Lamotrigin Actavis
PACKAGE LEAFLET
Package leaflet: Information for the user
Lamotrigin Actavis 25 mg tablets
Lamotrigin Actavis 50 mg tablets
Lamotrigin Actavis 100 mg tablets
Lamotrigin Actavis 200 mg tablets
lamotrigine
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine because it contains important information for you.
- Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
- If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their signs of illness are the same as yours.
- If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.
What is in this leaflet
1. What Lamotrigin Actavis is and what it is used for
2. What you need to know before you take Lamotrigin Actavis
3. How to take Lamotrigin Actavis
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Lamotrigin Actavis
6. Contents of the pack and other information
1. What Lamotrigin Actavis is and what it is used for
Lamotrigin Actavisbelongs to a group of medicines called anti-epileptics. It is used to treat two conditions — epilepsy and bipolar disorder.
Lamotrigin Actavistreats epilepsyby blocking the signals in the brain that trigger epileptic seizures (fits).
For adults and children aged 13 years and over, Lamotrigin Actaviscan be used on its own or with other medicines, to treat epilepsy. Lamotrigin Actavis can also be used with other medicines to treat the seizures that occur with a condition called Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
For children aged between 2 and 12 years, Lamotrigin Actaviscan be used with other medicines, to treat those conditions. It can be used on its own to treat a type of epilepsy called typical absence seizures.
Lamotrigin Actavisalso treats bipolar disorder.
People with bipolar disorder (sometimes called manic depression) have extreme mood swings, with periods of mania (excitement or euphoria) alternating with periods of depression (deep sadness or despair). For adults aged 18 years and over, Lamotrigin Actavis can be used on its own or with other medicines, to prevent the periods of depression that occur in bipolar disorder. It is not yet known how Lamotrigin Actavis works in the brain to have this effect.
2. What you need to know before you take Lamotrigin Actavis
Do not takeLamotrigin Actavis
if you areallergic(hypersensitive) to lamotrigine or any of the other ingredients of Lamotrigin Actavis (listed in Section 6).
If this applies to you:
- Tell your doctor, and do not take Lamotrigin Actavis .
Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Lamotrigin Actavis
if you have any kidney problems
if you have ever developed a rash after taking lamotrigine or other medicines for bipolar disorder or epilepsy
if you are already taking medicine that contains lamotrigine.
If any of these applies to you:
- Tell your doctor, who may decide to lower your dose, or that Lamotrigin Actavis is not suitable for you.
Important information about potentially life-threatening reactions
A small number of people taking Lamotrigin Actavis get an allergic reaction or potentially life-threatening skin reaction, which may develop into more serious problems if they are not treated. These can include Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS). You need to know the symptoms to look out for while you are taking Lamotrigin Actavis.
- Read the description of these symptoms in Section 4 of this leaflet under„Potentially life-threatning reactions: get a doctor‘s help straight away“.
Thoughts of harming yourself or suicide
Anti-epileptic medicines are used to treat several conditions, including epilepsy and bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder can sometimes have thoughts of harming themselves or committing suicide. If you have bipolar disorder, you may be more likely to think like this:
when you first start treatment
if you have previously had thoughts about harming yourself or about suicide
if you are under 25 years old.
If you have distressing thoughts or experiences, or if you notice that you feel worse or develop new symptoms while you are taking Lamotrigin Actavis.
See a doctor as soon as possible or go to the nearest hospital for help.
A small number of people being treated with anti-epileptics such as Lamotrigin Actavis have had thoughts of harming or killing themselves. If at any time you have these thoughts, immediately contact your doctor.
If you are taking Lamotrigin Actavis for epilepsy
The seizures in some types of epilepsy may occasionally become worse or happen more often while you are taking Lamotrigin Actavis. Some patients may experience severe seizures, which may cause serious health problems. If your seizures happen more often, or if you experience a severe seizure while you are taking Lamotrigin Actavis:
- See a doctor as soon as possible.
Lamotrigin Actavis should not be given to people aged under 18 years to treat bipolar disorder. Medicines to treat depression and other mental health problems increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviour in children and adolescents aged under 18 years.
Other medicines and Lamotrigin Actavis
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.
