment has not been established).



4.4 Special Warnings And Precautions For Use



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



Undesirable effects may be minimised by using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms (see section 4.2 Posology and method of administration, and GI and cardiovascular risks below).



The use of ketoprofen with concomitant NSAIDs including cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitors should be avoided (see section 4.5 Interactions).



Elderly:



The elderly have an increased risk of adverse reactions to NSAIDs, especially gastrointestinal bleeding and perforation which may be fatal (see Section 4.2 Posology and method of administration).



Cardiovascular, Renal and Hepatic impairment:



At the start of treatment, renal function must be carefully monitored in patients with heart impairment, heart failure, liver dysfunction, cirrhosis and nephrosis, in patients receiving diuretic therapy, in patients with chronic renal impairment, particularly if the patient is elderly. In these patients, administration of ketoprofen may induce a reduction in renal blood flow caused by prostaglandin inhibition and lead to renal decomposition. (see Section 4.3 Contra-indications).



NSAIDs have also been reported to cause nephrotoxicity in various forms and this can lead to interstitial nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and renal failure.



In patients with abnormal liver function tests or with a history of liver disease, transaminase levels should be evaluated periodically, particularly during long-term therapy. Rare cases of jaundice and hepatitis have been described with ketoprofen.



Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular effects



Appropriate monitoring and advice are required for patients with a history of hypertension and/or mild to moderate congestive heart failure as fluid retention and oedema have been reported in association with NSAID therapy.



Clinical trial and epidemiological data suggest that use of some NSAIDs (particularly at high doses and in long-term treatment) may be associated with a small increased risk of arterial thrombotic events (for example myocardial infarction or stroke). There are insufficient data to exclude such a risk for ketoprofen.



Patients with uncontrolled hypertension, congestive heart failure, established ischaemic heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, and/or cerebrovascular disease should only be treated with ketoprofen after careful consideration. Similar consideration should be made before initiating long-term treatment in patients with risk factors for cardiovascular disease (e.g. hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes mellitus, smoking).



Respiratory disorders:



Patients with asthma combined with chronic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, and/or nasal polyposis have a higher risk of allergy to aspirin and/or NSAIDs than the rest of the population. Administration of this medicinal product can cause asthma attacks or bronchospasm, particularly in subjects allergic to aspirin or NSAIDs (see section 4.3).



Gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration and perforation:



GI bleeding, ulceration or perforation, which can be fatal, has been reported with all NSAIDs at any time during treatment, with or without warning symptoms or a previous history of serious GI events.



Some epidemiological evidence suggests that ketoprofen may be associated with a high risk of serious gastrointestinal toxicity, relative to some other NSAIDs, especially at high doses (see also section 4.2 and 4.3).



The risk of GI bleeding, ulceration or perforation is higher with increasing NSAlD doses, in patients with a history of ulcer, particularly if complicated with haemorrhage or perforation (see section 4.3), and in the elderly. These patients should commence treatment on the lowest dose available. Combination therapy with protective agents (e.g. misoprostol or proton pump inhibitors) should be considered for these patients, and also for patients requiring concomitant low dose aspirin, or other drugs likely to increase gastrointestinal risk (see below and section 4.5).



NSAIDs should only be given with care to patients with a history of gastrointestinal disease (e.g. ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease) as these conditions may be exacerbated (see Section 4.8 Undesirable effects).



Patients with a history of gastrointestinal toxicity, particularly when elderly, should report any unusual abdominal symptoms (especially GI bleeding), particularly in the initial stages of treatment.



Caution should be advised in patients receiving concomitant medications which could increase the risk of ulceration or bleeding, such as corticosteroids, or anticoagulants such as warfarin, selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors or anti-platelet agents such as aspirin (see Section 4.5).



When GI bleeding or ulceration occurs in patients receiving ketoprofen, the treatment should be withdrawn.



SLE and mixed connective tissue disease:



In patients with systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE) and mixed connective tissue disorders, there may be an increased risk of aseptic meningitis (see Section 4.8 Undesirable effects).



Female fertility:



The use of ketoprofen, as with other NSAIDs, may impair female fertility and is not recommended in women attempting to conceive. In women who have difficulty conceiving or who are undergoing investigation of infertility, withdrawal of ketoprofen should be considered.



Skin reactions:



Serious skin reactions, some of them fatal, including exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis, have been reported very rarely in association with the use of NSAIDs. Patients appear to be at highest risk of these reactions early in the course of therapy, the onset of the reaction occurring in the majority of cases within the first month of treatment. Treatment should be discontinued at the first appearance of skin rash, mucosal lesions, or any other sign of hypersensitivity.



Infectious disease:



As with other NSAIDs, in the presence of an infectious disease, it should be noted that the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and the antipyretic properties of ketoprofen may mask the usual signs of infection progression such as fever.



Visual disturbances:



If visual disturbances such as blurred vision occur, treatment should be discontinued.



Patients with active or a past history of peptic ulcer.



4.5 Interaction With Other Medicinal Products And Other Forms Of Interaction



Anticoagulants (heparin and warfarin) and platelet aggregation inhibitors (i.e. ticlopidine, clopidogrel):



Increased risk of bleeding (see section 4.4).



If coadministration is unavoidable, patient should be closely monitored.



Lithium:



Risk of elevation of lithium plasma levels, sometimes reaching toxic levels due to decreased lithium renal excretion. Where necessary, plasma lithium levels should be closely monitored and the lithium dosage levels adjusted during and after NSAIDs therapy.



Other analgesics/NSAIDs (including cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitors) and high dose salicylates:



Avoid concomitant use of two or more NSAIDs (including aspirin) as this may increase the risk of adverse effects, particularly gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding. (see Section 4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use).



Methotrexate:



Serious interactions have been recorded after the use of high dose methotrexate with NSAIDs, including ketoprofen, due to decreased elimination of methotrexate. At doses greater than 15mg/week:



Increased risk of haematologic toxicity of methotrexate, particularly if administered at high doses (> 15 mg/week), possibly related to displacement of protein-bound methotrexate and to its decreased renal clearance. At doses lower than 15mg/week: During the first weeks of combination treatment, full blood count should be monitored weekly. If there is any alteration of the renal function or if the patient is elderly, monitoring should be done more frequently.



Mifepristone:



NSAIDs should not be used for 8-12 days after mifepristone administration as NSAIDs can reduce the effect of mifepristone.



Pentoxifylline:



There is an increased risk of bleeding. More frequent clinical monitoring and monitoring of bleeding time is required.



Antihypertensive agents (beta blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, diuretics):



Risk of decreased antihypertensive potency (inhibition of vasodilator prostaglandins by NSAIDs)



Diuretics:



Risk of reduced diuretic effect. Patients and particularly dehydrated patients taking diuretics are at a greater risk of developing renal failure secondary to a decrease in renal blood flow caused by prostaglandin inhibition. Such patients should be rehydrated before initiating coadministration therapy and renal function monitored when the treatment is started (see section 4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use).



Cardiac glycosides:



NSAIDs may exacerbate cardiac failure, reduce GFR and increase plasma glycoside levels.



Ciclosporin:



Increased risk of nephrotoxicity, particularly in elderly subjects.



Corticosteroids:



Increased risk of gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding. (see Section 4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use).



Quinolone antibiotics:



Animal data indicate that NSAIDs can increase the risk of convulsions associated with quinolone antibiotics. Patients taking NSAIDs and quinolones may have an increased risk of developing convulsions.



Tacrolimus:



Possible increased risk of nephrotoxicity when NSAIDs are given with tacrolimus, particularly in elderly subjects.



Thrombolytics:



Increased risk of bleeding.



Probenecid:



Concomitant administration of probenecid may markedly reduce the plasma clearance of ketoprofen.



Anti-platelet agents and Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (section 4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use).



