Lansoprazole Almus 30 mg gastro-resistant hard capsules EFG

Package leaflet: Information for the user

Introduction

Package leaflet: information for the user

Lansoprazol Almus 30 mg gastro-resistant hard capsules EFG

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 and must not be given to other people, even if they have the same symptoms as you. It may harm them.
• If you experience any adverse effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist, even if they are effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.

Contents of this leaflet

1. What Lansoprazol Almus is and what it is used for
2. What you need to know before taking Lansoprazol Almus
3. How to take Lansoprazol Almus
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Lansoprazol Almus
6. Contents of the pack and other information

1. What is Lansoprazol Almus and what is it used for?

The active substance in Lansoprazol Almus is lansoprazole, a proton pump inhibitor. Proton pump inhibitors reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach.

Your doctor may prescribe Lansoprazol Almus for the following indications:

• Treatment of duodenal and gastric ulcers
• Treatment of inflammation of the oesophagus (reflux esophagitis)
• Prevention of reflux esophagitis
• Treatment of heartburn and acid regurgitation
• Treatment of infections caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, in combination with antibiotics
• Treatment or prevention of duodenal or gastric ulcers in patients requiring ongoing treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (NSAID therapy is used for pain or inflammation)
  • Treatment of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

Your doctor may have prescribed Lansoprazol Almus for an indication or at a dosage different from that stated in this leaflet. Always follow your doctor's instructions regarding how to take the medicine.

2. What you need to know before starting Lansoprazole Almus

Do not take Lansoprazole Almus:

• If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to lansoprazole or to any of the other ingredients of Lansoprazole Almus.
• If you are taking another medicine containing the active ingredient atazanavir (used in the treatment of HIV).

Warnings and precautions

Tell your doctor if you have severe liver disease. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose.

Your doctor may have carried out or may carry out an additional test called endoscopy to diagnose your condition and/or rule out cancer.

If you develop diarrhoea during treatment with Lansoprazole Almus, contact your doctor immediately, as Lansoprazole Almus has been associated with a slight increase in infectious diarrhoea.

When taking Lansoprazole, inflammation of the kidney may occur. Signs and symptoms may include decreased urine volume or blood in the urine and/or hypersensitivity reactions such as fever, skin rash, and joint stiffness. You must report these signs to your doctor.

If your doctor has prescribed Lansoprazole Almus together with other medicines used to treat Helicobacter pylori infection (antibiotics) or together with anti-inflammatory medicines for pain or rheumatism, please also read the patient information leaflets for these medicines carefully.

If you are taking proton pump inhibitors such as Lansoprazole Almus, especially for more than one year, there may be a slight increase in the risk of fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine. Inform your doctor if you have osteoporosis or if you are taking corticosteroids (which may increase the risk of osteoporosis).

If you have been taking Lansoprazole Almus for a long time (more than 1 year), your doctor will likely monitor you regularly. During visits to your doctor, you must report any new or unusual symptoms or circumstances.

Talk to your doctor before starting Lansoprazole Almus:

• if you have ever had a skin reaction after treatment with a medicine similar to Lansoprazole Almus used to reduce stomach acidity.

If you develop a skin rash, especially in areas of skin exposed to sunlight, consult your doctor as soon as possible, as it may be necessary to stop treatment with Lansoprazole Almus. Remember to mention any other symptoms you may notice, such as joint pain.

• if you are scheduled to have a specific blood test (chromogranin A).

Taking Lansoprazole Almus with other medicines

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using or have recently used any other medicines, including those obtained without a prescription.

In particular, inform your doctor if you are taking medicines containing any of the following active substances, as Lansoprazole Almus may affect their way of action:

• ketoconazole, itraconazole, rifampicin (used to treat infections)
• digoxin (used to treat heart problems)
• theophylline (used to treat asthma)
• tacrolimus (used to prevent transplant rejection)
• fluvoxamine (used to treat depression and other psychiatric disorders)
• antacids (used to treat heartburn or acid regurgitation)
• sucralfate (used to heal ulcers)
• St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) (used to treat mild depression)

Taking Lansoprazole Almus with food and drinks

For best results, Lansoprazole Almus should be taken at least 30 minutes before meals.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Before taking any medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

The use of Lansoprazole Almus during pregnancy is not recommended, as there is insufficient experience regarding the use of lansoprazole during pregnancy.

