Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Ramipril Tablets 1.25mg, 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg (Actavis UK Ltd)





Ramipril 1.25mg, 2.5mg, 5mg and 10mg Tablets



  • Please read this leaflet carefully before you start to take your medicine.


  • It gives you important information about your medicine.


  • If you want to know more, or you are not sure about anything, ask your pharmacist or doctor.


  • Keep the leaflet until you have finished the medicine.




What’S In Your Medicine



  • Actavis supplies Ramipril Tablets in four strengths.


  • Each tablet contains 1.25mg, 2.5mg, 5mg or 10mg of the active ingredient Ramipril.


  • The tablets also contain sodium hydrogen carbonate, lactose monohydrate, croscarmellose sodium, pregelatinised starch 1500 and sodium stearyl fumarate. 2.5mg tablets also contain yellow iron oxide (E172). 5mg tablets contain red and yellow iron oxide (E172).


  • Ramipril Tablets are available in a pack size of 28.

  • Your tablets are made by


Actavis

Barnstaple

EX32 8NS

UK



who are also the Marketing Authorisation holder.





About Your Medicine



Ramipril is one of a group of medicines called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. These medicines work by reducing blood pressure so helping your heart pump blood around the body more easily.




Ramipril Tablets may be used to:



  • Reduce the likelihood of death, heart attack, stroke, further heart or circulation problems or the need for surgery such as a heart bypass operation in people aged 55 years or more who have
    • signs of heart or blood vessel disease, or


    • type 2 diabetes with another risk factor such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or smoking



  • Lower blood pressure if it is high


  • Reduce the likelihood of death in patients with heart failure who have had a recent heart attack





Before Taking Your Medicine




Do not take Ramipril Tablets if you:



  • Have ever had an allergic reaction to Ramipril Tablets, any of the ingredients in the tablet or to any other ACE inhibitor (e.g. captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, lisinopril, perindopril). An allergic reaction may include a rash, itching, difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue


  • Have ever experienced swelling of any part of the body (angioedema) without knowing the cause or as a result of taking an ACE inhibitor in the past


  • Have a family history of angioedema


  • Are in the last 6 months of pregnancy, (see section ‘Pregnancy and breastfeeding’)


  • Have kidney problems including narrowing of the blood vessels supplying them




Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking Ramipril Tablets if you:



  • Have recently been ill with diarrhoea or vomiting


  • Are on a low salt diet


  • Have kidney problems or have had a kidney transplant


  • Are having dialysis (haemodialysis) treatment or an infusion procedure called “LDL apheresis”


  • Have severe heart failure, heart valve problems or poor blood circulation to the heart tissues


  • Have ever experienced swelling of any part of the body (angioedema) as a result of taking other medication in the past


  • Have low blood pressure (systolic less than 100mm Hg)


  • Have recently had a heart attack and your heart and circulation problems are not under control


  • Have been told you have a condition where your body produces too much of a hormone called aldosterone


  • Are having treatment to make you less allergic to wasp or bee stings


  • Have liver problems


  • Have collagen vascular disease or vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels)


  • Are due to have an operation or surgery involving an anaesthetic


  • Are diabetic


  • Are of black origin as this medicine may be less effective. You may also more readily get the side effect ‘angioedema’. Your doctor may adjust the dose or choose an alternative treatment.


  • Think you are (or might be) pregnant. Ramipril is not recommended in early pregnancy and may cause serious harm to your baby after 3 months of pregnancy (see section ‘Pregnancy and breastfeeding’)


  • Are breast-feeding


  • Have been told by your doctor you have an intolerance to some sugars as this medicine contains lactose


  • Develop a dry, persistent cough during treatment with Ramipril Tablets




Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following:



  • Diuretics (“water tablets”) such as amiloride, bendroflumethiazide, bumetanide, spironolactone or triamterene


  • Other medicines that lower blood pressure such as nitrates


  • Medicines to prevent rejection of transplanted organs such as azathioprine or ciclosporin


  • Allopurinol for gout


  • Procainamide for irregular heart beat


  • Potassium supplements, potassium-containing salt substitutes (e.g. Lo-Salt) or medicines containing potassium


  • Medicines for diabetes such as insulin, glibenclamide or metformin


  • Lithium or other treatments for mental illness


  • Antidepressants such as amitriptyline or imipramine


  • Anaesthetics such as Lidocaine


  • Strong pain killers such as morphine or pethidine


  • Anti-inflammatory medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen, indometacin, celecoxib or meloxicam


  • Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine or asthma relievers such as salbutamol


  • The antibiotics trimethoprim or co-trimoxazole




Pregnancy and Breast-feeding:



You must tell your doctor if you think that you are (or might be) pregnant. Usually, your doctor will advise you to take another medicine instead of Ramipril, as Ramipril is not recommended in early pregnancy, and may cause serious harm to your baby if it is used after 3 months of pregnancy.



An appropriate antihypertensive drug must usually replace Ramipril before starting a pregnancy. The product should not be used during the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy.



Your doctor will normally advise you to stop taking Ramipril as soon as you know you are pregnant.



If you become pregnant during therapy with Ramipril, please contact your doctor without delay.

Ramipril should not be taken during breast-feeding.





Driving and using machines:



Ramipril Tablets may sometimes make you feel tired or dizzy and can rarely affect your vision. Make sure you are not affected before you drive or operate machinery.






Taking Your Medicine



Follow your doctor’s instructions. Check the pharmacy label to see how many tablets to take and how often to take them. If you are still unsure ask your pharmacist or doctor.



The usual adult oral dosage(s) are described below:




Reducing risk of death or illness in patients aged 55 years or over with risk factors



Usual starting dose is 2.5mg once daily. Your doctor may increase this, according to response after two or three weeks of treatment, up to a maximum of 10mg once daily. The usual maintenance dose is 10mg once daily.





High Blood Pressure



Usual starting dose is 1.25mg to 2.5mg once daily. Your doctor may increase this, according to response after two or three weeks of treatment, up to a maximum of 10mg once daily.





Reducing risk of death in heart failure patients after a heart attack



Treatment usually begins three to ten days after the heart attack. Usual starting dose is 1.25-2.5mg twice daily (morning and evening). The maximum daily dose is 10mg, which may be taken as a single or divided dose (i.e. 5mg twice daily).





Special Patient Populations



Patients taking diuretics (“water tablets”)



Your doctor may stop your diuretic 2-3 days before starting ramipril or use a lower dose.



Patients with very poor kidney function



Your doctor may prescribe a lower starting dose.



Elderly patients



Your doctor may prescribe a different dose according to your kidney function.



Patients with poor liver function



Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose and monitor you more closely.



Children



Not recommended.



  • Swallow these tablets whole with a glass of water regardless of food at the same time(s) each day.


  • Take this medicine for as long as your doctor tells you to.




If you take more Ramipril Tablets than you should



If you (or someone else) swallow a lot of the tablets all together or if you think a child has swallowed any of the tablets, contact your nearest hospital casualty department or your doctor immediately. If an overdose has been taken there may be signs such as a severe drop in blood pressure causing you to feel faint and a slow heart beat. An upset to blood chemistry and kidney function can also occur but won’t show symptoms.





If you forget to take Ramipril Tablets



If you forget to take a tablet take one as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time to take the next one. Never take two doses together. Take the remaining doses at the correct time.






After Taking Your Medicine



Like all medicines, Ramipril Tablets can sometimes cause unwanted side effects.



If the following happens, STOP taking Ramipril Tablets and tell your doctor immediately or contact the casualty department at your nearest hospital:



  • An allergic reaction (angioedema): skin rash, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, hands or feet, and/or difficulty breathing or swallowing. This is a very serious but rare side effect.


  • Pemphigus- a very rare but serious blistering of the skin.


  • Toxic epidermal necrolysis- a very rare but severe rash involving reddening, swelling and peeling of the skin. Equivalent in appearance to severe burns.


  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome- a very rare but severe and widespread reddening of the skin with blistering


  • Erythema multiforme- a very rare but painful reddening of the skin with lumps and blisters

You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation with any of these reactions.




Other known side effects are:



Common (occur in more than 1 in 100 people): dizziness, headache, feeling faint on standing up due to low blood pressure, cough, diarrhoea, vomiting and kidney problems.



Uncommon (occur in more than 1 in 1000 but less than 1 in 100 people): mood changes, pins and needles, vertigo, taste disturbances, problems sleeping, heart attack, stroke, shortness of breath, runny nose, feeling sick, stomach ache, indigestion, reduced appetite, rash, itching, loss of sexual performance in men (impotence), tiredness, weakness or loss of strength, changes in blood chemistry including raised urea, creatinine, potassium and liver enzyme levels.