ACE inhibitors and Angiotensin II Antagonists:



In patients with compromised renal function (e.g. dehydrated patients or elderly patients the co-administration of an ACE inhibitor or Angiotensin II antagonist and agents that inhibit cyclooxygenase may result in further deterioration of renal function, including possible acute renal failure.



Zidovudine:



Increased risk of haematological toxicity when NSAlDs are given with zidovudine. There is evidence of an increased risk of haemarthroses and haematoma in HIV(+) haemophiliacs receiving concurrent treatment with zidovudine and ibuprofen.



4.6 Pregnancy And Lactation



Pregnancy



Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis may adversely affect the pregnancy and/or the embryo/foetal development. Data from epidemiological studies suggest an increased risk of miscarriage and of cardiac malformation and gastroschisis after use of a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor in early pregnancy. The absolute risk for cardiovascular malformation was increased from less than 1%, up to approximately 1.5%. The risk is believed to increase with dose and duration of therapy. In animals, administration of a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor has been shown to result in increased pre- and post-implantation loss and embryo-foetal lethality. In addition, increased incidences of various malformations, including cardiovascular, have been reported in animals given a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor during the organogenetic period. During the first and second trimester of pregnancy, ketoprofen should not be given unless clearly necessary. If ketoprofen is used by a woman attempting to conceive, or during the first and second trimester of pregnancy, the dose should be kept as low and duration of treatment as short as possible.



During the third trimester of pregnancy, all prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors may expose the foetus to:



- cardiopulmonary toxicity (with premature closure of the ductus arteriosus and pulmonary hypertension);



- renal dysfunction, which may progress to renal failure with oligo-hydroamniosis; the mother and the neonate, at the end of the pregnancy, to:



- possible prolongation of bleeding time, an anti-aggregating effect which may occur even at very low doses.



- Inhibition of uterine contractions resulting in delayed or prolonged labour.



Consequently, ketoprofen is contraindicated during the third trimester of pregnancy.



Lactation



No data are available on excretion of ketoprofen in human milk. Ketoprofen is not recommended in nursing mothers.



4.7 Effects On Ability To Drive And Use Machines



Patients should be warned about the potential for somnolence, dizziness or convulsions, drowsiness, fatigue and visual disturbances and be advised not to drive or operate machinery if these symptoms occur.



4.8 Undesirable Effects



The following CIOMS frequency rating is used, when applicable:



Very common (



The following adverse reactions have been reported with Ketoprofen in adults:



Blood and lymphatic system disorders



- rare: haemorrhagic anaemia, anaemia due to bleeding



- not known: agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, bone marrow failure, neutropenia



Immune system disorders



- rare: anaphylactic reactions (including shock)



Psychiatric disorders



- not known: mood altered



Nervous system disorders



- uncommon: headache, dizziness, somnolence



- rare: paraesthesia



- not known: convulsions, dysgeusia, depression, confusion, hallucinations, vertigo, malaise, drowsiness, reports of aseptic meningitis (especially in patients with existing auto-immune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosis, mixed connective tissue disease) with symptoms such as stiff neck, headache, nausea, vomiting, fever or disorientation (see section 4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use).



Eye disorders



- rare: visual disturbances such as blurred vision (see section 4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use)



- not known: optic neuritis



Ear and labyrinth disorders



- rare: tinnitus



Cardiac disorders



- not known: heart failure, oedema



Vascular disorders



- not known: hypertension, vasodilatation



Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders



- rare: asthma, asthmatic attack



- not known: bronchospasm (particularly in patients with known hypersensitivity to ASA and other NSAIDs), rhinitis, non-specific allergic reactions, dyspnoea



Gastrointestinal disorders



- common: dyspepsia, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting



- uncommon: constipation, diarrhoea, flatulence, gastritis



- rare: stomatitis, peptic ulcer



- very rare: pancreatitis (very rare reports of pancreatitis have been noted with NSAIDs)



- not known: exacerbation of colitis and Crohn's disease, gastrointestinal haemorrhage and perforation, gastralgia, melaena, haematemesis



Gastrointestinal bleeding may sometimes be fatal, particularly in the elderly (see section 4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use).



Hepatobiliary disorders



- rare: hepatitis, transaminases increased, elevated serum bilirubin due to hepatitis disorders



- not known: abnormal liver function, jaundice



Skin and subcutaneous disorders



- uncommon: rash, pruritis



- not known: photosensitivity reactions, alopecia, urticaria, angioedema, bullous eruption including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, exfoliative and bullous dermatoses (including epidermal necrolysis, erythema multiforme), purpura



Renal and urinary disorders



- not known: renal failure acute, tubulointerstitial nephritis, nephritic syndrome, renal function tests abnormal



General disorders and administration site conditions



- uncommon: oedema, fatigue



- not known: headache, taste perversion



Investigations



- rare: weight increased



Clinical trial and epidemiological data suggest that use of some NSAIDs (particularly at high doses and in long term treatment) may be associated with an increased risk of arterial thrombotic events (for example myocardial infarction or stroke) (see section 4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use).



In all cases of major adverse effects Orudis should be withdrawn at once.



4.9 Overdose



Symptoms



Cases of overdose have been reported with doses up to 2.5g of ketoprofen. In most instances, the symptoms observed have been benign and limited to lethargy, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting and epigastric pain. Headache, rarely diarrhoea, disorientation, excitation, coma, dizziness, tinnitus, fainting, occasionally convulsions may also occur. Adverse effects seen after overdose with propionic acid derivatives such as hypotension, bronchospasm and gastro-intestinal haemorrhage should be anticipated.



In cases of significant poisoning, acute renal failure and liver damage are possible.



If renal failure is present, haemodialysis may be useful to remove circulating medicinal product.



Therapeutic measures:



There are no specific antidotes to ketoprofen overdosages. In cases of suspected massive overdosages, a gastric lavage is recommended and symptomatic and supportive treatment should be instituted to compensate for dehydration, to monitor urinary excretion and to correct acidosis, if present.



Within one hour of ingestion, consideration should be given to administering activated charcoal.



Alternatively, in adults, gastric lavage should be considered if the patient presents within 1 hour of ingesting a potentially toxic amount.



Good urine output should be ensured.



Renal and liver function should be closely monitored.



Patients should be observed for at least four hours after ingestion of potentially toxic amounts.



Frequent or prolonged convulsions should be treated with intravenous diazepam.



The benefit of gastric decontamination is uncertain.



Other measures may be indicated by the patient's clinical condition.



5. Pharmacological Properties



5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties



Ketoprofen overall has the properties of a potent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent. It has the following pharmacological effects.



Anti-inflammatory



It inhibits the development of carageenan-induced abscesses in rats at 1mg/kg and UV-radiation induced erythema in guinea pigs at 6mg/kg. It is also a potent inhibitor of PGE2 and PGF synthesis in guinea pigs and human chopped lung preparations.



Analgesic



Ketoprofen effectively reduced visceral pain in mice caused by phenyl benzoquinone or by bradykinin following P.O. administration at about 6mg/kg.



Antipyretic



Ketoprofen (2 and 6mg/kg) inhibited hyperthermia caused by s.c. injection of brewer's yeast in rats and, at 1mg/kg, hyperthermia caused by i.v. administration of antigonococcal vaccine to rabbits.



Ketoprofen at 10mg/kg i.v. did not affect the cardiovascular, respiratory, central nervous system or autonomic nervous systems.



5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties



Ketoprofen is completely absorbed from Orudis capsules and maximum plasma concentrations occur after ½ - 1 hour. It declines thereafter with a elimination half-life of about 2 - 3 hours. There is no accumulation on continued daily dosing.



5.3 Preclinical Safety Data



No additional data of relevance to the prescriber



6. Pharmaceutical Particulars



6.1 List Of Excipients











Lactose




Magnesium Stearate



 


Capsule shells




Red Iron Oxide




Titanium Dioxide (E171)




Gelatin



6.2 Incompatibilities



None stated.