If you are taking certain medicines, your doctor may need to check the dose of Lamotrigin Actavis. These include:
oxcarbazepine, felbamate, gabapentin, levetiracetam, pregabalin, topiramate or zonisamide, used to treat epilepsy
lithium, used to treat mental health problems
bupropion, used to treat mental health problems or to stop smoking
- Tell your doctorif you are taking any of these.
Some medicines interact with Lamotrigin Actavis or make it more likely that you will have side effects. These include:
valproate, used to treat epilepsy and mental health problems
carbamazepine, used to treat epilepsy and mental health problems
phenytoin, primidone or phenobarbitone, used to treat epilepsy
olanzapine, used to treat mental health problems
risperidone, used to treat mental health problems
rifampicin, which is an antibiotic
a combination of lopinavir and ritonavir or a combination of atazanavir and ritonavir, used to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection
hormonal contraceptives, such as the Pill (see below)
orlistat, used to treat obesity
- Tell your doctorif you are taking, or if you start or stop taking, any of these.
Hormonal contraceptives (such as the Pill) can affect the way Lamotrigin Actavis works
Your doctor may recommend that you use a particular type of hormonal contraceptive, or another method of contraception, such as condoms, a cap or a coil. If you are using a hormonal contraceptive like the Pill, your doctor may take samples of your blood to check the level of Lamotrigin Actavis. If you plan to start using a hormonal contraceptive:
- Talk to your doctor, who will discuss suitable methods of contraception with you.
Lamotrigin Actaviscan also affect the way hormonal contraceptives work, although it is unlikely to make them less effective. If you are using a hormonal contraceptive, and you notice any changes in your menstrual pattern, such as breakthrough bleeding or spotting between periods:
- Tell your doctor. These may be signs that Lamotrigin Actavis is affecting the way your contraceptive is working.
Lamotrigin Actavis with food and drink
Lamotrigin Actavis can be taken with or without food.
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 or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.
You should not stop treatment for your epilepsy while you are pregnant. However, there is an increased risk of birth defects in babies whose mothers took Lamotrigin Actavis during pregnancy. These defects include cleft lip or cleft palate. Your doctor may advise you to take extra folic acid if you are planning to become pregnant and while you are pregnant.
Pregnancy may also alter the effectiveness of Lamotrigin Actavis, so your doctor may take samples of your blood to check the level ofLamotrigin Actavis, and may adjust your dose.
Talk to your doctor if you are breast feeding or planning to breast feed.The active ingredient of Lamotrigin Actavispasses into breast milk and may affect your baby. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of breast feeding while you are taking Lamotrigin Actavis, and will check your baby from time to time if you decide to breast feed.
Driving and using machines
Lamotrigin Actaviscan cause dizziness and double vision.
- Do not drive or operate machines unless you are sure you are not affected.
If you have epilepsy, talk to your doctor about driving and using machines.
Lamotrigin Actavis contains lactose
Lamotrigin Actavistablets contain small amounts of a sugar called 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.
3. How to take Lamotrigin Actavis
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you to. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
How much Lamotrigin Actavis to take
It may take a while to find the best dose of Lamotrigin Actavis for you. The dose you take will depend on:
• your age
• whether you are taking Lamotrigin Actavis with other medicines
• whether you have problems with your kidneys or liver.
Your doctor will start you on a low dose, and gradually increase the dose over a few weeks until you reach a dose that works for you (called the effective dose). Never take more Lamotrigin Actavis than your doctor tells you to.
The usual effective dose of Lamotrigin Actavis for adults and children aged over 12 years is between 100 mg and 400 mg each day.
Use in children
For children aged 2 to 12 years, the effective dose depends on their body weight — usually, it is between 1 mg and 15 mg for each kilogram of the child’s weight, up to a maximum of 400 mg daily.
How to take your dose of Lamotrigin Actavis
Take your dose of Lamotrigin Actavis once or twice a day, as your doctor advises. You can take it with or without food.
Your doctor may also advise you to start or stop taking other medicines, depending on what condition you are being treated for and the way you respond to treatment.
• Swallow your tablets whole. Do not break, chew or crush them.
• Always take the full dose that your doctor has prescribed. Never take only part of a tablet.