Rare (occur in more than 1 in 10000 but less than 1 in 1000 people): reduced haemoglobin and lower blood cell volume, confusion, dry mouth, kidney failure, enlarged breasts in men, raised blood levels of bilirubin and low levels of sodium.



Very rare (occur in less than 1 in 10000 people): weakened immunity, changes in types and numbers of blood cells causing various types of anaemia, lymph node disease, a condition where the immune system attacks your own body, low blood sugar levels, asthma, inflammation of the sinuses, allergic lung disorders, inflammation and collection of fluid in the lungs, inflammation of the pancreas or liver causing jaundice (yellowing of the whites of the eyes and skin), swelling of the intestines, sweating.



Combinations of the above and other side effects have occurred in some people. One combination includes fever, inflammation of blood vessels, muscle and joint pain, oversensitivity of skin to light, other skin reactions and changes in blood chemistry and cells.



Tell your doctor if you notice or are worried by any of the side effects listed or notice any other effects not listed.






Storing Your Medicine



  • Do not use the tablets after the end of the expiry month (use by date) shown on the product packaging.


  • Do not store above 25°C.


  • Store in the original packaging. Do not transfer them to another container.


  • KEEP RAMIPRIL TABLETS OUT OF THE REACH AND SIGHT OF CHILDREN IN A SECURE PLACE.


  • REMEMBER that this medicine is for YOU only. NEVER give it to anyone else. It may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.


  • Return all unused medicines to your pharmacist for safe disposal.



Date of last revision: March 2008.





If you would like a leaflet with larger text, please contact 01271 311257.






Actavis

Barnstaple

EX32 8NS

UK



ACTPL053





Ramipril 2.5mg Tablets





1. Name Of The Medicinal Product



Ramipril 2.5mg Tablets


2. Qualitative And Quantitative Composition



2.5 mg ramipril.



For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1.



3. Pharmaceutical Form



Tablet



Yellowish to yellow oblong tablets with score-line.



Upper stamp: 2.5 & logo (



Lower stamp: HMR & 2.5



4. Clinical Particulars



4.1 Therapeutic Indications



- Treatment of hypertension.



- Cardiovascular prevention: reduction of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with:





 


o manifest atherothrombotic cardiovascular disease (history of coronary heart disease or stroke, or peripheral vascular disease) or



o diabetes with at least one cardiovascular risk factor (see section 5.1).



- Treatment of renal disease:





 


o Incipient glomerular diabetic nephropathy as defined by the presence of microalbuminuria,



o Manifest glomerular diabetic nephropathy as defined by macroproteinuria in patients with at least one cardiovascular risk factor (see section 5.1),



o Manifest glomerular non diabetic nephropathy as defined by macroproteinuria



- Treatment of symptomatic heart failure.





 


- Secondary prevention after acute myocardial infarction: reduction of mortality from the acute phase of myocardial infarction in patients with clinical signs of heart failure when started > 48 hours following acute myocardial infarction.



4.2 Posology And Method Of Administration



Oral use.



It is recommended that RAMIPRIL is taken each day at the same time of the day.



RAMIPRIL can be taken before, with or after meals, because food intake does not modify its bioavailability (see section 5.2).



RAMIPRIL has to be swallowed with liquid. It must not be chewed or crushed.



Adults



Diuretic-Treated patients



Hypotension may occur following initiation of therapy with RAMIPRIL; this is more likely in patients who are being treated concurrently with diuretics. Caution is therefore recommended since these patients may be volume and/or salt depleted.



If possible, the diuretic should be discontinued 2 to 3 days before beginning therapy with RAMIPRIL (see section 4.4).



In hypertensive patients in whom the diuretic is not discontinued, therapy with RAMIPRIL should be initiated with a 1.25 mg dose. Renal function and serum potassium should be monitored. The subsequent dosage of RAMIPRIL should be adjusted according to blood pressure target.



Hypertension



The dose should be individualised according to the patient profile (see section 4.4) and blood pressure control.



RAMIPRIL may be used in monotherapy or in combination with other classes of antihypertensive medicinal products.



Starting dose



RAMIPRIL should be started gradually with an initial recommended dose of 2.5 mg daily.



Patients with a strongly activated renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system may experience an excessive drop in blood pressure following the initial dose. A starting dose of 1.25 mg is recommended in such patients and the initiation of treatment should take place under medical supervision (see section 4.4).



Titration and maintenance dose



The dose can be doubled at interval of two to four weeks to progressively achieve target blood pressure; the maximum permitted dose of RAMIPRIL is 10 mg daily. Usually the dose is administered once daily.



Cardiovascular prevention



Starting dose



The recommended initial dose is 2.5 mg of RAMIPRIL once daily.



Titration and maintenance dose



Depending on the patient's tolerability to the active substance, the dose should be gradually increased. It is recommended to double the dose after one or two weeks of treatment and - after another two to three weeks - to increase it up to the target maintenance dose of 10 mg RAMIPRIL once daily.



See also posology on diuretic treated patients above.



Treatment of renal disease



In patients with diabetes and microalbuminuria:



Starting dose:



The recommended initial dose is 1.25 mg of RAMIPRIL once daily.



Titration and maintenance dose



Depending on the patient's tolerability to the active substance, the dose is subsequently increased. Doubling the once daily dose to 2.5 mg after two weeks and then to 5 mg after a further two weeks is recommended.



In patients with diabetes and at least one cardiovascular risk



Starting dose:



The recommended initial dose is 2.5 mg of RAMIPRIL once daily.



Titration and maintenance dose



Depending on the patient's tolerability to the active substance, the dose is subsequently increased. Doubling the daily dose to 5 mg RAMIPRIL after one or two weeks and then to 10 mg RAMIPRIL after a further two or three weeks is recommended. The target daily dose is 10 mg.



In patients with non- diabetic nephropathy as defined by macroproteinuria



Starting dose:



The recommended initial dose is 1.25 mg of RAMIPRIL once daily.



Titration and maintenance dose



Depending on the patient's tolerability to the active substance, the dose is subsequently increased. Doubling the once daily dose to 2.5 mg after two weeks and then to 5 mg after a further two weeks is recommended.



Symptomatic heart failure



Starting dose



In patients stabilized on diuretic therapy, the recommended initial dose is 1.25 mg daily.



Titration and maintenance dose



RAMIPRIL should be titrated by doubling the dose every one to two weeks up to a maximum daily dose of 10 mg. Two administrations per day are preferable.



Secondary prevention after acute myocardial infarction and with heart failure



Starting dose



After 48 hours, following myocardial infarction in a clinically and haemodynamically stable patient, the starting dose is 2.5 mg twice daily for three days. If the initial 2.5 mg dose is not tolerated a dose of 1.25 mg twice a day should be given for two days before increasing to 2.5 mg and 5 mg twice a day. If the dose cannot be increased to 2.5 mg twice a day the treatment should be withdrawn.



See also posology on diuretic treated patients above.



Titration and maintenance dose



The daily dose is subsequently increased by doubling the dose at intervals of one to three days up to the target maintenance dose of 5 mg twice daily.



The maintenance dose is divided in 2 administrations per day where possible.



If the dose cannot be increased to 2.5 mg twice a day treatment should be withdrawn. Sufficient experience is still lacking in the treatment of patients with severe (NYHA IV) heart failure immediately after myocardial infarction. Should the decision be taken to treat these patients, it is recommended that therapy be started at 1.25 mg once daily and that particular caution be exercised in any dose increase.



Special populations



Patients with renal impairment



Daily dose in patients with renal impairment should be based on creatinine clearance (see section 5.2):



- if creatinine clearance is



- if creatinine clearance is between 30-60 ml/min, it is not necessary to adjust the initial dose (2.5 mg/day); the maximal daily dose is 5 mg;



- if creatinine clearance is between 10-30 ml/min, the initial dose is 1.25 mg/day and the maximal daily dose is 5 mg;



- in haemodialysed hypertensive patients: ramipril is slightly dialysable; the initial dose is 1.25 mg/day and the maximal daily dose is 5 mg; the medicinal product should be administered few hours after haemodialysis is performed.



Patients with hepatic impairment (see section 5.2)



In patients with hepatic impairment, treatment with RAMIPRIL must be initiated only under close medical supervision and the maximum daily dose is 2.5 mg RAMIPRIL.



Elderly



Initial doses should be lower and subsequent dose titration should be more gradual because of greater chance of undesirable effects especially in very old and frail patients. A reduced initial dose of 1.25 mg ramipril should be considered.