6.3 Shelf Life



60 months



6.4 Special Precautions For Storage



Store in a dry place below 25°C. Protect from light.



6.5 Nature And Contents Of Container



Cardboard carton containing blister packs of 56 capsules



6.6 Special Precautions For Disposal And Other Handling



None stated



7. Marketing Authorisation Holder



Sanofi-aventis



One Onslow Street



Guildford



Surrey



GU1 4YS



UK



8. Marketing Authorisation Number(S)



PL 04425/0577



9. Date Of First Authorisation/Renewal Of The Authorisation



09/10/2006



10. Date Of Revision Of The Text



11 May 2011



11. LEGAL CLASSIFICATION


POM




Olanzapin-Heumann




Olanzapin-Heumann may be available in the countries listed below.


Ingredient matches for Olanzapin-Heumann



Olanzapine

Olanzapine is reported as an ingredient of Olanzapin-Heumann in the following countries:


  • Germany

International Drug Name Search

Ovranette 150 / 30 micrograms Coated Tablets






Ovranette 150/30 micrograms Coated Tablets


levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol



Five important things to know about the Pill.


  • The Pill is a reliable contraceptive and may reduce your risk of cancer of the ovary and womb if used in the long term.

  • The Pill will not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases.

  • This medicine can increase your risk of problems such as blood clots and breast cancer.

  • Some women should not take the Pill because of current medical problems or illnesses. Please read this leaflet to make sure Ovranette is right for you.

  • To prevent pregnancy it is important to take Ovranette as instructed and start each pack on time. Please make sure that you understand what to do if you miss a pill or if you think you are pregnant.



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 questions or need more advice, ask your doctor, family planning nurse or pharmacist.

  • This medicine has been prescribed for you. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them.


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



In this leaflet:



  • 1. What Ovranette does


  • 2. Make sure Ovranette is OK for you


  • 3. Taking Ovranette


  • 3.3 A missed pill


  • 4. Possible side effects


  • 5. How to store Ovranette


  • 6. What is in Ovranette and who makes it




What Ovranette Does


Ovranette is a combined oral contraceptive pill (‘the Pill’). You take it to stop you getting pregnant.


Your doctor may also prescribe Ovranette for some other conditions such as pre-menstrual tension, or for heavy, painful or irregular bleeding.


This contraceptive contains two types of female sex hormones, estrogen and progestogen. These hormones prevent an egg being released from your ovaries so you can’t get pregnant. Also, Ovranette makes the fluid (mucus) in your cervix thicker which makes it more difficult for sperm to enter the womb.


Ovranette is a 21-day pill – you take one each day for 21 days, followed by 7 days when you take no pills.



The benefits of taking the Pill include:


  • it is one of the most reliable reversible methods of contraception if used correctly

  • it doesn’t interrupt sex

  • it usually makes your periods regular, lighter and less painful

  • it may help with pre-menstrual symptoms.

Ovranette will not protect you against sexually transmitted infections, such as Chlamydia or HIV. Only condoms can help to do this.



Ovranette needs to be taken as directed to prevent pregnancy.





Make sure Ovranette is OK for you


It’s important that you understand the benefits and risks of taking the Pill before you start taking it, or when deciding whether to carry on taking it. Although the Pill is suitable for most healthy women it isn’t suitable for everyone.



  • Tell your doctor if you have any of the illnesses or risk factors mentioned in this leaflet.


Before you start taking the Pill


  • Your doctor will ask about you and your family’s medical problems and check your blood pressure. You may also need other checks, such as a breast examination.


While you’re on the Pill


  • You will need regular check-ups with your doctor or family planning nurse, usually when you need another prescription of the Pill.

  • You should go for regular cervical smear tests.


  • Check you breasts and nipples every month for changes – tell your doctor if you can see or feel anything odd, such as lumps or dimpling of the skin.


  • If you need a blood test tell your doctor that you are taking the Pill, because the Pill can affect the results of some tests.


  • If you’re going to have an operation, make sure your doctor knows about it. You may need to stop taking the Pill about 4–6 weeks before the operation. This is to reduce the risk of a blood clot (see section 2.1). Your doctor will tell you when you can start taking the Pill again.


1 The Pill and blood clots



The Pill may slightly increase your risk of having a blood clot (called a thrombosis), especially in the first year of taking it.


A clot in a leg vein – a deep vein thrombosis (or DVT) – is not always serious. However, if it moves up the veins to the lungs, it can cause chest pain, breathlessness, collapse or even death. This is called a ‘pulmonary embolism’ and is very rare.



Your chances of having a blood clot are only increased slightly by taking the Pill.


  • Of 100,000 women who are not on the Pill and not pregnant, about 5 will have a blood clot in a year.

  • Of 100,000 women taking a Pill such as Ovranette, about 15 will have a blood clot in a year.

  • Of 100,000 women who are pregnant, around 60 will have a blood clot in a year.


You are more at risk of having a blood clot in your veins:


  • as you get older

  • if you are seriously overweight

  • if you or any of your close family have had blood clots

  • if you have any blood clotting problem that needs treatment with a medicine such as warfarin

  • if you have certain rare medical conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

  • if you’re off your feet for a long time because of major surgery, injury or illness

  • if you have had one or more miscarriages

  • if you have recently had a baby.


  • Tell your doctor if any of these risk factors apply to you. Taking the Pill may add to this risk so Ovranette may not be suitable for you.


Signs of a blood clot include:



  • painful swelling in your leg

  • sudden chest pain


  • difficulty breathing.


  • See a doctor as soon as possible. Do not take any more Ovranette until your doctor says you can. Use another method of contraception, such as condoms, in the meantime.

Very rarely, blood clots can also form in the blood vessels of the heart (causing a heart attack) or the brain (causing a stroke). In healthy young women the chance of having a heart attack or stroke is extremely small.



You are more at risk of having a heart attack or stroke:


  • as you get older

  • if you have high blood pressure

  • if you smoke

  • if you have an irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation)

  • if you have certain rare medical conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

  • if you or someone in your close family has had a heart attack or stroke at a young age

  • if you have migraines

  • if you have diabetes.


  • Tell your doctor if any of these risk factors apply to you. Taking the Pill may add to this risk so Ovranette may not be suitable for you.


Signs of a heart attack or stroke include:


  • sudden sharp pains in your chest which may reach your left arm

  • sudden weakness or numbness in one side or part of your body

  • if you have a migraine for the first time or any migraine that is worse than normal

  • any sudden changes to your eyesight (such as loss of vision or blurred vision)

  • dizziness, fainting, collapse or seizures.


  • See a doctor as soon as possible. Do not take any more Ovranette until your doctor says you can. Use another method of contraception, such as condoms, in the meantime.



2 The Pill and cancer


The Pill reduces your risk of cancer of the ovary and womb if used in the long term. However, it also seems to slightly increase your risk of cancer of the cervix – although this may be due to having sex without a condom, rather than the Pill. All women should have regular smear tests.


If you have breast cancer, or have had it in the past, you should not take the Pill. The Pill slightly increases your risk of breast cancer. This risk goes up the longer you’re on the Pill, but returns to normal within about 10 years of stopping it. Because breast cancer is rare in women under the age of 40, the extra cases of breast cancer in current and recent Pill users is small. For example:


  • Of 10,000 women who have never taken the Pill, about 16 will have breast cancer by the time they are 35 years old.

  • Of 10,000 women who take the Pill for 5 years in their early twenties, about 17–18 will have breast cancer by the time they are 35 years old.

  • Of 10,000 women who have never taken the Pill, about 100 will have breast cancer by the time they are 45 years old.

  • Of 10,000 women who take the Pill for 5 years in their early thirties, about 110 will have breast cancer by the time they are 45 years old.


Your risk of breast cancer is higher:


  • if you have a close relative (mother, sister or grandmother) who has had breast cancer

  • if you are seriously overweight.


  • See a doctor as soon as possible if you notice any changes in your breasts, such as dimpling of the skin, changes in the nipple or any lumps you can see or feel.

