GABAPENTIN AMAROX 100 MG CAPSULES HARD - patient leaflet, side effects, dosage

Gabapentin Amarox 100 mg hard capsules Gabapentin Amarox 300 mg hard capsules Gabapentin Amarox 400 mg hard capsules

gabapentin

Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine because it contains important information for you.

• 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 only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their signs of illness are the same as yours.
• If you get any side effects talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.

• 1. What Gabapentin Amarox is and what it is used for

• 2. What you need to know before you take Gabapentin Amarox

• 3. How to take Gabapentin Amarox

• 4. Possible side effects

• 5. How to store Gabapentin Amarox

• 6. Contents of the pack and other information

1. what gabapentin amarox is and what it is used for

Gabapentin Amarox belongs to a group of medicines used to treat epilepsy and peripheral neuropathic pain (long lasting pain caused by damage to the nerves).

The active substance in Gabapentin Amarox is gabapentin.

Gabapentin Amarox is used to treat

• Various forms of epilepsy (seizures that are initially limited to certain parts of the brain, whether the seizure spreads to other parts of the brain or not). The doctor treating you or your child 6 years of age and older will prescribe Gabapentin Amarox to help treat epilepsy when the current treatment is not fully controlling the condition. You or your child 6 years of age and older should take Gabapentin Amarox in addition to the current treatment unless told otherwise. Gabapentin Amarox can also be used on its own to treat adults and children over 12 years of age.
• Peripheral neuropathic pain (long lasting pain caused by damage to the nerves). A variety of different diseases can cause peripheral neuropathic pain (primarily occurring in the legs and/or arms), such as diabetes or shingles. Pain sensations may be described as hot, burning, throbbing, shooting, stabbing, sharp, cramping, aching, tingling, numbness, pins and needles etc.

2. what you need to know before you take gabapentin amaroxdo not take gabapentin amarox: if you are allergic to gabapentin or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).

Warnings and precautions

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Gabapentin Amarox

• if you suffer from kidney problems your doctor may prescribe a different dosing schedule
• if you are on haemodialysis (to remove waste products because of kidney failure), tell your doctor if you develop muscle pain and/or weakness
• if you develop signs such as persistent stomach pain, feeling sick and being sick contact your doctor immediately as these may be symptoms of acute pancreatitis (an inflamed pancreas)
• if you have nervous system disorders, respiratory disorders, or you are more than 65 years old, your doctor may prescribe you a different dosing regimen

Cases of abuse and dependence have been reported for gabapentin from the postmarketing experience. Talk to your doctor if you have a history of abuse or dependence.

A small number of people being treated with anti-epileptics such as gabapentin have had thoughts of harming or killing themselves. If at any time you have these thoughts, immediately contact your doctor.

Important information about potentially serious reactions

A small number of people taking Gabapentin Amarox get an allergic reaction or potentially serious skin reaction, which may develop into more serious problems if they are not treated. You need to know the symptoms to look out for while you are taking Gabapentin Amarox.

Read the description of these symptoms in section 4 of this leaflet under ‚Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms after taking this medicine as they can be serious‘

Muscle weakness, tenderness or pain and particularly, if at the same time, you feel unwell or have a high temperature it may be caused by an abnormal muscle breakdown which can be life-threatening and lead to kidney problems. You may also experience discoloration of your urine, and a change in blood test results (notably blood creatine phosphokinase increased). If you experience any of these signs or symptoms, please contact your doctor immediately.

Other medicines and Gabapentin Amarox

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. In particular, tell your doctor (or pharmacist) if you are taking or have been recently taking any medicines for convulsions, sleeping disorders, depression, anxiety, or any other neurological or psychiatric problems.

Medicines containing opioids such as morphine

If you are taking any medicines containing opioids (such as morphine), please tell your doctor or pharmacist as opioids may increase the effect of Gabapentin Amarox. In addition, combination of Gabapentin Amarox with opioids may cause symptoms like sleepiness and/or decrease in breathing.

Antacids for indigestion

If Gabapentin Amarox and antacids containing aluminium and magnesium are taken at the same time, absorption of Gabapentin Amarox from the stomach may be reduced. It is therefore recommended that Gabapentin Amarox is taken at the earliest two hours after taking an antacid.

Gabapentin Amarox

• is not expected to interact with other antiepileptic drugs or the oral contraceptive pill.
• may interfere with some laboratory tests, if you require a urine test tell your doctor or hospital what you are taking.

Gabapentin Amarox with food

Gabapentin Amarox can be taken with or without food.

Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility

If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.

Pregnancy

Gabapentin Amarox should not be taken during pregnancy, unless you are told otherwise by your doctor. Effective contraception must be used by women of childbearing potential.