Paediatric population



RAMIPRIL is not recommended for use in children and adolescents below 18 years of age due to insufficient data on safety and efficacy.



4.3 Contraindications



- Hypersensitivity to the active substance, to any of the excipients or any other ACE (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme) inhibitors (see section 6.1)



- History of angioedema (hereditary, idiopathic or due to previous angioedema with ACE inhibitors or AIIRAs)



- Extracorporeal treatments leading to contact of blood with negatively charged surfaces (see section 4.5)



- Significant bilateral renal artery stenosis or renal artery stenosis in a single functioning kidney



- 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy (see sections 4.4 and 4.6)



- Ramipril must not be used in patients with hypotensive or haemodynamically unstable states.



4.4 Special Warnings And Precautions For Use



Special populations



Pregnancy: ACE inhibitors such as ramipril, or Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonists (AIIRAs) should not be initiated during pregnancy. Unless continued ACE inhibitor/ AIIRAs therapy is considered essential, patients planning pregnancy should be changed to alternative anti-hypertensive treatments which have an established safety profile for use in pregnancy. When pregnancy is diagnosed, treatment with ACE inhibitors/ AIIRAs should be stopped immediately, and, if appropriate, alternative therapy should be started (see sections 4.3 and 4.6).



Patients at particular risk of hypotension



Patients with strongly activated renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system



Patients with strongly activated renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system are at risk of an acute pronounced fall in blood pressure and deterioration of renal function due to ACE inhibition, especially when an ACE inhibitor or a concomitant diuretic is given for the first time or at first dose increase.



Significant activation of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is to be anticipated and medical supervision including blood pressure monitoring is necessary, for example in:



- patients with severe hypertension



- patients with decompensated congestive heart failure



- patients with haemodynamically relevant left ventricular inflow or outflow impediment



(e.g. stenosis of the aortic or mitral valve)



- patients with unilateral renal artery stenosis with a second functional kidney



- patients in whom fluid or salt depletion exists or may develop (including patients with



diuretics)



- patients with liver cirrhosis and/or ascites



- patients undergoing major surgery or during anaesthesia with agents that produce hypotension.



Generally, it is recommended to correct dehydration, hypovolaemia or salt depletion before initiating treatment (in patients with heart failure, however, such corrective action must be carefully weighed out against the risk of volume overload).



Transient or persistent heart failure post MI



Patients at risk of cardiac or cerebral ischemia in case of acute hypotension



The initial phase of treatment requires special medical supervision.



Elderly patients



See section 4.2.



Surgery



It is recommended that treatment with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors such as ramipril should be discontinued where possible one day before surgery.



Monitoring of renal function



Renal function should be assessed before and during treatment and dosage adjusted especially in the initial weeks of treatment. Particularly careful monitoring is required in patients with renal impairment (see section 4.2). There is a risk of impairment of renal function, particularly in patients with congestive heart failure or after a renal transplant.



Angioedema



Angioedema has been reported in patients treated with ACE inhibitors including ramipril (see



section 4.8).



In case of angioedema, RAMIPRIL must be discontinued.



Emergency therapy should be instituted promptly. Patient should be kept under observation for at least 12 to 24 hours and discharged after complete resolution of the symptoms.



Intestinal angioedema has been reported in patients treated with ACE inhibitors including RAMIPRIL (see section 4.8). These patients presented with abdominal pain (with or without nausea or vomiting).



Anaphylactic reactions during desensitization



The likelihood and severity of anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions to insect venom and other allergens are increased under ACE inhibition. A temporary discontinuation of RAMIPRIL should be considered prior to desensitization.



Hyperkalaemia



Hyperkalaemia has been observed in some patients treated with ACE inhibitors including RAMIPRIL. Patients at risk for development of hyperkalaemia include those with renal insufficiency, age (> 70 years), uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, or those using potassium salts, potassium retaining diuretics and other plasma potassium increasing active substances, or conditions such as dehydration, acute cardiac decompensation, metabolic acidosis. If concomitant use of the above mentioned agents is deemed appropriate, regular monitoring of serum potassium is recommended (see section 4.5).



Neutropenia/agranulocytosis



Neutropenia/agranulocytosis, as well as thrombocytopenia and anaemia, have been rarely seen and bone marrow depression has also been reported. It is recommended to monitor the white blood cell count to permit detection of a possible leucopoenia. More frequent monitoring is advised in the initial phase of treatment and in patients with impaired renal function, those with concomitant collagen disease (e.g. lupus erythematosus or scleroderma), and all those treated with other medicinal products that can cause changes in the blood picture (see sections 4.5 and 4.8).



Ethnic differences



ACE inhibitors cause higher rate of angioedema in black patients than in non black patients.



As with other ACE inhibitors, ramipril may be less effective in lowering blood pressure in black people than in non black patients, possibly because of a higher prevalence of hypertension with low renin level in the black hypertensive population.



Cough



Cough has been reported with the use of ACE inhibitors. Characteristically, the cough is nonproductive, persistent and resolves after discontinuation of therapy. ACE inhibitor-induced cough should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis of cough.



4.5 Interaction With Other Medicinal Products And Other Forms Of Interaction



Contra-indicated combinations



Extracorporeal treatments leading to contact of blood with negatively charged surfaces such as dialysis or haemofiltration with certain high-flux membranes (e.g. polyacrylonitril membranes) and low density lipoprotein apheresis with dextran sulphate due to increased risk of severe anaphylactoid reactions (see section 4.3). If such treatment is required, consideration should be given to using a different type of dialysis membrane or a different class of antihypertensive agent.



Precautions for use



Potassium salts, heparin, potassium-retaining diuretics and other plasma potassium increasing active substances (including Angiotensin II antagonists, trimethoprim, tacrolimus, ciclosporin): Hyperkalaemia may occur, therefore close monitoring of serum potassium is required.



Antihypertensive agents (e.g. diuretics) and other substances that may decrease blood pressure (e.g.nitrates, tricyclic antidepressants, anaesthetics, acute alcohol intake, baclofen, alfuzosin, doxazosin, prazosin, tamsulosin, terazosin): Potentiation of the risk of hypotension is to be anticipated (see section 4.2 for diuretics)



Vasopressor sympathomimetics and other substances (e.g. isoproterenol, dobutamine, dopamine, epinephrine) that may reduce the antihypertensive effect of RAMIPRIL: Blood pressure monitoring is recommended.



Allopurinol, immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, procainamide, cytostatics and other substances that may change the blood cell count: Increased likelihood of haematological reactions (see section 4.4).



Lithium salts: Excretion of lithium may be reduced by ACE inhibitors and therefore lithium toxicity may be increased. Lithium level must be monitored.



Antidiabetic agents including insulin: Hypoglycaemic reactions may occur. Blood glucose monitoring is recommended.



Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetylsalicylic acid: Reduction of the antihypertensive effect of RAMIPRIL is to be anticipated. Furthermore, concomitant treatment of ACE inhibitors and NSAIDs may lead to an increased risk of worsening of renal function and to an increase in kalaemia.



4.6 Pregnancy And Lactation



RAMIPRIL is not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy (see section 4.4) and contraindicated during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy (see section 4.3).



Epidemiological evidence regarding the risk of teratogenicity following exposure to ACE inhibitors during the first trimester of pregnancy has not been conclusive; however a small increase in risk cannot be excluded. Unless continued ACE inhibitor therapy is considered essential, patients planning pregnancy should be changed to alternative anti-hypertensive treatments which have an established safety profile for use in pregnancy. When pregnancy is diagnosed, treatment with ACE inhibitors should be stopped immediately, and, if appropriate, alternative therapy should be started. ACE inhibitor/ Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonist (AIIRA) therapy exposure during the second and third trimesters is known to induce human fetotoxicity (decreased renal function, oligohydramnios, skull ossification retardation) and neonatal toxicity (renal failure, hypotension, hyperkalaemia). (See also 5.3 'Preclinical safety data'). Should exposure to ACE inhibitor have occurred from the second trimester of pregnancy, ultrasound check of renal function and skull is recommended. Newborns whose mothers have taken ACE inhibitors should be closely observed for hypotension, oliguria and hyperkalaemia (see also sections 4.3 and 4.4).



Because insufficient information is available regarding the use of ramipril during breastfeeding (see section 5.2), ramipril is not recommended and alternative treatments with better established safety profiles during breast-feeding are preferable, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.



4.7 Effects On Ability To Drive And Use Machines



Some adverse effects (e.g. symptoms of a reduction in blood pressure such as dizziness) may impair the patient's ability to concentrate and react and, therefore, constitute a risk in situations where these abilities are of particular importance (e.g. operating a vehicle or machinery).