If you take more Lamotrigin Actavis than you should
If anyone takes too much Lamotrigin Actavis:
- Contact a doctor or pharmacist immediately. If possible, show them the Lamotrigin Actavis packet.
Someone who has taken too much Lamotrigin Actavis may have any of these symptoms:
• rapid, uncontrollable eye movements (nystagmus)
• clumsiness and lack of co-ordination, affecting their balance (ataxia)
• loss of consciousness or coma.
If you forget to take Lamotrigin Actavis
Do not take extra tablets or a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you have missed taking a dose of Lamotrigin Actavis:
- Ask your doctor for advice on how to start taking it again. It is important that you do this.
If you stop taking Lamotrigin Actavis
Take Lamotrigin Actavisfor as long as your doctor recommends. Do not stop unless your doctor advises you to.
If you are taking Lamotrigin Actavis for epilepsy
To stop taking Lamotrigin Actavis, it is important that your dose is reduced gradually, over about 2 weeks. If you suddenly stop taking Lamotrigin Actavis, your epilepsy may come back or get worse.
If you are taking Lamotrigin Actavis for bipolar disorder
Lamotrigin Actavismay take some time to work, so you are unlikely to feel better straight away. If you stop taking Lamotrigin Actavis, your dose will not need to be reduced gradually. But you should still talk to your doctor first, if you want to stop taking Lamotrigin Actavis.
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Potentially life threatening reactions: get a doctor’s help straight away
A small number of people taking Lamotrigin Actavis get an allergic reaction or potentially serious skin reaction, which may develop into more serious, and even life-threatening, problems if they are not treated. These can include Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). You need to know the symptoms to look out for while you are taking Lamotrigin Actavis. These symptoms are more likely to happen during the first few months of treatment with Lamotrigin Actavis, especially if the starting dose is too high or if the dose is increased too quickly, or if Lamotrigin Actavis is taken with another medicine called valproate. Some of the symptoms are more common in children, so parents should be especially careful to watch out for them.
Symptoms of these reactions include:
• skin rashes or redness, which may develop into life-threatening skin reactions including widespread rash with blisters and peeling skin, particularly occurring around the mouth, nose, eyes and genitals (Steven-Johnson syndrome), extensive peeling of the skin (more than 30% of the body surface – toxic epidermal necrolysis) or extended rashes with liver, blood and other body organs involvement (Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms which is also known as hypersensitivity syndrome)
• ulcers in the mouth, throat, nose or genitals
• a sore mouth or red or swollen eyes (conjunctivitis)
• a high temperature(fever), flu-like symptoms or drowsiness
• swelling around your face, or swollen glands in your neck, armpit or groin
• unexpected bleeding or bruising, or your fingers turning blue
• a sore throat, or more infections (such as colds) than usual.
• increased levels of liver enzymes seen in blood tests
• an increase in a type of white blood cell (eosinophils)
• enlarged lymph nodes
• involvement of the organs of the body including liver and kidneys
In many cases, these symptoms will be signs of less serious side effects. But you must be aware that they are potentially life-threatening and can develop into more serious problems, such as organ failure, if they are not treated.If you notice any of these symptoms:
- Contact a doctor immediately.Your doctor may decide to carry out tests on your liver, kidneys or blood, and may tell you to stop taking Lamotrigin Actavis. In case you have developed Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis or DRESS your doctor will tell you that you must never use lamotrigine again.
Very common side effects
These may affect more than 1 in 10 people:
• headache
• feeling dizzy
• feeling sleepy or drowsy
• clumsiness and lack of co-ordination (ataxia)
• double vision or blurred vision
• feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
• skin rash.
Common side effects
These may affect up to 1 in 10 people:
• aggression or irritability
• rapid, uncontrollable eye movements (nystagmus)
• shaking or tremors
• difficulty in sleeping
• diarrhoea
• dry mouth
• feeling tired
• pain in your back or joints, or elsewhere.