Taking the Pill has also been linked to liver diseases, such as jaundice and non-cancer liver tumours, but this is rare. Very rarely, the Pill has also been linked with some forms of liver cancer in women who have taken it for a long time.



  • See a doctor as soon as possible if you get severe pain in your stomach, or yellow skin or eyes (jaundice). You may need to stop taking Ovranette.



3 Ovranette should not be taken by some women



  • Tell your doctor or family planning nurse if you have any medical problems or illnesses.


Do not take Ovranette if any of the following apply to you. Taking Ovranette would put your health at risk.


  • If you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant or breast-feeding

  • If you have cancer affected by sex hormones – such as some cancers of the breast, womb lining or ovary

  • If you have vaginal bleeding that has not been explained by your doctor

  • If you have excessive thickening of the womb lining

  • If you or anyone in your close family has ever had a problem with their blood circulation. This includes a blood clot (thrombosis) in the legs (deep vein thrombosis), lungs (pulmonary embolism), heart (heart attack), brain (stroke), hypertension (high blood pressure) or any other parts of the body

  • If you have any condition which makes you more at risk of a blood clot (thrombosis – see section 2.1, The Pill and blood clots)

  • If you have high fat levels in your blood (high cholesterol or triglyceride levels)

  • If you have ever had a severe liver disease

  • If you have had any of the following problems while pregnant or while using steroids:

    • itching of the whole body (pruritus)
    • jaundice which was not caused by infection
    • a blister-like rash, called pemphigoid gestationis
    • a hearing problem called otosclerosis

  • If you have the disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

  • If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to any of the ingredients in Ovranette (see section 6, What is in Ovranette).


  • If you suffer from any of these, or get them for the first time while taking Ovranette, contact your doctor as soon as possible. You should not take Ovranette.



4 Ovranette can make some illnesses worse


Some of the conditions listed below can be made worse by taking the Pill. Or they may mean it is less suitable for you. You may still be able to take Ovranette but you need to take special care and have check-ups more often.


  • If you have problems with your heart, circulation or blood clotting, such as heart disease, high blood pressure or sickle cell disease (a type of anaemia)

  • If you have diabetes

  • If you have any gynaecological problems, such as fibroids or endometriosis

  • If you have ever had kidney or liver problems, or have had gallstones in the past

  • If you have had severe depression

  • If you have had epilepsy or migraines

  • If you have brown patches on your face or body (chloasma)

  • If you have varicose veins

  • If you have multiple sclerosis

  • If you have a metabolism disorder known as porphyria

  • If you have calcium deficiency with muscle cramps (tetany)

  • If you have asthma

  • If you have problems wearing contact lenses.


  • Tell your doctor or family planning nurse if any of these apply to you. Also tell them if you get any of these for the first time while taking the Pill, or if any get worse or come back, because you may need to stop taking Ovranette.



5 Taking other medicines


If you ever need to take another medicine at the same time as being on the Pill, always tell your doctor, pharmacist or dentist that you’re taking Ovranette. Also check the leaflets that come with all your medicines to see if they can be taken with hormonal contraceptives.



Some medicines can stop Ovranette from working properly – for example:



  • some medicines used to treat epilepsy


  • some medicines used to treat tuberculosis


  • some medicines used to treat HIV or AIDS


  • certain antibiotics


  • certain sedatives (called ‘barbiturates’)


  • St. John’s wort (a herbal remedy).

If you do need to take one of these medicines, Ovranette may not be suitable for you or you may need to use extra contraception for a while. Your doctor, pharmacist or dentist can tell you if this is necessary and for how long.



Ovranette can also affect how well other medicines work. For example, if you have diabetes, you may need to take more insulin or other anti-diabetic drugs while you take Ovranette. Your doctor will tell you if this is necessary. You should also tell your doctor if you have been prescribed the medicine called metyrapone, which is used to treat Cushings syndrome (overactive adrenal gland). Ovranette may also interfere with the way this drug works.




6 Taking Ovranette with food and drink


There are no special instructions about food and drink while on Ovranette.




7 Pregnancy and breast-feeding



Do not use Ovranette if you are pregnant. If you think you might be pregnant, do a pregnancy test to confirm that you are before you stop taking Ovranette.



If you are breast-feeding, your doctor or family planning nurse may advise you not to take Ovranette. Talk to them about alternative contraception. Breast-feeding will not stop you getting pregnant.




8 Driving and using machines


Ovranette has no known effect on the ability to drive or use machines.




9 Ovranette contains lactose and sucrose


If you have been told by your doctor that you have intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before using Ovranette.





Taking Ovranette



1 How to take it


To prevent pregnancy, always take Ovranette as described below. Check with your doctor or family planning nurse if you are not sure.



Take Ovranette every day for 21 days


Ovranette comes in strips of 21 pills, each marked with a day of the week.


  • Take your pill at the same time every day.

  • Start by taking a pill marked with the correct day of the week.

  • Follow the direction of the arrows on the strip. Take one pill each day, until you have finished all 21 pills.

  • Swallow each pill whole, with water if necessary. Do not chew the pill.


Then have seven pill-free days


After you have taken all 21 pills in the strip, you have seven days when you take no pills. So if you take the last pill of one pack on a Friday, you will take the first pill of your next pack on the Saturday of the following week.


Within a few days of taking the last pill from the strip, you should have a withdrawal bleed like a period. This bleed may not have finished when it is time to start your next strip of pills.


You don’t need to use extra contraception during these seven pill-free days – as long as you have taken your pills correctly and start the next strip of pills on time.



Then start your next strip


Start taking your next strip of Ovranette after the seven pill-free days – even if you are still bleeding. Always start the new strip on time.


As long as you take Ovranette correctly, you will always start each new strip on the same day of the week.




2 Starting Ovranette



As a new user or starting the Pill again after a break



Either take your first Ovranette pill on the first day of your next period. By starting in this way, you will have contraceptive protection with your first pill.



Or start taking Ovranette on any other day of your period. You must also use extra contraception, such as condoms, until you have taken the first seven pills correctly.



Changing to Ovranette from another contraceptive Pill



If you are currently on a 21-day Pill: start Ovranette the next day after the end of the previous strip. You will have contraceptive protection with your first pill. You will not have a bleed until after your first strip of Ovranette.



If you are currently on a 28-day Pill: start taking Ovranette the day after your last active pill. You will have contraceptive protection with your first pill. You will not have a bleed until after your first strip of Ovranette.



If you are taking a progestogen-only Pill (POP or “mini Pill”): start Ovranette on the first day of bleeding, even if you have already taken the progestogen-only Pill for that day. You will have contraceptive cover straight away.



Starting Ovranette after a miscarriage or abortion


If you have had a miscarriage or an abortion during the first three months of pregnancy, your doctor may tell you to start taking Ovranette straight away. This means that you will have contraceptive protection with your first pill.


If you have had a miscarriage or an abortion after the third month of pregnancy, ask your doctor for advice. You may need to use extra contraception, such as condoms, for a short time.



Contraception after having a baby


You can start using Ovranette after 21 days if you are not breast-feeding and had a vaginal delivery with no complications and you are fully mobile.


If the pill is started later than 21 days after delivery, then alternative contraception, such as condoms, should be used until oral contraception is started and for the first 7 days of pill taking. If unprotected intercourse has taken place after 21 days of delivery, then oral contraception should not be started until the first period after childbirth.


Your doctor or family planning clinic can provide further advice about contraception.




3 A missed pill


If you miss a pill, follow these instructions:



If you are less than 12 hours late in taking your pill:


- Take the delayed pill straight away and further pills as usual. This may mean taking two pills in one day


- Don’t worry your contraceptive protection should not be reduced.


If you are more than 12 hours late or you’ve missed more than one pill:


- Take the most recently missed pill straight away.


- Leave any earlier missed pills in the strip.


- Take your further pills as usual. This may mean taking two pills in one day.