This can happen especially at the start of treatment, or when changing over from other preparations. After the first dose or subsequent increases in dose it is not advisable to drive or operate machinery for several hours.



4.8 Undesirable Effects



The safety profile of ramipril includes persistent dry cough and reactions due to hypotension. Serious adverse reactions include angioedema, hyperkalaemia, renal or hepatic impairment, pancreatitis, severe skin reactions and neutropenia/agranulocytosis.



Adverse reactions frequency is defined using the following convention:



Very common (



Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.
















































































































 



 




Common




Uncommon




Rare




Very rare




Not known




Cardiac disorders




 



 




Myocardial ischaemia including angina pectoris or myocardial infarction, tachycardia, arrhythmia, palpitations, oedema peripheral




 



 




 



 




 



 




Blood and lymphatic system disorders



 




 



 




Eosinophilia




White blood cell count decreased (including neutropenia or agranulocytosis), red blood cell count decreased, haemoglobin decreased, platelet count decreased




 



 




Bone marrow failure, pancytopenia, haemolytic anaemia




Nervous system disorders



 




Headache, dizziness




Vertigo, paraesthesia, ageusia, dysgeusia,




Tremor, balance disorder




 



 




Cerebral ischaemia including ischaemic stroke and transient ischaemic attack, psychomotor skills impaired, burning sensation, parosmia




Eye disorders



 




 



 




Visual disturbance including blurred vision




Conjunctivitis




 



 




 



 




Ear and labyrinth disorders




 



 




 



 




Hearing impaired, tinnitus




 



 




 



 




Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders



 




Non-productive tickling cough, bronchitis, sinusitis, dyspnoea




Bronchospasm including asthma aggravated, nasal congestion




 



 




 



 




 



 




Gastrointestinal disorders



 



 




Gastrointestinal inflammation, digestive disturbances, abdominal discomfort, dyspepsia, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting




Pancreatitis (cases of fatal outcome have been very exceptionally reported with ACE inhibitors), pancreatic enzymes increased, small bowel angioedema, abdominal pain upper including gastritis, constipation, dry mouth




Glossitis




 



 




Aphtous stomatitis




Renal and urinary disorders



 




 



 




Renal impairment including renal failure acute, urine output increased, worsening of a pre-existing proteinuria, blood urea increased, blood creatinine increased



 




 



 




 



 




 



 




Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders



 




Rash in particular maculo-papular




Angioedema; very exceptionally, the airway obstruction resulting from angioedema may have a fatal outcome; pruritus, hyperhidrosis




Exfoliative dermatitis, urticaria, onycholysis,




Photosensitivity reaction




Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, pemphigus, psoriasis aggravated, dermatitis psoriasiform, pemphigoid or lichenoid exanthema or enanthema, alopecia




Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders



 




Muscle spasms, myalgia




Arthralgia




 



 




 



 




 



 




Metabolism and nutrition disorders



 




Blood potassium increased




Anorexia, decreased appetite,




 



 




 



 




Blood sodium decreased




Vascular disorders



 




Hypotension, orthostatic blood pressure decreased, syncope




Flushing




Vascular stenosis, hypoperfusion, vasculitis




 



 




Raynaud's phenomenon




General disorders and administration site conditions



 




Chest pain, fatigue




Pyrexia




Asthenia




 



 




 



 




Immune system disorders



 




 



 




 



 




 



 




 



 




Anaphylactic or anaphylactoid reactions, antinuclear antibody increased




Hepatobiliary disorders




 



 




Hepatic enzymes and/or bilirubin conjugated increased,




Jaundice cholestatic, hepatocellular damage




 



 




Acute hepatic failure, cholestatic or cytolytic hepatitis (fatal outcome has been very exceptional).




Reproductive system and breast disorders




 



 




Transient erectile impotence, libido decreased



 




 



 




 



 




Gynaecomastia




Psychiatric disorders




 



 




Depressed mood, anxiety, nervousness, restlessness, sleep disorder including somnolence



 




Confusional state




 



 




Disturbance in attention



4.9 Overdose



Symptoms associated with overdosage of ACE inhibitors may include excessive peripheral vasodilatation (with marked hypotension, shock), bradycardia, electrolyte disturbances, and renal failure. The patient should be closely monitored and the treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. Suggested measures include primary detoxification (gastric lavage, administration of adsorbents) and measures to restore haemodynamic stability, including, administration of alpha 1 adrenergic agonists or angiotensin II (angiotensinamide) administration. Ramiprilat, the active metabolite of ramipril is poorly removed from the general circulation by haemodialysis.



5. Pharmacological Properties



5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties



Pharmacotherapeutic group: ACE Inhibitors, plain, ATC code C09AA05.



Mechanism of action



Ramiprilat, the active metabolite of the prodrug ramipril, inhibits the enzyme dipeptidylcarboxypeptidase I (synonyms: angiotensin-converting enzyme; kininase II). In plasma and tissue this enzyme catalyses the conversion of angiotensin I to the active vasoconstrictor substance angiotensin II, as well as the breakdown of the active vasodilator bradykinin. Reduced angiotensin II formation and inhibition of bradykinin breakdown lead to vasodilatation.



Since angiotensin II also stimulates the release of aldosterone, ramiprilat causes a reduction in aldosterone secretion. The average response to ACE inhibitor monotherapy was lower in black (Afro-Caribbean) hypertensive patients (usually a low-renin hypertensive population) than in non-black patients.



Pharmacodynamic effects



Antihypertensive properties:



Administration of ramipril causes a marked reduction in peripheral arterial resistance. Generally, there are no major changes in renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate. Administration of ramipril to patients with hypertension leads to a reduction in supine and standing blood pressure without a compensatory rise in heart rate.



In most patients the onset of the antihypertensive effect of a single dose becomes apparent 1 to 2 hours after oral administration. The peak effect of a single dose is usually reached 3 to 6 hours after oral administration. The antihypertensive effect of a single dose usually lasts for 24 hours.



The maximum antihypertensive effect of continued treatment with ramipril is generally apparent after 3 to 4 weeks. It has been shown that the antihypertensive effect is sustained under long term therapy lasting 2 years.



Abrupt discontinuation of ramipril does not produce a rapid and excessive rebound increase in blood pressure.



Heart failure:



In addition to conventional therapy with diuretics and optional cardiac glycosides, ramipril has been shown to be effective in patients with functional classes II-IV of the New-York Heart Association. The drug had beneficial effects on cardiac haemodynamics (decreased left and right ventricular filling pressures, reduced total peripheral vascular resistance, increased cardiac output and improved cardiac index). It also reduced neuroendocrine activation.



Clinical efficacy and safety



Cardiovascular prevention/Nephroprotection;



A preventive placebo-controlled study (the HOPE-study), was carried out in which ramipril was added to standard therapy in more than 9,200 patients. Patients with increased risk of cardiovascular disease following either atherothrombotic cardiovascular disease (history of coronary heart disease, stroke or peripheral vascular disease) or diabetes mellitus with at least one additional risk factor (documented microalbuminuria, hypertension, elevated total cholesterol level, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level or cigarette smoking) were included in the study.



The study showed that ramipril statistically significantly decreases the incidence of myocardial infarction, death from cardiovascular causes and stroke, alone and combined (primary combined events).



The HOPE Study: Main Results;





























































 



 




Ramipril




Placebo




relative risk



(95% confidence interval)




p-value




 



 




%




%




 



 




 



 




All patients




n=4,645




N=4,652




 




 




Primary combined events




14.0




17.8




0.78 (0.70-0.86)




<0.001




Myocardial infarction




9.9




12.3




0.80 (0.70-0.90)




<0.001




Death from cardiovascular causes




6.1




8.1




0.74 (0.64-0.87)




<0.001




Stroke




3.4




4.9




0.68 (0.56-0.84)




<0.001




 



 




 



 




 



 




 



 




 



 




Secondary endpoints




 




 




 




 




Death from any cause




10.4




12.2




0.84 (0.75-0.95)




0.005




Need for Revascularisation




16.0




18.3




0.85 (0.77-0.94)




0.002




Hospitalisation for unstable angina




12.1


Relifex Suspension





Relifex 500 mg/5 ml Oral Suspension



Nabumetone




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



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

  • If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

  • This medicine has been prescribed for you. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.

  • In this leaflet, Relifex 500 mg/ 5 ml Oral Suspension will be called Relifex suspension.




In this leaflet:



  • 1. What Relifex suspension is for

  • 2. Before you take Relifex suspension

  • 3. How to take Relifex suspension

  • 4. Possible side effects

  • 5. How to store Relifex suspension

  • 6. Further information






What Relifex suspension is for



Relifex suspension belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (known as NSAIDs).



