QUETIAPINE DAWA 300 MG FILM-COATED TABLETS - patient leaflet, side effects, dosage

Patient leaflet - QUETIAPINE DAWA 300 MG FILM-COATED TABLETS

1. What Quetiapine is and what it is used for

Quetiapine contains a substance called quetiapine. This belongs to a group of medicines called antipsychotics. Quetiapine can be used to treat several illnesses, such as:

Bipolar depression: where you feel sad. You may find that you feel depressed, feel guilty, lack energy, lose your appetite or can't sleep.
Mania: where you may feel very excited, elated, agitated, enthusiastic or hyperactive or have poor judgement including being aggressive or disruptive.
Schizophrenia: where you may hear or feel things that are not there, believe things that are not true or feel unusually suspicious, anxious, confused, guilty, tense or depressed.

Your doctor may continue to prescribe Quetiapine even when you are feeling better.

2. what you need to know before you take quetiapine

Do not take Quetiapine:

if you are allergic to quetiapine or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).
if you are taking any of the following medicines: o some medicines for HIV

o azole medicines (for fungal infections) o erythromycin or clarithromycin (for infections) o nefazodone (for depression).

Do not take Quetiapine if the above applies to you. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Quetiapine.

Warnings and precautions

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Quetiapine if:

you, or someone in your family have or have had any heart problems, for example heart rhythm problems, weakening of the heart muscle or inflammation of the heart or if you are taking any medicines that may have an impact on the way your heart beats
you have low blood pressure
you have had a stroke, especially if you are elderly
you have problems with your liver
you have ever had a fit (seizure)
you have diabetes or have a risk of getting diabetes. If you do, your doctor may check your blood sugar levels while you are taking Quetiapine
you know that you have had low levels of white blood cells in the past (which may or may not have been caused by other medicines)
you are an elderly person with dementia (loss of brain function). If you are, Quetiapine should not be taken because the group of medicines that Quetiapine belongs to may increase the risk of stroke, or in some cases the risk of death, in elderly people with dementia
you or someone else in your family has a history of blood clots, as medicines like these have been associated with formation of blood clots
you have or have had a condition where you stop breathing for short periods during your normal nightly sleep (called „sleep apnoea“) and are taking medicines that slow down the normal activity of the brain („depressants“)
you have or have had a condition where you can't completely empty your bladder (urinary retention), have an enlarged prostate, a blockage in your intestines, or increased pressure inside your eye. These conditions are sometimes caused by medicines (called „anti-cholinergics“) that affect the way nerve cells function in order to treat certain medical conditions
you have a history of problem with alcohol or drug use.

Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following after taking Quetiapine:

A combination of fever, severe muscle stiffness, sweating or a lowered level of consciousness (a disorder called „neuroleptic malignant syndrome“). Immediate medical treatment may be needed.
Uncontrollable movements, mainly of your face or tongue.
Dizziness or a severe sense of feeling sleepy. This could increase the risk of accidental injury (fall) in elderly patients.
Fits (seizures).
Along-lasting and painful erection (priapism).
Have a fast and irregular heartbeat, even when you are at rest, palpitations, breathing problems, chest pain or unexplained tiredness. Your doctor will need to check your heart and if necessary, refer you to a cardiologist immediately.

These conditions can be caused by this type of medicine.

Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you have:

A fever, flu-like symptoms, sore throat, or any other infection, as this could be a result of a very low white blood cell count, which may require Quetiapine to be stopped and/or treatment to be given.
Constipation along with persistent abdominal pain, or constipation which has not responded to treatment, as this may lead to a more serious blockage of the bowel.

Thoughts of suicide and worsening of your depression

If you are depressed you may sometimes have thoughts of harming or killing yourself. These may be increased when first starting treatment, since these medicines all take time to work, usually about two weeks but sometimes longer. These thoughts may also be increased if you suddenly stop taking your medication. You may be more likely to think like this if you are a young adult. Information from clinical trials has shown an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and/or suicidal behaviour in young adults aged less than 25 years with depression.

If you have thoughts of harming or killing yourself at any time, contact your doctor or go to a hospital straight away. You may find it helpful to tell a relative or close friend that you are depressed, and ask them to read this leaflet. You might ask them to tell you if they think your depression is getting worse, or if they are worried about changes in your behaviour.

Weight gain

Weight gain has been seen in patients taking Quetiapine. You and your doctor should check your weight regularly.

Children and Adolescents

Quetiapine is not for use in children and adolescents below 18 years of age.

Other medicines and Quetiapine

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines.

Do not take Quetiapine if you are taking any of the following medicines:

Some medicines for HIV.
Azole medicines (for fungal infections).
Erythromycin or clarithromycin (for infections).
Nefazodone (for depression).

Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

Epilepsy medicines (like phenytoin or carbamazepine).
High blood pressure medicines.
Barbiturates (for difficulty sleeping).
Thioridazine or Lithium (other anti-psychotic medicines).
Medicines that have an impact on the way your heart beats, for example, drugs that can cause an imbalance in electrolytes (low levels of potassium or magnesium) such as diuretics (water pills) or certain antibiotics (drugs to treat infections).
Medicines that can cause constipation.
Medicines (called „anti-cholinergics“) that affect the way nerve cells function in order to treat certain medical conditions.