There have been no studies specifically looking at the use of gabapentin in pregnant women, but other medications used to treat seizures have reported an increased risk of harm to the developing baby, particularly when more than one seizure medication is taken at the same time. Therefore, whenever possible, you should try to take only one seizure medication during pregnancy and only under the advice of your doctor.

Contact your doctor immediately if you become pregnant, think you might be pregnant or are planning to become pregnant while taking Gabapentin Amarox. Do not suddenly discontinue taking this medicine as this may lead to a breakthrough seizure, which could have serious consequences for you and your baby.

Breast-feeding

Gabapentin, the active substance of Gabapentin Amarox, is passed on through human milk. Because the effect on the baby is unknown, it is not recommended to breast-feed while using Gabapentin Amarox.

Fertility

There is no effect on fertility in animal studies.

Driving and using machines

Gabapentin Amarox may produce dizziness, drowsiness and tiredness. You should not drive, operate complex machinery or take part in other potentially hazardous activities until you know whether this medication affects your ability to perform these activities.

Information on sodium content

This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23mg) per hard capsule, that is to say essentially ‚sodium-free‘.

3. how to take gabapentin amarox

Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Your doctor will determine what dose is appropriate for you.

Epilepsy, the recommended dose is

Adults and adolescents

Take the number of capsules or tablets as instructed. Your doctor will usually build up your dose gradually. The starting dose will generally be between 300 mg and 900 mg each day. Thereafter, the dose may be increased as instructed by your doctor, up to a maximum of 3600 mg each day and your doctor will tell you to take this in 3 separate doses, i.e. once in the morning, once in the afternoon and once in the evening.

Children aged 6 years and above

The dose to be given to your child will be decided by your doctor as it is calculated against your child's weight. The treatment is started with a low initial dose which is gradually increased over a period of approximately 3 days. The usual dose to control epilepsy is 25–35 mg per kg per day. It is usually given in 3 separate doses, by taking the capsule(s) or tablet(s) each day, usually once in the morning, once in the afternoon and once in the evening.

Gabapentin Amarox is not recommended for use in children below 6 years of age.

Peripheral Neuropathic Pain, the recommended dose is Adults

Take the number of capsules or tablets as instructed by your doctor. Your doctor will usually build up your dose gradually. The starting dose will generally be between 300 mg and 900 mg each day. Thereafter, the dose may be increased as instructed by your doctor up to a maximum of 3600 mg each day and your doctor will tell you to take this in 3 separate doses, i.e. once in the morning, once in the afternoon and once in the evening.

If you have kidney problems or are receiving haemodialysis

Your doctor may prescribe a different dosing schedule and/or dose if you have problems with your kidneys or are undergoing haemodialysis.

If you are an elderly patient (over 65 years of age)

You should take the normal dose of Gabapentin Amarox unless you have problems with your kidneys. Your doctor may prescribe a different dosing schedule and/or dose if you have problems with your kidneys.

If you have the impression that the effect of Gabapentin Amarox is too strong or too weak, talk to your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible.

Method of administration

Gabapentin Amarox is for oral use. Always swallow the capsules with plenty of water.

Continue taking Gabapentin Amarox until your doctor tells you to stop.

If you take more Gabapentin Amarox than you should

Higher than recommended doses may result in an increase in side effects including loss of consciousness, dizziness, double vision, slurred speech, drowsiness and diarrhoea. Call your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency unit immediately if you take more Gabapentin Amarox than your doctor prescribed. Take along any capsules or tablets that you have not taken, together with the container and the label so that the hospital can easily tell what medicine you have taken.

If you forget to take Gabapentin Amarox

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is time for your next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you stop taking Gabapentin Amarox

Do not stop taking Gabapentin Amarox unless your doctor tells you to. If your treatment is stopped it should be done gradually over a minimum of 1 week. If you stop taking Gabapentin Amarox suddenly or before your doctor tells you, there is an increased risk of seizures.

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

4. possible side effects

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

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms after taking this medicine as they can be serious:

• severe skin reactions that require immediate attention, swelling of the lips and face, skin rash and redness, and/or hair loss (these may be symptoms of a serious allergic reaction)
• persistent stomach pain, feeling sick and being sick as these may be symptoms of acute pancreatitis (an inflamed pancreas)
• breathing problems, which if severe you may need emergency and intensive care to continue breathing normally
• Gabapentin Amarox may cause a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction that may affect your skin or other parts of your body such as your liver or blood cells. You may or may not have rash when you get this type of reaction. It may cause you to be hospitalized or to stop Gabapentin Amarox. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms:
• skin rash
• hives
• fever
• swollen glands that do not go away
• swelling of your lip and tongue
• yellowing of your skin or of the whites of the eyes
• unusual bruising or bleeding
• severe fatigue or weakness
• unexpected muscle pain
• frequent infections

These symptoms may be the first signs of a serious reaction. A doctor should examine you to decide if you should continue taking Gabapentin Amarox.