It works by reducing the production of some natural chemicals found in the body. These chemicals (prostaglandins) cause the symptoms of inflammation such as pain and swelling.



Relifex suspension is used to treat the pain, stiffness and swelling of joints which are affected by osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.





Before you take Relifex suspension




Do not take Relifex suspension if:



  • You are allergic to nabumetone

  • You are allergic to any of the other ingredients of Relifex suspension (see section 6)

  • You have ever had an allergic reaction like a rash, itchy, runny or bleeding nose, or become short of breath when you have taken aspirin or other NSAID medicines. Such medicines include ibuprofen, diclofenac or naproxen

  • You have, or have ever had a stomach ulcer or any bleeding in your digestive system (peptic ulcer or haemorrhage)

  • You have serious problems with your heart (severe heart failure)

  • You have serious problems with your liver (liver cirrhosis)

  • You have serious problems with your kidneys (kidney failure)

  • You are in the last three months of pregnancy.

If any of the above applies to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.





Check with your doctor before taking Relifex suspension if:



  • You have, or have ever had asthma

  • You have, or have ever had stomach problem. This includes Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis

  • You have kidney problems

  • You have liver problems

  • You have heart problems

  • you have or have ever had high blood pressure (hypertension)

  • You have ever had a stroke

  • You have any signs of water building up in your body, such as swollen ankles

  • You have a condition called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or Lupus for short) or any other autoimmune disease

  • You are in the first six months of pregnancy

  • You are trying to, or planning to become pregnant

  • You have diabetes

  • You have high cholesterol

  • You are a smoker

  • You are over 65 years of age.

Do not give Relifex suspension to children.





Warnings



Medicines such as Relifex suspension may be associated with a small increased risk of heart attack (myocardial infarction) or stroke. Any risk is more likely with high doses and prolonged treatment. Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration of treatment.





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



  • Anticoagulants such as warfarin (to thin your blood)

  • Anticonvulsants such as phenytoin (to prevent fits)

  • Antidepressants such as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s) (to treat depression)

  • Antidiabetics (taken by mouth to control blood sugar levels)

  • Antihypertensives (to control high blood pressure)

  • Cardiac glycosides such as digoxin (to manage certain heart conditions)

  • Ciclosporin and tacrolimus (to prevent transplanted organs being rejected)

  • Corticosteroids (to treat skin conditions)

  • Diuretics or ‘water tablets’ (to make you pass more water)

  • Lithium (to treat mental problems)

  • Methotrexate (to treat arthritis)

  • Mifepristone (used by doctors to terminate pregnancies). If you have taken mifepristone within the last two weeks you should not take Relifex suspension

  • Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs or COX-2). These include ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen, or aspirin

  • Quinolone antibiotics (to treat infections)

  • Zidovudine (to treat HIV)

  • Any other medicine, including medicines obtained without a prescription.




Taking Relifex suspension with food



You must take this medicine with or after a meal.





Pregnancy and breast-feeding



Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.



Remember: Taking this medicine may make it harder for you to become pregnant. Ask your doctor for advice





Driving and using machines



Whilst taking Relifex suspension you may feel dizzy, tired, drowsy or notice problems with your eye sight.



If this happens, do not drive or operate machinery.





Warnings about the ingredients in Relifex suspension



This medicine contains sorbitol. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicine.






How to take Relifex suspension




Important:



  • Only take the amount of this medicine your doctor has prescribed

  • Only take this medicine for the treatment time your doctor has prescribed.

This will stop you getting so many side-effects. This will reduce any chance of you having a stroke or heart attack.




Important:



Your doctor will choose the dose that is right for you. Your dose will be shown clearly on the label that your pharmacist puts on your medicine. If it does not, or you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.



Remember: Always take this medicine with or after a meal.



Some patients may need to take another medicine at the same time as taking Relifex suspension. Your doctor will prescribe this if you need it.




Adults



  • The usual dose is 10 ml solution (1 g) taken once a day at bedtime.

  • If you need to take more, your doctor will explain how much to take and when to take it.




Elderly (65 years and over)



  • The usual starting dose is 5 ml (500 mg) taken once a day at bedtime.

  • If you need to take more, your doctor will explain how much to take and when to take it.

  • Never take more than 10 ml (1 g) each day.




Medical check-ups



When you are taking this medicine, your doctor may ask you to come for check-ups which may include:



  • Checking your kidneys to make sure they are working properly


  • Checking you are not getting problems with swelling of any parts of your body


  • If you are elderly, you will need to go for check-ups during the first four weeks of taking the medicine. These are to make sure that the medicine is working properly and that the dose you are taking is right for you.




If you take more Relifex suspension than you should



Do not take more Relifex suspension than you should. If you accidentally take too much of your medicine, immediately tell your doctor or go to the nearest hospital casualty department.



Taking too much Relifex suspension may make you feel or be sick, be dizzy or faint, develop a headache or have fits (convulsions).





If you forget to take Relifex suspension



Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.



Simply take the next dose as planned.




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





Relifex Suspension Side Effects



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




Stop taking this medicine and seek immediate medical help if you have any of the following symptoms:



  • You have difficulty breathing

  • Your face or throat swells

  • You have a severe rash that may blister

  • You have chest pains or sudden numbness and confusion

  • You have blood in your stools. They may look black and tarry

  • You vomit blood or dark particles that look like coffee granules.




Stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:



This is especially important if you are elderly.



  • You have indigestion or heartburn

  • You have severe pains in your stomach

  • You have any other abnormal stomach symptoms.




Other possible side effects



  • Rash

  • Fever

  • Diarrhoea

  • Headache

  • Confusion

  • Dry mouth

  • Loss of hair

  • Depression

  • Hallucinations

  • Swollen ankles

  • Pins and needles

  • Ringing in your ears

  • Ulcers in your mouth

  • Feeling or being sick

  • Constipation or wind

  • Tiredness or drowsiness

  • Problems with your sight

  • Trouble sleeping (insomnia)

  • Worsening of your asthma

  • Difficulty breathing, or wheezing

  • Feeling that the room is spinning

  • Your skin is more sensitive to sunlight

  • Abnormally heavy or long menstrual periods

  • Dizziness and headache (you may have high blood pressure)

  • Problems passing water and back pain (you may have problems with your kidneys)

  • Worsening of existing stomach conditions such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis

  • Yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes (you may have problems with your liver)

  • Back pain often with diarrhoea, that may come as an attack after eating (you may have problems with your pancreas)

  • Symptoms similar to meningitis, including a stiff neck or fever. This is more likely if you already have an autoimmune disease such as Lupus

  • You get ill more often with a sore throat, fever, chills, anaemia or abnormal bruising (you may have problems with your blood).

Important: Medicines such as Relifex suspension may be associated with a small increased risk of heart attack (myocardial infarction) or stroke.




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





How to store Relifex suspension



Keep out of the reach and sight of children.



Do not use Relifex suspension after the expiry date on the bottle or carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.



Keep the solution in the original bottle. Protect from light.



Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or in household waste. Return any medicine you no longer need to your pharmacist.





Further Information




What Relifex suspension contains



  • The active substance in Relifex suspension is nabumetone.

  • Each 5 ml of solution contains 500 mg nabumetone.

  • The other ingredients are methylcellulose (E461), xanthan gum (E415), sorbitol (E420), sodium benzoate (E211), liquid vanilla flavour, liquid buttermint flavour, monoammonium glycyrrhizinate, glycerin, dilute hydrochloric acid (E507) and purified water.




What Relifex suspension looks like



Relifex 500 mg/ 5 ml Oral Suspension is a white to off-white suspension. The suspension comes in plastic bottles, each containing 300 ml of solution.





Marketing Authorisation Holder:




Meda Pharmaceuticals Ltd

trading as Meda Pharmaceuticals

Skyway House

Parsonage Road

Takeley

Bishop's Stortford

CM22 6PU

UK





Manufacturer:




Pharmasol Ltd.

North Way

Walworth Industrial Estate

Andover

Hampshire

SP10 5AZ

UK




This leaflet was last updated October 2008



If this leaflet is difficult to see or read or you would like it in a different format, please contact




Meda Pharmaceuticals

Skyway House

Parsonage Road

Takeley

Bishop's Stortford
CM22 6PU
UK








Rasilez 300mg film-coated tablets





1. Name Of The Medicinal Product




2. Qualitative And Quantitative Composition



Each film-coated tablet contains 300 mg aliskiren (as hemifumarate).



For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1.



3. Pharmaceutical Form



Film-coated tablet



Light-red, biconvex, ovaloid tablet, imprinted “IU” on one side and “NVR” on the other side.