There is insufficient experience with the use of lansoprazole during breastfeeding. Based on animal studies, lansoprazole is believed to pass into breast milk.

When deciding whether to continue or discontinue breastfeeding or treatment with Lansoprazole Almus, your doctor must consider the benefits of breastfeeding for your baby and the benefits of treatment with Lansoprazole Almus for you.

Driving and using machines

Patients taking Lansoprazole Almus may occasionally experience side effects such as dizziness, vertigo, fatigue, and visual disturbances. If you experience any of these side effects, you should exercise caution, as your reaction ability may be reduced.

You are solely responsible for deciding whether you are fit to drive or perform activities requiring a high level of concentration. Due to its effects or adverse reactions, the use of medicines is one of the factors that may reduce your ability to safely perform these tasks.

Descriptions of these effects can be found in the following sections.

Please read the information in this leaflet carefully.

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

Lansoprazole Almus contains sucrose. If your doctor has advised you that you have an intolerance to certain sugars, consult with him or her before taking this medicine.

This medicine contains less than 23 mg of sodium (1 mmol) per capsule; this is essentially “sodium-free”.

3. How to take Lansoprazol Almus

Take the capsule whole with a glass of water. If you have difficulty swallowing the capsule, your doctor will inform you of alternative ways to take the medicine. You must not crush or chew the capsules or the contents of an emptied capsule, as this will prevent the medicine from working properly.

If you take Lansoprazol Almus once a day, try to take it at the same time each day. You may achieve better results if you take Lansoprazol Almus in the morning.

If you take Lansoprazol Almus twice a day, you should take the first dose in the morning and the second in the evening.

The dose of Lansoprazol Almus depends on your condition. The usual doses of Lansoprazol Almus for adults are listed below. Occasionally, your doctor may prescribe a different dose and indicate a different treatment duration.

Treatment of heartburn and acid regurgitation: one 15 mg or 30 mg capsule daily for 4 weeks. If symptoms persist, inform your doctor. If symptoms do not improve within 4 weeks, consult your doctor.

Treatment of duodenal ulcer: one 30 mg capsule daily for 2 weeks.

Treatment of gastric ulcer: one 30 mg capsule daily for 4 weeks.

Treatment of inflammation of the oesophagus (reflux esophagitis): one 30 mg capsule daily for 4 weeks.

Long-term prevention of reflux esophagitis: one 15 mg capsule daily; your doctor may adjust the dose to one 30 mg capsule daily.

Treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection: The usual dose is one 30 mg capsule taken in the morning together with two different antibiotics, and one 30 mg capsule taken in the evening together with two different antibiotics. The usual treatment duration is once daily for 7 days.

The recommended antibiotic combinations are as follows:

• 30 mg Lansoprazol Almus with 250–500 mg clarithromycin and 1,000 mg amoxicillin
• 30 mg Lansoprazol Almus with 250 mg clarithromycin and 400–500 mg metronidazole

If you are receiving anti-infective treatment for an ulcer, it is unlikely that the ulcer will recur if the infection is successfully treated. To achieve the best results from your medicine, take it at the correct time and do not miss any doses.

Treatment of duodenal or gastric ulcer in patients requiring continuous NSAID therapy: one 30 mg capsule daily for 4 weeks.

Prevention of duodenal or gastric ulcer in patients requiring continuous NSAID therapy: one 15 mg capsule daily; your doctor may adjust the dose to one 30 mg capsule daily.

Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: The usual starting dose is two 30 mg capsules daily. Afterwards, depending on your response to treatment with Lansoprazol Almus, your doctor will decide the best dose for you.

Use in children

Lansoprazol Almus must not be given to children.

Always follow your doctor's instructions exactly. Consult your doctor if you have any doubts.

If you take more Lansoprazol Almus than you should

If you take more Lansoprazol Almus than prescribed, contact your doctor immediately or call the Poison Information Service right away.

In case of overdose or accidental ingestion, contact the Poison Information Service at telephone number 91 562 04 20, indicating the medicine and the amount taken. It is recommended to bring the medicine packaging and leaflet to the healthcare professional.

If you forget to take Lansoprazol Almus

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as possible unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next capsules at your usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

If you stop taking Lansoprazol Almus

Do not stop treatment prematurely, even if symptoms have improved. Your condition may not be completely healed and symptoms may return if you do not complete the full course of treatment.