• If you are on haemodialysis, tell your doctor if you develop muscle pain and/or weakness.

Other side effects include:

Very common: (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)

• Viral infection
• Feeling drowsy, dizziness, lack of coordination
• Feeling tired, fever

Common: (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

• Pneumonia, respiratory infections, urinary tract infection, inflammation of the ear or other infections
• Low white blood cell counts
• Anorexia, increased appetite
• Anger towards others, confusion, mood changes, depression, anxiety, nervousness, difficulty with thinking
• Convulsions, jerky movements, difficulty with speaking, loss of memory, tremor, difficulty sleeping, headache, sensitive skin, decreased sensation (numbness), difficulty with coordination, unusual eye movement, increased, decreased or absent reflexes
• Blurred vision, double vision
• Vertigo
• High blood pressure, flushing or dilation of blood vessels
• Difficulty breathing, bronchitis, sore throat, cough, dry nose
• Vomiting (being sick), nausea (feeling sick), problems with teeth, inflamed gums, diarrhoea, stomach pain, indigestion, constipation, dry mouth or throat, flatulence
• Facial swelling, bruises, rash, itch, acne
• Joint pain, muscle pain, back pain, twitching
• Difficulties with erection (impotence)
• Swelling in the legs and arms, difficulty with walking, weakness, pain, feeling unwell, flu-like symptoms
• Decrease in white blood cells, increase in weight
• Accidental injury, fracture, abrasion

Additionally in clinical studies in children, aggressive behaviour and jerky movements were reported commonly.

Uncommon: (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

• Agitation (a state of chronic restlessness and unintentional and purposeless motions)
• Allergic reaction such as hives
• Decreased movement
• Racing heartbeat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Swelling that may involve the face, trunk and limbs
• Abnormal blood test results suggesting problems with the liver
• Mental impairment
• Fall
• Increase in blood glucose levels (most often observed in patients with diabetes)

Rare: (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)

• Decrease in blood glucose levels (most often observed in patients with diabetes)
• Loss of consciousness
• Trouble breathing, shallow breaths (respiratory depression)
• Decreased platelets (blood clotting cells)
• Hallucinations
• Problems with abnormal movements such as writhing, jerking movements and stiffness
• Ringing in the ears
• A group of side effects that could include swollen lymph nodes (isolated small raised lumps under the skin), fever, rash, and inflammation of liver occurring together
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), inflammation of the liver
• Acute kidney failure, incontinence
• Increased breast tissue, breast enlargement
• Adverse events following the abrupt discontinuation of gabapentin (anxiety, difficulty sleeping, feeling sick, pain, sweating), chest pain
• Breakdown of muscle fibers (rhabdomyolysis)
• Change in blood test results (creatine phosphokinase increased)
• Problems with sexual functioning including inability to achieve a sexual climax, delayed ejaculation
• Low blood sodium level
• Anaphylaxis (serious, potentially life threatening allergic reaction including difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, throat, and tongue, and hypotension requiring emergency treatment)

5. how to store gabapentin amarox

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and the blister after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

This medicine does not require any special storage conditions.

Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.

6. contents of the pack and other informationwhat gabapentin amarox containsthe active substance is gabapentin.

Each hard capsule contains 100 mg of gabapentin.

Each hard capsule contains 300 mg of gabapentin.

Each hard capsule contains 400 mg of gabapentin.

The other ingredients:

Capsule content: Mannitol, starch, pregelatinised, tal­c.

Titanium dioxide (E171), gelatin and sodium lauryl sulphate.

Printing Ink: Shellac (E904), strong ammonia solution (E527) and fd & c blue # 2 aluminum lake (El32).

What Gabapentin Amarox looks like and contents of the pack

Hard capsule.

Gabapentin Amarox 100 mg hard capsules

White to off white granular powder filled in size “3” hard gelatin capsules with white opaque cap imprinted with “H” in blue colour and white opaque body imprinted with “G1” in blue colour.

Gabapentin Amarox 300 mg hard capsules

White to off white granular powder filled in size “1” hard gelatin capsules with white opaque cap imprinted with “H” in blue colour and white opaque body imprinted with “G2” in blue colour.

Gabapentin Amarox 400 mg hard capsules

White to off white granular powder filled in size “0” hard gelatin capsules with white opaque cap imprinted with “H” in blue colour and white opaque body imprinted with “G3” in blue colour.

Gabapentin Amarox available in blister pack containing 100 hard capsules.

Marketing Authorisation Holder

Amarox Limited

Congress House 14 Lyon Road

Harrow, Middlesex HA1

2EN United Kingdom

Manufacturer

Amarox Limited

Congress House, 14 Lyon Road

Harrow, Middlesex HA1 2EN

United Kingdom

or

Pharmadox Healthcare Ltd

KW20A Kordin Industrial Park

Paola, PLA 3000

Malta

This leaflet was last revised in 01.2021.

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