Rare side effects
These may affect up to 1 in 1.000 people:
• itchy eyes, with discharge and crusty eyelids (conjunctivitis)
Very rare side effects
These may affect up to 1 in 10.000 people:
• hallucinations (‘seeing’ or ‘hearing’ things that are not really there)
• confusion or agitation
• feeling ‘wobbly’ or unsteady when you move about
• uncontrollable body movements (tics), uncontrollable muscle spasms affecting the eyes, head and torso (choreoathetosis), or other unusual body movements such as jerking, shaking or stiffness
• Potentially life-threatening skin rashes (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis); a severe skin reaction, starting with a painful red area, developing into large blisters then peeling of layers of skin (toxic epidermal necrolysis) or a skin condition with severe blisters, and bleeding from the lips, eyes, mouth, nose and genital area (Stevens–Johnson syndrome) (see section 2)
• in people who already have epilepsy, seizures happening more often
• changes in liver function, which will show up in blood tests, or liver failure
• changes which may show up in blood tests — including reduced numbers of red blood cells (anaemia), reduced numbers of white blood cells (leucopenia, neutropenia, agranulo-cytosis), reduced numbers of platelets (thrombocytopenia), reduced numbers of all these types of cell (pancytopenia), and a disorder of the bone marrow called aplastic anaemia
• a disorder of blood clotting, which can cause unexpected bleeding or bruising (disseminated intravascular coagulation)
• a high temperature (fever)
• swelling around the face (oedema) or swollen glands in the neck, armpit or groin (lymphadenopathy)
• in people who already have Parkinson’s disease, worsening of the symptoms.
Other side effects
Other side effects have occurred in a small number of people but their exact frequency is unknown:
• a group of symptoms together including: fever, nausea, vomiting, headache, stiff neck and extreme sensitivity to bright light. This may be caused by an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord (meningitis)
• hair loss (alopecia)
• DRESS
There have been reports of bone disorders including osteopenia and osteoporosis (thinning of the bone) and fractures. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are on long-term antiepileptic medication, have a history of osteoporosis, or take steroids.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting system listed in Appendix V. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5. How to store Lamotrigin Actavis
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
This medicine does not require any special storage conditions.
Do not use this medicineafter the expiry date which is stated on the blisters, carton or bottle 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 to protect the environment.
6. Contents of the pack and other information
What Lamotrigin Actavis contains
The active substance is lamotrigine. Each tablet contains 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg or 200 mg lamotrigine.
- The other ingredients are heavy magnesium carbonate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, lactose monohydrate, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, iron oxide yellow (E 172).
What Lamotrigin Actavis looks like and contents of the pack
Lamotrigin Actavis 25 mg tablets are light yellow, round, flat, marked 25 and have a diameter of 6 mm.
Lamotrigin Actavis 50 mg tablets are light yellow, round, flat, marked 50 and have a diameter of 8 mm.
Lamotrigin Actavis100 mg tablets are light yellow, round, flat, marked 100 and have a diameter of 10 mm.
Lamotrigin Actavis200 mg tablets are light yellow, round, flat, marked 200 and have a diameter of 12.5 mm.
Blisters (Al/PVC): 7, 10, 20, 21, 28, 30, 40, 42, 50, 50x1, 56, 60, 98, 98x1, 100 and 100x1 tablets.
Tablet containers (HDPE with LDPE push-fit caps): 100 tablets.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer
Marketing Authorisation Holder: <[To be completed nationally]>
{Name and address}
<{tel}>
<{fax}>
<{e-mail}>
Manufacturer
Actavis ehf.
Reykjavikurvegur 78
IS-220 Hafnarfjördur
Iceland
Or
Actavis Group PTC ehf
Reykjavíkurvegur 76-78
220 Hafnarfjördur
Iceland
Or
TjoaPack B.V.
Columbusstraat 4
Emmen
The Netherlands
Or
Specifar S.A
1, 28 Octovriou str.
123 51 Ag. Varvara
Athens
Greece
Or
BALKANPHARMA – DUPNITSA AD
3 Samokovsko Shosse Str.
Dupnitsa 2600
Bulgaria
This medicinal product is authorised in the Member States of the EEA under the following names:
Sweden Lamotrigin Actavis 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg och 200 mg tabletter
CZ: Lamotrigin Actavis 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg
PL: Epitrigine 25 mg/50 mg/100 mg tabletki
HU: Epitrigine
This leaflet was last revised in 2016-04-22
Detailed information on this medicine is available on the web-site www.mpa.se.
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