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

4. Possible adverse effects

Like all medicines, Lansoprazole Almus may cause adverse effects, although not everyone experiences them.

The following adverse effects are common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

• headache, dizziness
• diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, flatulence, dryness or pain in mouth or throat
• skin rash, itching
• changes in liver function test values
• fatigue
• benign polyps in the stomach

The following adverse effects are uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

• depression
• joint or muscle pain
• fluid retention or swelling
• changes in blood cell count

The following adverse effects are rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people):

• fever
• restlessness, drowsiness, confusion, hallucinations, insomnia, visual disturbances, dizziness
• taste disturbances, loss of appetite, inflammation of the tongue (glossitis)
• skin reactions such as burning or itching sensation under the skin, bruising, redness and excessive sweating
• sensitivity to light
• hair loss
• tingling sensation (paresthesia), tremor
• anemia (pallor)
• kidney problems
• pancreatitis
• inflammation of the liver (may present as yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• breast swelling in males, impotence
• candidiasis (fungal infection, may affect the skin or mucosa)
• angioedema; contact your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of angioedema,
• such as swelling of the face, tongue or pharynx, difficulty swallowing, urticaria, and difficulty breathing.

The following adverse effects are very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people):

• severe hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylactic shock. Symptoms of hypersensitivity may include fever, rash, swelling, and occasionally low blood pressure
• inflammation of the mouth (stomatitis)
• colitis (inflammation of the intestine)
• changes in laboratory values, such as levels of sodium, cholesterol and triglycerides
• very severe skin reactions with redness, blisters, severe swelling and skin loss
• in very rare cases, Lansoprazole Almus may cause a reduction in the number of white blood cells, which may decrease your resistance to infections. If you develop an infection with symptoms such as fever and severe deterioration in your general condition, or fever with signs of local infection such as sore throat/pharynx/mouth or urinary problems, consult your doctor immediately. A blood test will be performed to check for possible reduction in white blood cells (agranulocytosis).

Adverse effects with unknown frequency

If you are taking Lansoprazole Almus for more than three months, magnesium levels in the blood may decrease. Low magnesium levels may cause fatigue, involuntary muscle contractions, disorientation, seizures, dizziness, palpitations, increased heart rate. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Low magnesium levels may also lead to decreased levels of potassium and calcium in the blood. Your doctor may decide to perform periodic blood tests to monitor magnesium levels.

Skin rash, possibly with joint pain.

Visual hallucinations.

If you experience any adverse effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist, even if they are adverse effects not listed in this leaflet.

5. Storage of Lansoprazol Almus

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

Do not use Lansoprazol Almus after the expiry date stated on the blister pack and carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of the month indicated.

Do not store above 25 °C. Keep in the original packaging to protect from moisture.

Medicines must not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Dispose of unused medicines and their containers at the SIGRE collection point at your pharmacy. If in doubt, ask your pharmacist how to properly dispose of medicines and containers you no longer need. This will help protect the environment.

6. Contents of the pack and other information

Composition of Lansoprazol Almus

• The active substance is lansoprazole.
• The other components are:

Capsule contents: sugar spheres (sucrose and maize starch), sodium lauryl sulfate, meglumine, mannitol (E421), hypromellose, Macrogol, talc, polysorbate 80, titanium dioxide (E171), 30% dispersion of methacrylic acid and ethyl acrylate copolymer (1:1)

Capsule coating: gelatin, titanium dioxide (E171)

Appearance of the medicine and contents of the pack

These gastro-resistant capsules are also available in blister packs containing: 14, 28 capsules.

Only certain pack sizes may be marketed.

Marketing Authorization Holder and Manufacturer

Marketing Authorization Holder:

Almus Farmacéutica, S.A.U.

Marie Curie, 54

08840 Viladecans (Barcelona), Spain

Telephone: 93 739 71 80

Email: [email protected]

Manufacturer:

LABORATORIOS LICONSA, S.A.

Avda. Miralcampo, Nº 7, Polígono Industrial Miralcampo,

19200 Azuqueca de Henares (Guadalajara)

Spain

This medicinal product is authorized in the Member States of the European Economic Area under the following names:

Spain: Lansoprazol Almus 30 mg gastro-resistant capsules EFG

Date of the most recent review of this leaflet: December 2022

Detailed and up-to-date information on this medicine is available on the website of the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) http://www.aemps.gob.es/.