- Use extra precautions (condoms, for instance) for the next 7 days.


- Check how many pills are left in the strip after the most recently missed pill and follow the instructions given below.


If you have 7 or more pills left in the pack:


- Don’t forget to use extra precautions for the next 7 days.


- When you have finished the strip, leave the usual 7-day break before starting the next strip.


- If you have missed one or more pills from the first week of your strip (days 1 to 7) and you had sex in that week, you could become pregnant. Contact your doctor, family planning nurse of pharmacist for advice as soon as possible. They may recommend you use emergency contraception.


If you have fewer than 7 pills left in the pack:


- Don’t forget to use extra precautions for the next 7 days.


- When you finish the strip of pills, start the next strip the next day without a break.


- If you do not have a withdrawal bleed after you have finished the second strip, do a pregnancy test before starting another strip.


- If you missed one of more pills in the first week of your strip (days 1 to 7) and you had sex in that week, you could become pregnant. Contact your doctor, family planning nurse or pharmacist for advice as soon as possible.



If you have missed any of the pills in a strip, and you do not bleed in the first pill-free break, you may be pregnant. Contact your doctor or family planning clinic, or do a pregnancy test yourself.


If you start a new strip of pills late, or make your ‘week off’ longer than seven days, you may not be protected from pregnancy. If you had sex in the last seven days, ask your doctor, family planning nurse or pharmacist for advice. You may need to consider emergency contraception. You should also use extra contraception, such as a condom, for seven days.




4 If you are sick or have diarrhoea


If you are sick (vomit) or have very bad diarrhoea, your body may not get its usual dose of hormones from that pill. Continue to take your next pills at your usual time. Use extra contraception, such as condoms, while you are ill and for the next seven days after you are better. Follow the instructions for if you are more than 12 hours late – see section 3.3, A missed pill.



  • Talk to your doctor if your stomach upset carries on or gets worse. He or she may recommend another form of contraception.



5 Missed a period – could you be pregnant?


Occasionally, you may miss a withdrawal bleed. This could mean that you are pregnant, but that is very unlikely if you have taken your pills correctly. If you think that you might have put yourself at risk of pregnancy (for example, by missing pills or taking other medicines) you should do a pregnancy test before you start your next pack. You can buy these from the chemist or get a free test at your family planning clinic or doctors surgery. If you are pregnant, stop taking Ovranette and see your doctor.




6 Taking more than one pill should not cause harm


It is unlikely that taking more than one pill will do you any harm, but you should talk to your doctor as soon as possible.




7 Taking Ovranette for something other than contraception


Your doctor may have prescribed Ovranette for something other than contraception and at a different daily dose. The usual doses are:



  • Painful menstruation (dysmenhorrea) or premenstrual tension: The same dose is used as for oral contraception (see 3.1, How to take it). You take a pill every day for 21 days, then have a seven day break (when you take no pills) before starting your next pack.


  • Endometriosis: You take two pills every day continuously without any breaks.


  • Bleeding of the womb (uterus): You take two pills every day for 21 days, then have a 7 day break. For the first month or two, your doctor may ask you to take 4 or 5 pills a day. However, if the bleeding from your womb is more serious, your doctor may ask you to take 4 pills immediately, then 4-8 pills daily until the bleeding is controlled.




Possible side effects


Like all medicines, Ovranette can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.



  • Tell your doctor, pharmacist or family planning nurse if you are worried about any side effects which you think may be due to Ovranette.


1 Serious side effects – see a doctor straight away



Signs of a blood clot in a vein include:



  • painful swelling in your leg

  • sudden chest pain


  • difficulty breathing.


Signs of heart attack or stroke include:


  • a migraine for the first time, or a migraine that is worse than normal

  • any sudden changes to your eyesight (such as loss of vision or blurred vision)

  • problems with speech (such as slurred speech or difficulty talking)

  • sudden weakness or numbness in one side or part of your body

  • sudden sharp pains in your chest which may reach your left arm

  • dizziness, fainting or seizures

  • sharp pains in your stomach.


Signs of a severe allergic reaction to Ovranette:



  • swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat.


Signs of breast cancer include:



  • dimpling of the skin


  • changes in the nipple

  • any lumps you can see or feel.


Signs of cancer of the cervix include:



  • vaginal discharge that smells and contains blood

  • unusual vaginal bleeding


  • pelvic pain


  • painful sex.


Signs of severe liver problems include:


  • severe pain in your upper abdomen


  • yellow skin or eyes (jaundice).


  • If you think you may have any of these, see a doctor straight away. You may need to stop taking Ovranette.



2 Other possible side effects



  • changes to blood pressure such as swollen ankles, hands or feet (but if your blood pressure increases severely or suddenly, or you faint, see a doctor as soon as possible)


  • headache (but if it is severe, or the headache is unusual or long lasting, see a doctor as soon as possible)


  • weight gain


  • weight loss


  • sore or larger breasts


  • bleeding and spotting between your periods for the first few months (though this usually stops when your body adjusts to Ovranette) – see section 4.3, Bleeding between periods should not last long.


  • depression, or low mood


  • lower sex drive


  • stomach problems, such as nausea; vomiting


  • skin reactions such as brown patches on the face and body (chloasma). Avoiding too much sunlight may reduce this.


  • Tell your doctor, pharmacist or family planning nurse if you are worried about any side effects which you think may be due to Ovranette. Also tell them if any existing conditions get worse while you are taking Ovranette.



3 Bleeding between periods should not last long


A few women have a little unexpected bleeding or spotting while they are taking Ovranette, especially during the first few months. Normally, this bleeding is nothing to worry about and will stop after a day or two. Keep taking Ovranette as usual. The problem should disappear after the first few strips.


You may also have unexpected bleeding if you are not taking your pills regularly, so try to take your pill at the same time every day. Also, unexpected bleeding can sometimes be caused by other medicines.



  • Make an appointment to see your doctor if you get breakthrough bleeding or spotting that:

  • carries on for more than the first few months

  • starts after you’ve been taking Ovranette for a while

  • carries on even after you’ve stopped taking Ovranette.




How to store Ovranette


Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.


Store Ovranette at or below room temperature.


Do not use Ovranette after the expiry date shown on the strip.


Do not throw away any medicines down a drain or into a bin. Ask your pharmacist what to do with any medicines you do not want. This will help to protect the environment.




What is in Ovranette and who makes it



What is in Ovranette


Each box of Ovranette contains three strips of 21 tablets.


Each strip of Ovranette contains 21 white tablets.


Each tablet contains: 150 micrograms of the progestogen levonorgestrel, and 30 micrograms of the estrogen ethinylestradiol.


Ovranette also contains the inactive ingredients: lactose, maize starch, povidone, magnesium stearate, talc, sucrose, polyethylene glycol, calcium carbonate, white wax and wax carnauba.




The company that holds the product licence for Ovranette is:




John Wyeth & Brother Limited


trading as Wyeth Laboratories


Huntercombe Lane South


Taplow


Maidenhead


Berks

SL6 0PH




Ovranette is made by:




Wyeth Medica Ireland


Little Connell


Newbridge


Co. Kildare


Republic of Ireland





This leaflet was last updated in 02/2010.


[Wyeth Logo]


This leaflet can be made available in large print, audio or Braille on request. Contact 0800 198 5000 to request this, quoting the following number: 00011/0041.


Doc ID: 56253 (clean version of 56135)





Flutivate




Flutivate may be available in the countries listed below.


Ingredient matches for Flutivate



Fluticasone

Fluticasone propionate (a derivative of Fluticasone) is reported as an ingredient of Flutivate in the following countries:


  • Brazil

  • Chile

  • Germany

  • Norway

  • Sweden

International Drug Name Search

Ondansetron 4mg, 8mg Tablets (Wockhardt UK Ltd)





1. Name Of The Medicinal Product



Ondansetron 4mg Tablets



Ondansetron 8mg Tablets


2. Qualitative And Quantitative Composition



Each tablet contains 4mg of ondansetron (as hydrochloride dihydrate).