Before you stop taking any of your medicines, please talk to your doctor first.

Quetiapine with drink and alcohol

Be careful how much alcohol you drink. This is because the combined effect of Quetiapine and alcohol can make you sleepy.
Do not drink grapefruit juice while you are on Quetiapine treatment. It can affect the way the medicine works.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine. You should not take Quetiapine during pregnancy unless this has been discussed with your doctor. Quetiapine should not be taken if you are breast-feeding.

The following symptoms may occur in newborn babies, of mothers that have used Quetiapine in the last trimester (last three months of their pregnancy): shaking, muscle stiffness and/or weakness, sleepiness, agitation, breathing problems, and difficulty in feeding. If your baby develops any of these symptoms you may need to contact your doctor.

Driving and using machines

Your tablets may make you feel sleepy. Do not drive or use any tools or machines until you know how the tablets affect you.

Effect on urine drug screens

If you are having a urine drug screen, taking Quetiapine may cause positive results for methadone or certain drugs for depression called tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) when some test methods are used, even though you may not be taking methadone or TCAs. If this happens, a more specific test can be performed.

Quetiapine contains lactose

Quetiapine contains milk sugar (lactose ). If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product.

Other Ingredients

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

3. how to take quetiapine

Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. Your doctor will decide on your starting dose.The maintenance dose (daily dose) will depend on your illness and needs but will usually be between 150 mg and 800 mg.

You will take your tablets once a day, at bedtime or twice a day, depending on your illness.
Swallow your tablets whole with a drink of water.
You can take your tablets with or without food.
Do not drink grapefruit juice while you are taking Quetiapine. It can affect the way the medicine works.
Do not stop taking your tablets even if you feel better, unless your doctor tells you.

Liver problems

If you have liver problems your doctor may change your dose.

Elderly people

If you are elderly your doctor may change your dose.

Use in children and adolescents

Quetiapine should not be used by children and adolescents aged under 18 years.

If you take more Quetiapine than you should

If you take more Quetiapine than prescribed by your doctor, you may feel sleepy, feel dizzy and experience abnormal heart beats. Contact your doctor or nearest hospital straight away. Keep the Quetiapine tablets with you.

If you forget to take a dose of Quetiapine

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time to take the next dose, wait until then. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten tablet.

If you stop taking Quetiapine

If you suddenly stop taking Quetiapine, you may be unable to sleep (insomnia), or you may feel sick (nausea), or you may experience headache, diarrhoea, being sick (vomiting), dizziness or irritability. Your doctor may suggest you reduce the dose gradually before stopping treatment.

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

4. possible side effects

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

Some side effects can be serious and need immediate medical attention:

You should see your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as:

rapid swelling of the skin, usually around the eyes, lips and throat
difficulty in swallowing
hives and difficulties in breathing
severe skin disease that causes rash, red skin, blistering of the lips, eyes or mouth, skin peeling, (Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
serious, sudden allergic reaction with symptoms such as fever and blisters on the skin and peeling of the skin (toxic epidermal necrolysis).
flu-like symptoms with a rash, fever, swollen glands, and abnormal blood test results (including increased white blood cells (eosinophilia) and liver enzymes) (Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms-DRESS).

These side effects are very rare or of frequency not known.

Other side effects include:

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

Dizziness (may lead to falls), headache, dry mouth.
Feeling sleepy (this may go away with time, as you keep taking Quetiapine) (may lead to falls).
Discontinuation symptoms (symptoms which occur when you stop taking Quetiapine) include not being able to sleep (insomnia), feeling sick (nausea), headache, diarrhoea, being sick (vomiting), dizziness, and irritability. Gradual withdrawal over a period of at least 1 to 2 weeks is advisable.
Putting on weight.
Abnormal muscle movements. These include difficulty starting muscle movements, shaking, feeling restless or muscle stiffness without pain.
Changes in the amount of certain fats (triglycerides and total cholesterol).

Common (may affects up to 1 in 10 patients):

Rapid heartbeat.
Feeling like your heart is pounding, racing or has skipped beats.
Constipation, upset stomach (indigestion).
Feeling weak.
Swelling of arms or legs.
Low blood pressure when standing up. This may make you feel dizzy or faint (may lead to falls).
Increased levels of sugar in the blood.
Blurred vision.
Abnormal dreams and nightmares.
Feeling more hungry.
Feeling irritated.
Disturbance in speech and language.
Thoughts of suicide and worsening of your depression.
Shortness of breath.
Vomiting (mainly in the elderly).
Fever.
Changes in the amount of thyroid hormones in your blood.
Decreases in the number of certain types of blood cells.
Increases in the amount of liver enzymes measured in the blood.
Increases in the amount of the hormone prolactin in the blood. Increases in the hormone prolactin could in rare cases lead to the following: o Men and women to have swelling of breasts and unexpectedly produce breast milk.

o Women to have no monthly period or irregular periods.