4. Clinical Particulars



4.1 Therapeutic Indications



Treatment of essential hypertension.



4.2 Posology And Method Of Administration



The recommended dose of Rasilez is 150 mg once daily. In patients whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled, the dose may be increased to 300 mg once daily.



The antihypertensive effect is substantially present within two weeks (85-90%) after initiating therapy with 150 mg once daily.



Rasilez may be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents (see sections 4.4 and 5.1).



Rasilez should be taken with a light meal once a day, preferably at the same time each day. Grapefruit juice should not be taken together with Rasilez.



Renal impairment



No adjustment of the initial dose is required for patients with mild to severe renal impairment (see sections 4.4 and 5.2).



Hepatic impairment



No adjustment of the initial dose is required for patients with mild to severe hepatic impairment (see section 5.2).



Elderly patients (over 65 years)



The recommended starting dose of aliskiren in elderly patients is 150 mg. No clinically meaningful additional blood pressure reduction is observed by increasing the dose to 300 mg in the majority of elderly patients.



Paediatric patients (below 18 years)



Rasilez is not recommended for use in children and adolescents below age 18 due to a lack of data on safety and efficacy (see section 5.2).



4.3 Contraindications



Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients.



History of angioedema with aliskiren.



Hereditary or idiopathic angioedema.



Second and third trimesters of pregnancy (see section 4.6).



The concomitant use of aliskiren with ciclosporin and itraconazole, two highly potent P-gp inhibitors, and other potent P-gp inhibitors (e.g. quinidine), is contraindicated (see section 4.5).



4.4 Special Warnings And Precautions For Use



Patients receiving other medicinal products inhibiting the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), and/or those with reduced kidney function and/or diabetes mellitus are at an increased risk of hyperkalaemia during aliskiren therapy.



Aliskiren should be used with caution in patients with serious congestive heart failure (New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class III-IV).



In the event of severe and persistent diarrhoea, Rasilez therapy should be stopped.



Angioedema



As with other agents acting on the renin-angiotensin system, angioedema or symptoms suggestive of angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, throat and/or tongue) have been reported in patients treated with aliskiren.



A number of these patients had a history of angioedema or symptoms suggestive of angioedema, which in some cases followed use of other medicines that can cause angioedema, including RAS blockers (angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)) (see section 4.8).



Patients with a history of angioedema may be at increased risk of experiencing angioedema during treatment with aliskiren (see sections 4.3 and 4.8). Caution should therefore be exercised when prescribing aliskiren to patients with a history of angioedema, and such patients should be closely monitored during treatment (see section 4.8) especially at the beginning of the treatment.



If angioedema occurs, Rasilez should be promptly discontinued and appropriate therapy and monitoring provided until complete and sustained resolution of signs and symptoms has occurred. Where there is involvement of the tongue, glottis or larynx adrenaline should be administered. In addition, measures necessary to maintain patent airways should be provided.



Sodium and/or volume depleted patients



In patients with marked volume- and/or salt-depletion (e.g. those receiving high doses of diuretics) symptomatic hypotension could occur after initiation of treatment with Rasilez. This condition should be corrected prior to administration of Rasilez, or the treatment should start under close medical supervision.



Renal impairment



In clinical studies Rasilez has not been investigated in hypertensive patients with severe renal impairment (serum creatinine



As for other agents acting on the renin-angiotensin system, caution should be exercised when aliskiren is given in the presence of conditions pre-disposing to kidney dysfunction such as hypovolaemia (eg. due to blood loss, severe prolonged diarrhoea, prolonged vomiting, etc.), heart disease, liver disease or kidney disease. Acute renal failure, reversible upon discontinuation of treatment, has been reported in at-risk patients receiving aliskiren in post-marketing experience. In the event that any signs of renal failure occur, aliskiren should be promptly discontinued.



Renal artery stenosis



No controlled clinical data are available on the use of Rasilez in patients with unilateral or bilateral renal artery stenosis, or stenosis to a solitary kidney. However, as with other agents acting on the renin-angiotensin system, there is an increased risk of renal insufficiency, including acute renal failure, when patients with renal artery stenosis are treated with aliskiren. Therefore, caution should be exercised in these patients. If renal failure occurs, treatment should be discontinued.



Moderate P-gp inhibitors



Co-administration of aliskiren 300 mg with ketoconazole 200 mg or verapamil 240 mg resulted in a 76% or 97% increase in aliskiren AUC, respectively. Therefore caution should be exercised when aliskiren is administered with moderate P-gp inhibitors such as ketoconazole or verapamil (see section 4.5).



4.5 Interaction With Other Medicinal Products And Other Forms Of Interaction



Rasilez has no known clinically relevant interactions with medicinal products commonly used to treat hypertension or diabetes.



Compounds that have been investigated in clinical pharmacokinetic studies include acenocoumarol, atenolol, celecoxib, pioglitazone, allopurinol, isosorbide-5-mononitrate, ramipril and hydrochlorothiazide. No interactions have been identified.



Co-administration of aliskiren with either valsartan (max or AUC of Rasilez. When administered with atorvastatin, steady-state Rasilez AUC and Cmax increased by 50%. Co-administration of Rasilez had no significant impact on atorvastatin, valsartan, metformin or amlodipine pharmacokinetics. As a result no dose adjustment for Rasilez or these co-administered medicinal products is necessary.



Digoxin and verapamil bioavailability may be slightly decreased by Rasilez.



Preliminary data suggest that irbesartan may decrease Rasilez AUC and Cmax.



In experimental animals, it has been shown that P-gp is a major determinant of Rasilez bioavailability. Inducers of P-gp (St. John's wort, rifampicin) might therefore decrease the bioavailability of Rasilez.



CYP450 interactions



Aliskiren does not inhibit the CYP450 isoenzymes (CYP1A2, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1 and 3A). Aliskiren does not induce CYP3A4. Therefore aliskiren is not expected to affect the systemic exposure of substances that inhibit, induce or are metabolised by these enzymes. Aliskiren is metabolised minimally by the cytochrome P450 enzymes. Hence, interactions due to inhibition or induction of CYP450 isoenzymes are not expected. However, CYP3A4 inhibitors often also affect P-gp. Increased aliskiren exposure during co-administration of CYP3A4 inhibitors that also inhibit P-gp can therefore be expected (see P-glycoprotein interactions below).



P-glycoprotein interactions



MDR1/Mdr1a/1b (P-gp) was found to be the major efflux system involved in intestinal absorption and biliary excretion of aliskiren in preclinical studies. Rifampicin, which is an inducer of P-gp, reduced aliskiren bioavailability by approximately 50% in a clinical study. Other inducers of P-gp (St. John's wort) might decrease the bioavailability of Rasilez. Although this has not been investigated for aliskiren, it is known that P-gp also controls tissue uptake of a variety of substrates and P-gp inhibitors can increase the tissue-to-plasma concentration ratios. Therefore, P-gp inhibitors may increase tissue levels more than plasma levels. The potential for drug interactions at the P-gp site will likely depend on the degree of inhibition of this transporter.



P-gp potent inhibitors



A single dose drug interaction study in healthy subjects has shown that ciclosporin (200 and 600 mg) increases Cmax of aliskiren 75 mg approximately 2.5-fold and AUC approximately 5-fold. The increase may be higher with higher aliskiren doses. In healthy subjects, itraconazole (100 mg) increases AUC and Cmax of aliskiren (150 mg) by 6.5-fold and 5.8-fold, respectively. Therefore, concomitant use of aliskiren and P-gp potent inhibitors is contraindicated (see section 4.3).



Moderate P-gp inhibitors



Co-administration of ketoconazole (200 mg) or verapamil (240 mg) with aliskiren (300 mg) resulted in a 76% or 97% increase in aliskiren AUC, respectively. The change in plasma levels of aliskiren in the presence of ketoconazole or verapamil is expected to be within the range that would be achieved if the dose of aliskiren were doubled; aliskiren doses of up to 600 mg, or twice the highest recommended therapeutic dose, have been found to be well tolerated in controlled clinical trials. Preclinical studies indicate that aliskiren and ketoconazole co-administration enhances aliskiren gastrointestinal absorption and decreases biliary excretion. Therefore, caution should be exercised when aliskiren is administered with ketoconazole, verapamil or other moderate P-gp inhibitors (clarithromycin, telithromycin, erythromycin, amiodarone).



P-gp substrates or weak inhibitors



No relevant interactions with atenolol, digoxin, amlodipine or cimetidine have been observed. When administered with atorvastatin (80 mg), steady-state aliskiren (300 mg) AUC and Cmax increased by 50%.



Organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) inhibitors



Preclinical studies indicate that aliskiren might be a substrate of organic anion transporting polypeptides. Therefore, the potential exists for interactions between OATP inhibitors and aliskiren when administered concomitantly (see interaction with Grapefruit juice).



Furosemide



When aliskiren was co-administered with furosemide, the AUC and Cmax of furosemide were reduced by 28% and 49%, respectively. It is therefore recommended that the effects be monitored when initiating and adjusting furosemide therapy to avoid possible under-utilisation in clinical situations of volume overload.



Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)



As with other agents acting on the renin-angiotensin system, NSAIDs may reduce the anti-hypertensive effect of aliskiren. In some patients with compromised renal function (dehydrated patients or elderly patients) aliskiren given concomitantly with NSAIDs may result in further deterioration of renal function, including possible acute renal failure, which is usually reversible. Therefore the combination of aliskiren with an NSAID requires caution, especially in elderly patients.



Potassium and potassium-sparing diuretics



Based on experience with the use of other substances that affect the renin-angiotensin system, concomitant use of potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, salt substitutes containing potassium or other substances that may increase serum potassium levels (e.g. heparin) may lead to increases in serum potassium. If co-medication is considered necessary, caution is advisable.



Grapefruit juice



Administration of grapefruit juice with aliskiren resulted in a decrease in AUC and Cmax of aliskiren. Co-administration with aliskiren 150 mg resulted in a 61% decrease in aliskiren AUC and co-administration with aliskiren 300 mg resulted in a 38% decrease in aliskiren AUC. This decrease is likely due to an inhibition of organic anion transporting polypeptide-mediated uptake of aliskiren by grapefruit juice in the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, because of the risk of therapeutic failure, grapefruit juice should not be taken together with Rasilez.



Warfarin



The effects of Rasilez on warfarin pharmacokinetics have not been evaluated.



Food intake



Meals with a high fat content have been shown to reduce the absorption of Rasilez substantially.



4.6 Pregnancy And Lactation



Pregnancy



There are no data on the use of aliskiren in pregnant women. Rasilez was not teratogenic in rats or rabbits (see section 5.3). Other substances that act directly on the RAS have been associated with serious foetal malformations and neonatal death. As for any medicine that acts directly on the RAS, Rasilez should not be used during the first trimester of pregnancy or in women planning to become pregnant and is contraindicated during the second and third trimesters (see section 4.3). Healthcare professionals prescribing any agents acting on the RAS should counsel women of childbearing potential about the potential risk of these agents during pregnancy. If pregnancy is detected during therapy, Rasilez should be discontinued accordingly.



Breast-feeding



It is not known whether aliskiren is excreted in human milk. Rasilez was secreted in the milk of lactating rats. Its use is therefore not recommended in women who are breast-feeding.



4.7 Effects On Ability To Drive And Use Machines



No studies on the effects on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed. However, when driving vehicles or operating machinery it must be borne in mind that dizziness or weariness may occasionally occur when taking any antihypertensive therapy. Rasilez has negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.



4.8 Undesirable Effects



Rasilez has been evaluated for safety in more than 7,800 patients, including over 2,300 treated for over 6 months, and more than 1,200 for over 1 year. The incidence of adverse reactions showed no association with gender, age, body mass index, race or ethnicity. Treatment with Rasilez resulted in an overall incidence of adverse reactions similar to placebo up to 300 mg. Adverse reactions have generally been mild and transient in nature and have only infrequently required discontinuation of therapy. The most common adverse drug reaction is diarrhoea.



The adverse drug reactions (Table 1) are ranked under heading of frequency, the most frequent first, using the following convention: very common (



Table 1




















































Metabolism and nutrition disorders


  

 


Uncommon:




Hyperkalaemia




Gastrointestinal disorders


  

 


Common:




Diarrhoea




Immune system disorders


  

 


Rare:




Hypersensitivity reactions




Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders


  

 


Uncommon:




Rash



 


Rare:




Angioedema




Renal and urinary disorders


  

 


Uncommon:




Acute renal failure, renal impairment




General disorders and administration site conditions


  

 


Uncommon:




Oedema peripheral




Investigations


  

 


Rare:




Haemoglobin decreased, haematocrit decreased



 


Rare:




Blood creatinine increased



Angioedema and hypersensitivity reactions have occurred during treatment with aliskiren. In controlled clinical trials, angioedema and hypersensitivity reactions occurred rarely during treatment with aliskiren with rates comparable to treatment with placebo or comparators.



Cases of angioedema or symptoms suggestive of angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, throat and/or tongue) have also been reported in post-marketing experience. A number of these patients had a history of angioedema or symptoms suggestive of angioedema which in some cases was associated with the administration of other medicines known to cause angioedema, including RAS blockers (ACE inhibitors or ARBs).



Hypersensitivity reactions have also been reported in post-marketing experience.



In the event of any signs suggesting a hypersensitivity reaction/angioedema (in particular difficulties in breathing or swallowing, rash, itching, hives or swelling of the face, extremities, eyes, lips and/or tongue, dizziness) patients should discontinue treatment and contact the physician (see section 4.4).



Laboratory findings



In controlled clinical trials, clinically relevant changes in standard laboratory parameters were uncommonly associated with the administration of Rasilez. In clinical studies in hypertensive patients, Rasilez had no clinically important effects on total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), fasting triglycerides, fasting glucose or uric acid.



Haemoglobin and haematocrit: Small decreases in haemoglobin and haematocrit (mean decreases of approximately 0.05 mmol/l and 0.16 volume percent, respectively) were observed. No patients discontinued therapy due to anaemia. This effect is also seen with other agents acting on the renin-angiotensin system, such as ACEI and ARBs.



Serum potassium: Increases in serum potassium were minor and infrequent in patients with essential hypertension treated with Rasilez alone (0.9% compared to 0.6% with placebo). However, in one study where Rasilez was used in combination with an ACEI in a diabetic population, increases in serum potassium were more frequent (5.5%). Therefore as with any agent acting on the RAS system, routine monitoring of electrolytes and renal function is indicated in patients with diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, or heart failure.



In post-marketing experience, renal dysfunction and cases of acute renal failure have been reported in patients at risk (see section 4.4). There have also been reports of peripheral oedema and increase in blood creatinine.



4.9 Overdose



Limited data are available related to overdose in humans. The most likely manifestations of overdosage would be hypotension, related to the antihypertensive effect of aliskiren. If symptomatic hypotension should occur, supportive treatment should be initiated.



5. Pharmacological Properties



5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties



Pharmacotherapeutic group: Renin inhibitor, ATC code: C09XA02



Aliskiren is an orally active, non-peptide, potent and selective direct inhibitor of human renin.



By inhibiting the enzyme renin, aliskiren inhibits the RAS at the point of activation, blocking the conversion of angiotensinogen to angiotensin I and decreasing levels of angiotensin I and angiotensin II. Whereas other agents that inhibit the RAS (ACEI and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB)) cause a compensatory rise in plasma renin activity (PRA), treatment with aliskiren decreases PRA in hypertensive patients by approximately 50 to 80%. Similar reductions were found when aliskiren was combined with other antihypertensive agents. The clinical implications of the differences in effect on PRA are not known at the present time.



Hypertension



In hypertensive patients, once-daily administration of Rasilez at doses of 150 mg and 300 mg provided dose-dependent reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure that were maintained over the entire 24-hour dose interval (maintaining benefit in the early morning) with a mean peak to trough ratio for diastolic response of up to 98% for the 300 mg dose. 85 to 90% of the maximal blood-pressure-lowering effect was observed after 2 weeks. The blood-pressure-lowering effect was sustained during long-term treatment, and was independent of age, gender, body mass index and ethnicity. Rasilez has been studied in 1,864 patients aged 65 years or older, and in 426 patients aged 75 years or older.



Rasilez monotherapy studies have shown blood pressure lowering effects comparable to other classes of antihypertensive agents including ACEI and ARB. Compared to a diuretic (hydrochlorothiazide - HCTZ), Rasilez 300 mg lowered systolic/diastolic blood pressure by 17.0/12.3 mmHg, compared to 14.4/10.5 mmHg for HCTZ 25 mg after 12 weeks of treatment. In diabetic hypertensive patients, Rasilez monotherapy was safe and effective.