Each tablet contains 8mg of ondansetron (as hydrochloride dihydrate).



For excipients, see 6.1



3. Pharmaceutical Form



Film coated tablet.



Pale yellow, round, biconvex, film-coated tablets with '41' embossed on one side.



Pale yellow, round, biconvex , film-coated tablets with '42' embossed on one side.



4. Clinical Particulars



4.1 Therapeutic Indications



Adults



Ondansetron hydrochloride is indicated for the management of nausea and vomiting induced by cytotoxic chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and for the prevention and treatment of post-operative nausea and vomiting.



Paediatric Population



Ondansetron hydrochloride is indicated for the management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in children aged



4.2 Posology And Method Of Administration



Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy



Adults: The emetogenic potential of cancer treatment varies according to the doses and combinations of chemotherapy and radiotherapy regimens used. The route of administration and dose of Ondansetron hydrochloride should be flexible in the range of 8-32mg a day and selected as shown below.



Emetogenic chemotherapy and radiotherapy: Ondansetron hydrochloride can be given either by rectal, oral (tablets or syrup), intravenous or intramuscular administration.



For most patients receiving emetogenic chemotherapy or radiotherapy, Ondansetron hydrochloride 8mg should be administered as a slow intravenous or intramuscular injection immediately before treatment, followed by 8 mg orally twelve hourly.



To protect against delayed or prolonged emesis after the first 24 hours, oral or rectal treatment with Ondansetron hydrochloride should be continued for up to five days after a course of treatment.



Highly emetogenic chemotherapy: For patients receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy, e.g.. high-dose cisplatin, Ondansetron hydrochloride can be given either by rectal, intravenous or intramuscular administration.



Ondansetron hydrochloride has been shown to be equally effective in the following dose schedules over the first 24 hours of chemotherapy:



- A single dose of 8mg by slow intravenous or intramuscular injection immediately before chemotherapy.



- A dose of 8mg by slow intravenous or intramuscular injection immediately before chemotherapy, followed by two further intravenous or intramuscular doses of 8mg two to four hours apart, or by a constant infusion of 1mg/hour for up to 24 hours.



- A single dose of 32mg diluted in 50-l00ml of saline or other compatible infusion fluid (see Pharmaceutical Precautions) and infused over not less than 15 minutes immediately before chemotherapy.



The selection of dose regimen should be determined by the severity of the emetogenic challenge.



The efficacy of ondansetron hydrochloride in highly emetogenic chemotherapy may be enhanced by the addition of a single intravenous dose of dexamethasone sodium phosphate, 20mg administered prior to chemotherapy.



To protect against delayed or prolonged emesis after the first 24 hours, oral or rectal treatment with ondansetron hydrochloride should be continued for up to five days after a course of treatment.



Paediatric Population



CINV in children aged



The dose for CINV can be calculated based on body surface area (BSA) or weight – see below. Weight-based dosing results in higher total daily doses compared to BSA-based dosing (sections 4.4.and 5.1).



Ondansetron hydrochloride should be diluted in 5% dextrose or 0.9% sodium chloride or other compatible infusion fluid (see section 6.6) and infused intravenously over not less than 15 minutes.



There are no data from controlled clinical trials on the use of ondansetron hydrochloride in the prevention of delayed or prolonged CINV. There are no data from controlled clinical trials on the use of ondansetron hydrochloride for radiotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in children.



Dosing by BSA



Ondansetron hydrochloride should be administered immediately before chemotherapy as a single intravenous dose of 5 mg/m2. The intravenous dose must not exceed 8 mg.



Oral dosing can commence twelve hours later and may be continued for up to 5 days (Table 1).



The total daily dose must not exceed adult dose of 32 mg.



Table 1: BSA-based dosing for Chemotherapy - Children aged













BSA




Day 1 (a,b)




Days 2-6 (b)




<0.6m2




5 mg/m2 i.v. plus 2 mg syrup after 12 hrs




2 mg syrup every 12 hrs




2




5 mg/m2 i.v. plus 4 mg syrup or tablet after 12 hrs




4 mg syrup or tablet every 12 hrs



a The intravenous dose must not exceed 8mg.



b The total daily dose must not exceed adult dose of 32 mg



Dosing by bodyweight



Weight-based dosing results in higher total daily doses compared to BSA-based dosing (sections 4.4. and 5.1).



Ondansetron hydrochloride should be administered immediately before chemotherapy as a single intravenous dose of 0.15 mg/kg. The intravenous dose must not exceed 8 mg.



Two further intravenous doses may be given in 4-hourly intervals. The total daily dose must not exceed adult dose of 32 mg.



Oral dosing can commence twelve hours later and may be continued for up to 5 days (Table 2).



Table 2: Weight-based dosing for Chemotherapy - Children aged













Weight




Day 1 (a,b)




Days 2-6 (b)







Up to 3 doses of 0.15mg/kg every 4 hrs




2 mg syrup every 12 hrs




>10 Kg




Up to 3 doses of 0.15mg/kg every 4 hrs




4 mg syrup or tablet every 12 hrs



a The intravenous dose must not exceed 8mg.



b The total daily dose must not exceed adult dose of 32 mg.



Elderly: Ondansetron hydrochloride is well tolerated by patients over 65 years and no alteration of dosage, dosing frequency or route of administration are required.



Patients with Renal Impairment: No alteration of daily dosage or frequency of dosing, or route of administration are required.



Patients with hepatic Impairment: Clearance of Ondansetron hydrochloride is significantly reduced and serum half-life significantly prolonged in subjects with moderate or severe impairment of hepatic function. In such patients a total daily dose of 8mg should not be exceeded.



Post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV):



Adults: For the prevention of PONV ondansetron hydrochloride can be administered orally or by intravenous or intramuscular injection.



Ondansetron hydrochloride may be administered as a single dose of 4mg given by intramuscular or slow intravenous injection at induction of anaesthesia.



For treatment of established PONV a single dose of 4mg given by intramuscular or slow intravenous injection is recommended.



Paediatric population



PONV in children aged



Oral formulation:



No studies have been conducted on the use of orally administered ondansetron in the prevention or treatment of post-operative nausea and vomiting; slow i.v. injection is recommended for this purpose.



For prevention of PONV in paediatric patients having surgery performed under general anaesthesia, a single dose of ondansetron may be administered by slow intravenous injection (not less than 30 seconds) at a dose of 0.1mg/kg up to a maximum of 4mg either prior to, at or after induction of anaesthesia.



For the treatment of PONV after surgery in paediatric patients having surgery performed under general anaesthesia, a single dose of ondansetron hydrochloride may be administered by slow intravenous injection (not less than 30 seconds) at a dose of 0.1mg/kg up to a maximum of 4mg.



There are no data on the use of ondansetron hydrochloride in the treatment of PONV in children below 2 years of age.



Elderly: There is limited experience in the use of ondansetron hydrochloride in the prevention and treatment of PONV in the elderly, however ondansetron hydrochloride is well tolerated in patients over 65 years receiving chemotherapy.



Patients with renal impairment: No alteration of daily dosage or frequency of dosing, or route of administration are required.



Patients with hepatic impairment: Clearance of ondansetron hydrochloride is significantly reduced and serum half life significantly prolonged in subjects with moderate or severe impairment of hepatic function. In such patients a total daily dose of 8mg should not be exceeded.



Patients with poor sparteine/debrisoquine metabolism: The elimination half-life of ondansetron hydrochloride is not altered in subjects classified as poor metabolisers ofsparteine and debrisoquine. Consequently in such patients repeat dosing will give drug exposure levels no different from those of the general population. No alteration of daily dosage or frequency of dosing are required.



4.3 Contraindications



Hypersensitivity to any component of the preparation.