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

Fits or seizures.
Allergic reactions that may include raised lumps (weals), swelling of the skin and swelling around the mouth.
Combination of fever, flu-like symptoms, sore throat, or any other infection with very low white blood cell count, a condition called neutropenia.
Unpleasant sensations in the legs (also called restless legs syndrome).
Difficulty swallowing.
Uncontrollable movements, mainly of your face or tongue.
Sexual dysfunction.
Diabetes.
Change in electrical activity of the heart seen on ECG (QT prolongation).
A slower than normal heart rate which may occur when starting treatment and which may be associated with low blood pressure and fainting.
Difficulty in passing urine.
Fainting (may lead to falls).
Stuffy nose.
Decrease in the amount of red blood cells.
Decrease in the amount of sodium in the blood.
Worsening of pre-existing diabetes.

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

A combination of high temperature (fever), sweating, stiff muscles, feeling very drowsy or faint (a disorder called „neuroleptic malignant syndrome“).
Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).
Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis).
Along-lasting and painful erection (priapism).
Swelling of breasts and unexpected production of breast milk (galactorrhoea).
Menstrual disorder.
Blood clots in the veins especially in the legs (symptoms include swelling, pain and redness in the leg), which may travel through blood vessels to the lungs causing chest pain and difficulty in breathing. If you notice any of these symptoms seek medical advice immediately.
Walking, talking, eating or other activities while you are asleep.
Body temperature decreased (hypothermia).
Inflammation of the pancreas.
A condition (called „metabolic syndrome“) where you may have a combination of 3 or more of the following: an increase in the fat around your abdomen, a decrease in „good cholesterol“ (HDL-C), an increase in a type of fat in your blood called triglycerides, high blood pressure and an increase in your blood sugar.
Bowel obstruction.
Increased blood creatine phosphokinase (a substance from muscles).

Very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 patients):

Inappropriate secretion of a hormone that controls urine volume.
Breakdown of muscle fibers and pain in muscles (rhabdomyolysis).

Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data)

Skin rash with irregular red spots (erythema multiforme).
Symptoms of withdrawal may occur in newborn babies of mothers that have used quetiapine during their pregnancy.
Disorder of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy) Inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis) Inflammation of blood vessels (Vasculitis), often with skin rash with small red or purple bumps

The class of medicines to which Quetiapine belongs can cause heart rhythm problems, which can be serious and in severe cases fatal.

Some side effects are only seen when a blood test is taken. These include changes in the amount of certain fats (triglycerides and total cholesterol) or sugar in the blood, changes in the amount of thyroid hormones in your blood, increased liver enzymes, decreases in the number of certain types of blood cells, decrease in the amount of red blood cells, increased blood creatine phosphokinase (a substance in the muscles), decrease in the amount of sodium in the blood and increases in the amount of the hormone prolactin in the blood. Increases in the hormone prolactin could in rare cases lead to the following:

Men and women to have swelling of breasts and unexpectedly produce breast milk.
Women to have no monthly period or irregular periods.

Your doctor may ask you to have blood tests from time to time.

Additional side effects in children and adolescents The same side effects that may occur in adults may also occur in children and adolescents.

The following side effects have been seen more often in children and adolescents or have not been seen in adults:

Very common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 patients):

Increase in the amount of a hormone called prolactin, in the blood. Increases in the hormone prolactin could in rare cases lead to the following: o boys and girls to have swelling of breasts and unexpectedly produce breast milk

o girls to have no monthly period or irregular periods

Increased appetite.
Vomiting.
Abnormal muscle movements. These include difficulty starting muscle movements, shaking, feeling restless or muscle stiffness without pain.
Increase in blood pressure.

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 patients):

Feeling weak, fainting (may lead to falls).
Stuffy nose.
Feeling irritated.

Reporting of side effects

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

5. how to store quetiapine

This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions.

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 outer carton after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

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 information

What Quetiapine contains

The active substance is quetiapine. One film-coated tablet contains 25 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg or 300 mg of quetiapine (as the fumarate).
The other ingredients are:

What Quetiapine looks like and contents of the pack

Quetiapine Dawa 25 mg tablets are pink coloured, round and biconvex.

Quetiapine Dawa 100 mg tablets are yellow coloured, round and biconvex.

Quetiapine Dawa 150 mg tablets are creamy coloured, round and biconvex.

Quetiapine Dawa 200 mg tablets are white coloured, round and biconvex.

Quetiapine Dawa 300 mg tablets are white coloured, oblong, with the score line on the one side. The tablet can be divided into equal halves.

Quetiapine Dawa 25 mg contains 30 or 60 film-coated tablets.

Quetiapine Dawa 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg or 300 mg contains 60 or 90 film-coated tablets.

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

Marketing Authorisation Holder

Dawa Ltd, 5 Sandridge Close, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 1XD

Manufacturer

Pharmaceutical Works POLPHARMASA 19 Pelplinska Street, 83–200 Starogard Gdanski, Poland.

This leaflet was last revised in July 2021.

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