Combination therapy studies are available for Rasilez added to the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide, the ACEI ramipril, the calcium channel blocker amlodipine, the angiotensin receptor antagonist valsartan, and the beta blocker atenolol. These combinations were well tolerated. Rasilez induced an additive blood-pressure-lowering effect when added to hydrochlorothiazide and to ramipril. In patients who did not adequately respond to 5 mg of the calcium channel blocker amlodipine, the addition of Rasilez 150 mg had a blood-pressure-lowering effect similar to that obtained by increasing amlodipine dose to 10 mg, but had a lower incidence of oedema (aliskiren 150 mg/amlodipine 5 mg 2.1% vs. amlodipine 10 mg 11.2%). Rasilez in combination with the angiotensin receptor antagonist valsartan showed an additive antihypertensive effect in the study specifically designed to investigate the effect of the combination therapy.



The efficacy and safety of aliskiren-based therapy were compared to ramipril-based therapy in a 9-month non-inferiority study in 901 elderly patients (



In a 8-week study in 754 hypertensive elderly (



In obese hypertensive patients who did not adequately respond to HCTZ 25 mg, add-on treatment with Rasilez 300 mg provided additional blood pressure reduction that was comparable to add-on treatment with irbesartan 300 mg or amlodipine 10 mg. In diabetic hypertensive patients, Rasilez provided additive blood pressure reductions when added to ramipril, while the combination of Rasilez and ramipril had a lower incidence of cough (1.8%) than ramipril (4.7%).



There has been no evidence of first-dose hypotension and no effect on pulse rate in patients treated in controlled clinical studies. Excessive hypotension was uncommonly (0.1%) seen in patients with uncomplicated hypertension treated with Rasilez alone. Hypotension was also uncommon (<1%) during combination therapy with other antihypertensive agents. With cessation of treatment, blood pressure gradually returned towards baseline levels over a period of several weeks, with no evidence of a rebound effect for blood pressure or PRA.



In a 36-week study involving 820 patients with ischaemic left ventricular dysfunction, no changes in ventricular remodelling as assessed by left ventricular end systolic volume were detected with aliskiren compared to placebo on top of background therapy.



The combined rates of cardiovascular death, hospitalisation for heart failure, recurrent heart attack, stroke and resuscitated sudden death were similar in the aliskiren group and the placebo group. However, in patients receiving aliskiren there was a significantly higher rate of hyperkalaemia, hypotension and kidney dysfunction when compared to the placebo group.



In a 6-month study of 599 patients with hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and nephropathy, all of whom were receiving losartan 100 mg and optimised antihypertensive background therapy, addition of Rasilez 300 mg achieved a 20% reduction versus placebo in urinary albumin:creatinine ratio (UACR), i.e. from 58 mg/mmol to 46 mg/mmol. The proportion of patients who had UACR reduced at least 50% from baseline to endpoint was 24.7% and 12.5% for Rasilez and placebo, respectively. The clinical relevance of a reduction in UACR is not established in the absence of an effect on blood pressure. Rasilez did not affect the serum concentration of creatinine but was associated with an increased frequency (4.2% vs. 1.9% for placebo) of serum potassium concentration



Beneficial effects of Rasilez on mortality and cardiovascular morbidity and target organ damage are currently unknown.



Cardiac electrophysiology



No effect on QT interval was reported in a randomised, double-blind, placebo, and active-controlled study using standard and Holter electrocardiography.



5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties



Absorption



Following oral absorption, peak plasma concentrations of aliskiren are reached after 1-3 hours. The absolute bioavailability of aliskiren is approximately 2-3%. Meals with a high fat content reduce Cmax by 85% and AUC by 70%. Steady-state-plasma concentrations are reached within 5-7 days following once-daily administration and steady-state levels are approximately 2-fold greater than with the initial dose.



Distribution



Following intravenous administration, the mean volume of distribution at steady state is approximately 135 litres, indicating that aliskiren distributes extensively into the extravascular space. Aliskiren plasma protein binding is moderate (47-51%) and independent of the concentration.



Metabolism and elimination



The mean half-life is about 40 hours (range 34-41 hours). Aliskiren is mainly eliminated as unchanged compound in the faeces (78%). Approximately 1.4% of the total oral dose is metabolised. The enzyme responsible for this metabolism is CYP3A4. Approximately 0.6% of the dose is recovered in urine following oral administration. Following intravenous administration, the mean plasma clearance is approximately 9 l/h.



Linearity/non-linearity



Exposure to aliskiren increased more than in proportion to the increase in dose. After single dose administration in the dose range of 75 to 600 mg, a 2-fold increase in dose results in a ~2.3 and 2.6-fold increase in AUC and Cmax, respectively. At steady state the non-linearity may be more pronounced. Mechanisms responsible for deviation from linearity have not been identified. A possible mechanism is saturation of transporters at the absorption site or at the hepatobiliary clearance route.



Characteristics in patients



Aliskiren is an effective once-a-day antihypertensive treatment in adult patients, regardless of gender, age, body mass index and ethnicity.



The AUC is 50% higher in elderly (>65 years) than in young subjects. Gender, weight and ethnicity have no clinically relevant influence on aliskiren pharmacokinetics.



The pharmacokinetics of aliskiren were evaluated in patients with varying degrees of renal insufficiency. Relative AUC and Cmax of aliskiren in subjects with renal impairment ranged between 0.8 to 2 times the levels in healthy subjects following single dose administration and at steady state. These observed changes, however, did not correlate with the severity of renal impairment. No adjustment of the initial dosage of Rasilez is required in patients with mild to severe renal impairment, however caution should be exercised in patients with severe renal impairment.



The pharmacokinetics of aliskiren were not significantly affected in patients with mild to severe liver disease. Consequently, no adjustment of the initial dose of aliskiren is required in patients with mild to severe hepatic impairment.



5.3 Preclinical Safety Data



Carcinogenic potential was assessed in a 2-year rat study and a 6-month transgenic mouse study. No carcinogenic potential was detected. One colonic adenoma and one caecal adenocarcinoma recorded in rats at the dose of 1,500 mg/kg/day were not statistically significant. Although aliskiren has known irritation potential, safety margins obtained in humans at the dose of 300 mg during a study in healthy volunteers were considered to be appropriate at 9-11-fold based on faecal concentrations or 6-fold based on mucosa concentrations in comparison with 250 mg/kg/day in the rat carcinogenicity study.



Aliskiren was devoid of any mutagenic potential in the in vitro and in vivo mutagenicity studies. The assays included in vitro assays in bacterial and mammalian cells and in vivo assessments in rats.



Reproductive toxicity studies with aliskiren did not reveal any evidence of embryofoetal toxicity or teratogenicity at doses up to 600 mg/kg/day in rats or 100 mg/kg/day in rabbits. Fertility, pre-natal development and post-natal development were unaffected in rats at doses up to 250 mg/kg/day. The doses in rats and rabbits provided systemic exposures of 1 to 4 and 5 times higher, respectively, than the maximum recommended human dose (300 mg).



Safety pharmacology studies did not reveal any adverse effects on central nervous, respiratory or cardiovascular function. Findings during repeat-dose toxicity studies in animals were consistent with the known local irritation potential or the expected pharmacological effects of aliskiren.



6. Pharmaceutical Particulars



6.1 List Of Excipients



Crospovidone



Magnesium stearate



Cellulose, microcrystalline



Povidone



Silica, colloidal anhydrous



Hypromellose



Macrogol



Talc



Iron oxide, black (E 172)



Iron oxide, red (E 172)



Titanium dioxide (E 171)



6.2 Incompatibilities



Not applicable



6.3 Shelf Life



2 years



6.4 Special Precautions For Storage



Do not store above 30°C. Store in the original package in order to protect from moisture.



6.5 Nature And Contents Of Container



PA/Alu/PVC – Alu blisters:



Packs containing 7, 14, 28, 30, 50, 56, 84, 90, 98 or 280 tablets.



Packs containing 84 (3x28), 90 (3x30), 98 (2x49) or 280 (20x14) tablets are multi-packs.



PVC/polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE) – Alu blisters:



Packs containing 14, 28, 30, 50, 56, 90, 98 or 280 tablets.



Packs containing 98 (2x49) or 280 (20x14) tablets are multi-packs.



Packs containing 56 and 98 (2x49) tablets are perforated unit-dose blisters.



Not all pack sizes may be marketed.



6.6 Special Precautions For Disposal And Other Handling



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



7. Marketing Authorisation Holder



Novartis Europharm Limited



Wimblehurst Road



Horsham



West Sussex, RH12 5AB



United Kingdom



8. Marketing Authorisation Number(S)



EU/1/07/405/011-020



EU/1/07/405/031-040



9. Date Of First Authorisation/Renewal Of The Authorisation



22.08.2007



10. Date Of Revision Of The Text



23.05.2011



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



LEGAL CATEGORY


POM