4.4 Special Warnings And Precautions For Use



Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported in patients who have exhibited hypersensitivity to other selective 5HTs receptor antagonists. Respiratory events should be treated symptomatically and clinicians should pay particular attention to them as precursors of hypersensitivity reactions.



Very rarely and predominantly with intravenous ondansetron, transient ECG changes including QT interval prolongation have been reported.



As ondansetron is known to increase large bowel transit time, patients with signs of subacute intestinal obstruction should be monitored following administration.



In patients with adenotonsillar surgery prevention of nausea and vomiting with ondansetron may mask occult bleeding. Therefore, such patients should be followed carefully after ondansetron.



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



Paediatric Population



Paediatric patients receiving ondansetron with hepatotoxic chemotherapeutic agents should be monitored closely for impaired hepatic function.



CINV



When calculating the dose on an mg/kg basis and administering three doses at 4-hourly intervals, the total daily dose will be higher than if one single dose of 5mg/m2 followed by an oral dose is given. The comparative efficacy of these two different dosing regimens has not been investigated in clinical trials. Cross-trial comparison indicates similar efficacy for both regimens (section 5.1).



4.5 Interaction With Other Medicinal Products And Other Forms Of Interaction



There is no evidence that ondansetron either induces or inhibits the metabolism of other drugs commonly co-administered with it. Specific studies have shown that there are no pharmacokinetic interactions when ondansetron is administered with alcohol, temazepam, furosemide, alfentanil, tramadol, morphine, lidocaine, thiopental or propofol.



Ondansetron is metabolised by multiple hepatic cytochrome P-450 enzymes: CYP3A4, CYP2D6 and CYP1A2. Due to the multiplicity of metabolic enzymes capable of metabolising ondansetron, enzyme inhibition or reduced activity of one enzyme e.g. CYP2D6 genetic deficiency) is normally compensated by other enzymes and should result in little or no significant change in overall ondansetron clearance or dose requirement.



Phenytoin, Carbamazepine and Rifampicin: In patients treated with potent inducers of CYP3A4 (i.e. phenytoin, carbamazepine, and rifampicin), the oral clearance of ondansetron was increased and ondansetron blood concentrations were decreased.



Tramadol: Data from small studies indicate that ondansetron may reduce the analgesic effect of tramadol.



Use of ondansetron with QT prolonging drugs may result in additional QT prolongation. Concomitant use of ondansetron with cardiotoxic drugs (e.g. anthracyclines) may increase the risk of arrhythmias (see section 4.4).



4.6 Pregnancy And Lactation



Pregnancy



The safety of ondansetron for use in human pregnancy has not been established.



Evaluation of experimental animal studies does not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to the development of the embryo, or foetus, the course of gestation and pre- and post-natal development. However as animal studies are not always predictive of human response the use of ondansetron in pregnancy is not recommended.



Lactation



Tests have shown that ondansetron passes into the milk of lactating animals. It is therefore recommended that mothers receiving ondansetron should not breast-feed their babies.



4.7 Effects On Ability To Drive And Use Machines



In psychomotor testing ondansetron does not impair performance nor cause sedation.



4.8 Undesirable Effects



Adverse events are listed below by system organ class and frequency. Frequencies are defined as: very common (



The following frequencies are estimated at the standard recommended doses of ondansetron according to indication and formulation.


















































Immune system disorders


 


Rare:




Immediate hypersensitivity reactions, sometimes severe including anaphylaxis.




Nervous system disorders


 


Very common:




Headache.




Uncommon:




Seizures, movement disorders (including extrapyramidal reactions such as dystonic reactions, oculogyric crisis and dyskinesia), observed without definitive evidence of persistent clinical sequelae.




Rare:




Dizziness during rapid intravenous administration.




Eye disorders


 


Rare:




Transient visual disturbances (e.g. blurred vision), predominantly during intravenous administration.




Very rare:




Transient blindness, predominantly during intravenous administration. The majority of the blindness cases reported resolved within 20 minutes. Most patients had received chemotherapeutic agents, which included cisplatin. Some cases of transient blindness were reported as cortical in origin.




Cardiac disorders


 


Uncommon:




Arrhythmias, chest pain with or without ST segment depression, bradycardia.




Very rare:




Transient ECG changes including QT interval prolongation, predominantly with intravenous administration of ondansetron.




Vascular disorders


 


Common:




Sensation of warmth or flushing.




Uncommon:




Hypotension.




Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders


 


Uncommon:




Hiccups.




Gastrointestinal disorders


 


Common:




Constipation.




Hepatobiliary disorders


 


Uncommon:




Asymptomatic increases in liver function tests. These events were observed commonly in patients receiving chemotherapy with cisplatin.




Paediatric population


 


The adverse event profiles in children and adolescents were comparable to that seen in adults.


 


4.9 Overdose



Symptoms and Signs



There is limited experience of ondansetron overdose. In the majority of cases, symptoms were similar to those already reported in patients receiving recommended doses (see section 4.8). Manifestations that have been reported include visual disturbances, severe constipation, hypotension and a vasovagal episode with transient second degree AV block.



Treatment



There is no specific antidote for ondansetron, therefore in all cases of suspected overdose, symptomatic and supportive therapy should be given as appropriate.



The use of ipecacuanha to treat overdose with ondansetron is not recommended, as patients are unlikely to respond due to the anti-emetic action of ondansetron itself.



5. Pharmacological Properties



5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties



ATC code:- A04 Antiemetics and antinauseants



ATC group:- A04AA0 1 Serotonin (5HT3) antagonist



Ondansetron is a potent, highly selective 5HTs receptor-antagonist. Its precise mode of action in the control of nausea and vomiting is not known. Chemotherapeutic agents and radiotherapy may cause release of 5HT in the small intestine initiating a vomoting reflex by activating vagal afferents via 5HTs receptors. Ondansetron blocks the initiation of this reflex. Activation of vagal afferents may also cause a release of 5HT in the area postrema, located on the floor of the fourth ventricle, and this may also promote emesis through a central mechanism. Thus, the effect of ondansetron in the management of the nausea and vomiting induced by cytotoxic chemotherapy and radiotherapy is probably due to antagonism of 5HT3 receptors on neurons located both in the peripheral and central nervous system. The mechanisms of action in post-operative nausea and vomiting are not known but there may be common pathways with cytotoxic induced nausea and vomiting.



Ondansetron does not alter plasma prolactin concentrations. The role of ondansetron in opiate-induced emesis is not yet established.



Paediatric population



CINV



The efficacy of ondansetron in the control of emesis and nausea induced by cancer chemotherapy was assessed in a double-blind randomised trial in 415 patients aged 1 to 18 years (S3AB3006). On the days of chemotherapy, patients received either ondansetron 5 mg/m2 intravenous + ondansetron 4 mg orally after 8-12 hrs or ondansetron 0.45 mg/kg intravenous + placebo orally after 8-12 hrs. Post- chemotherapy both groups received 4 mg ondansetron syrup twice daily for 3 days. Complete control of emesis on worst day of chemotherapy was 49% (5 mg/m2 intravenous + ondansetron 4 mg orally) and 41% (0.45 mg/kg intravenous + placebo orally). Post-chemotherapy both groups received 4 mg ondansetron syrup twice daily for 3 days.



A double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial (S3AB4003) in 438 patients aged 1 to 17 years demonstrated complete control of emesis on worst day of chemotherapy in:



• 73% of patients when ondansetron was administered intravenously at a dose of 5 mg/m2 intravenous together with 2-4 mg dexamethasone orally



• 71% of patients when ondansetron was administered as syrup at a dose of 8 mg + 2-4 mg dexamethasone orally on the days of chemotherapy.



Post-chemotherapy both groups received 4 mg ondansetron syrup twice daily for 2 days.



The efficacy of ondansetron in 75 children aged 6 to 48 months was investigated in an openlabel, non-comparative, single-arm study (S3A40320). All children received three 0.15 mg/kg doses of intravenous ondansetron, administered 30 minutes before the start of chemotherapy and then at four and eight hours after the first dose. Complete control of emesis was achieved in 56% of patients.



Another open-label, non-comparative, single-arm study (S3A239) investigated the efficacy of one intravenous dose of 0.15 mg/kg ondansetron followed by two oral ondansetron doses of 4 mg for children aged < 12 yrs and 8 mg for children aged



PONV



The efficacy of a single dose of ondansetron in the prevention of post-operative nausea and vomiting was investigated in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 670 children aged 1 to 24 months (post-conceptual age



Four double-blind, placebo-controlled studies have been performed in 1469 male and female patients (2 to 12 years of age) undergoing general anaesthesia. Patients were randomised to either single intravenous doses of ondansetron (0.1 mg/kg for paediatric patients weighing 40 kg or less, 4 mg for paediatric patients weighing more than 40 kg; number of patients = 735)) or placebo (number of patients = 734). Study drug was administered over at least 30 seconds, immediately prior to or following anaesthesia induction. Ondansetron was significantly more effective than placebo in preventing nausea and vomiting. The results of these studies are summarised in Table 3.



Table 3 Prevention and treatment of PONV in Paediatric Patients – Treatment response over 24 hours


































Study




Endpoint




Ondansetron %




Placebo




% p value




S3A380




CR




68




39







S3GT09




CR




61




35







S3A381




CR




53




17







S3GT11




no nausea




64




51




0.004




S3GT11




no emesis




60




47




0.004



CR = no emetic episodes, rescue or withdrawal



5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties



Following oral administration, ondansetron is passively and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and undergoes first pass metabolism. Peak plasma concentrations of about 30ng/ml are attained approximately 1.5 hours after an 8mg dose. For doses above 8mg the increase in ondansetron systemic exposure with dose is greater than proportional; this may reflect some reduction in first pass metabolism at higher oral doses. Bioavailability, following oral administration, is slightly enhanced by the presence of food but unaffected by antacids. Studies in healthy elderly volunteers have shown slight, but clinically insignificant, age-related increases in both oral bioavailability (65%) and half-life (five hours) of ondansetron. Gender differences were shown in the disposition of ondansetron, with females having a greater rate and extent of absorption following an oral dose and reduced systemic clearance and volume of distribution (adjusted for weight). The disposition of ondansetron following oral, intramuscular (IM) and intravenous (IV) dosing is similar with a terminal half life of about three hours and steady state volume of distribution of about 140L. Equivalent systemic exposure is achieved after IM and IV administration of ondansetron.



A 4mg intravenous infusion of ondansetron given over five minutes results in peak plasma concentrations of about 65ng/ml. Following intramuscular administration of ondansetron, peak plasma concentrations of about 25ng/ml are attained within 10 minutes of injection.



Following administration of ondansetron suppository, plasma ondansetron concentrations become detectable between 15 and 60 minutes after dosing.



Concentrations rise in an essentially linear fashion, until peak concentrations of 20-30ng/ml are attained, typically six hours after dosing. Plasma concentrations then fall, but at a slower rate than observed following oral dosing due to continued absorption of ondansetron. The absolute bioavailability ofondansetron from the suppository is approximately 60% and is not affected by gender. The half life of the elimination phase following suppository administration is determined by the rate ofondansetron absorption, not systemic clearance and is approximately six hours. Females show a small, clinically insignificant, increase in half-life in comparison with males.



Ondansetron is not highly protein bound (70-76%). Ondansetron is cleared from the systemic circulation predominantly by hepatic metabolism through multiple enzymatic pathways. Less than 5% of the absorbed dose is excreted unchanged in the urine. The absence of the enzyme CYP2D6 (the debrisoquine polymorphism) has no effect on ondansetron's pharmacokinetics. The pharmacokinetic properties ofondansetron are unchanged on repeat dosing.



Special Patient Populations



Children and Adolescents (aged 1 month to 17 years)



In paediatric patients aged 1 to 4 months (n=19) undergoing surgery, weight normalised clearance was approximately 30% slower than in patients aged 5 to 24 months (n=22) but comparable to the patients aged 3 to 12 years. The half-life in the patient population aged 1 to 4 month was reported to average 6.7 hours compared to 2.9 hours for patients in the 5 to 24 month and 3 to 12 year age range. The differences in pharmacokinetic parameters in the 1 to 4 month patient population can be explained in part by the higher percentage of total body water in neonates and infants and a higher volume of distribution for water soluble drugs like ondansetron.



In paediatric patients aged 3 to 12 years undergoing elective surgery with general anaesthesia, the absolute values for both the clearance and volume of distribution of ondansetron were reduced in comparison to values with adult patients. Both parameters increased in a linear fashion with weight and by 12 years of age, the values were approaching those of young adults. When clearance and volume of distribution values were normalised by body weight, the values for these parameters were similar between the different age group populations. Use of weight-based dosing compensates for age-related changes and is effective in normalising systemic exposure in paediatric patients.



Population pharmacokinetic analysis was performed on 428 subjects (cancer patients, surgery patients and healthy volunteers) aged 1 month to 44 years following intravenous administration of ondansetron. Based on this analysis, systemic exposure (AUC) of ondansetron following oral or IV dosing in children and adolescents was comparable to adults, with the exception of infants aged 1 to 4 months. Volume was related to age and was lower in adults than in infants and children. Clearance was related to weight but not to age with the exception of infants aged 1 to 4 months. It is difficult to conclude whether there was an additional reduction in clearance related to age in infants 1 to 4 months or simply inherent variability due to the low number of subjects studied in this age group. Since patients less than 6 months of age will only receive a single dose in PONV a decreased clearance is not likely to be clinically relevant.



In patients with renal impairment (creatinine clearance 15-60 ml/min), both systemic clearance and volume of distribution are reduced following IV administration of ondansetron, resulting in a slight, but clinically insignificant, increase in elimination half-life (5.4h). A study in patients with severe renal impairment who required regular haemodialysis (studied between dialyses) showed ondansetron's pharmacokinetics to be essentially unchanged following IV administration.



Specific studies in the elderly or patients with renal impairment have been limited to IV and oral administration. However, it is anticipated that the half-life of ondansetron after rectal administration in these populations will be similar to that seen in healthy volunteers, since the rate of elimination of ondansetron following rectal administration is not determined by systemic clearance.



Following oral, intravenous or intramuscular dosing in patients with severe hepatic impairment, ondansetron's systemic clearance is markedly reduced with prolonged elimination half-lives (15-32 h) and an oral bioavailability approaching 100% due to reduced pre-systemic metabolism. The pharmacokinetics of ondansetron following administration as a suppository have not been evaluated in patients with hepatic impairment.



5.3 Preclinical Safety Data



No additional data of relevance.



6. Pharmaceutical Particulars



6.1 List Of Excipients



Cores



Lactose monohydrate



Microcrystalline cellulose



Pregelatinised starch



Magnesium stearate



Film Coating



Hypromellose



Titanium dioxide



Hyprolose



Propylene gylcol



Sorbitan monooleate



Sorbic acid



Vanillin



Quinoline yellow



6.2 Incompatibilities



None reported.



6.3 Shelf Life



36 months (unopened).



6.4 Special Precautions For Storage



Do not store above 25°C.



Keep out of the reach and sight of children.



6.5 Nature And Contents Of Container



PVC/PVDC/aluminium foil opaque blister packs containing 7, 14, 15, 28, 30 or 100* tablets.



*Not all pack sizes may be marketed



6.6 Special Precautions For Disposal And Other Handling



None stated.



7. Marketing Authorisation Holder



Wockhardt UK Ltd



Ash Road North



Wrexham



LL13 9UF



UK.



8. Marketing Authorisation Number(S)



Ondansetron 4mg Tablets - PL 29831/0155



Ondansetron 8mg Tablets - PL 29831/0156



9. Date Of First Authorisation/Renewal Of The Authorisation



21/06/2007



10. Date Of Revision Of The Text



03/09/2010