Metasedin 40 mg tablets

Package leaflet: Information for the user

Introduction

Package leaflet: information for the user

Metasedin 40 mg tablets

Methadone hydrochloride

Read the entire leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine, because it contains important information for you.

• Keep this leaflet, as you may need to read it again.
• If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• This medicine has been prescribed for you only, and you should not give it to other people, even if they have the same symptoms as you, because it may harm them.
• If you experience any adverse effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist, even if they are adverse effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.

Contents of the leaflet

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

1. What Metasedin is and what it is used for

Metasedin 40 mg tablets is a medicine containing a substance called methadone, belonging to the group of narcotic analgesic drugs. Methadone is a centrally-acting analgesic with a potency slightly higher than that of morphine. It also produces less euphoria and a withdrawal syndrome similar in nature, although longer in duration.

Metasedin 40 mg tablets is indicated for maintenance replacement therapy of opioid dependence, as part of a medically supervised maintenance program and in conjunction with other medical and psychosocial interventions.

2. What you need to know before taking Metasedin

Do not take Metasedin

• If you are allergic to methadone or any of the other components of this medicine (listed in section 6).
• If you have respiratory or lung problems such as severe obstructive lung disease, emphysema, or bronchial asthma. Do not take this medicine during an acute asthma attack.
• If you have heart symptoms due to chronic lung conditions (cor pulmonale).
• If you have increased pressure inside the skull or have had or recently suffered a head injury.
• If you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) for depression or have taken an MAOI within the last two weeks.
• If you are addicted to other drugs.
• During childbirth.
• If you have phaeochromocytoma, a tumor of the adrenal glands.
• If you have a known intestinal disorder called paralytic ileus.

Warnings and precautions

Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any of the following symptoms before starting or while taking Metasedin:

• Pain or increased sensitivity to pain (hyperalgesia) that does not respond to an increase in dose.

• If you have low blood pressure (hypotension).

• If you have liver or kidney problems.

• If you have low thyroid function (hypothyroidism).

• If you experience weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or low blood pressure. These may be symptoms indicating that your adrenal glands are producing very low levels of the hormone cortisol, and you may need to take a hormonal supplement.

• If you have disorders of the bile ducts (gallbladder and bile duct).

• Contact your doctor if you develop severe upper abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, nausea, vomiting, or fever, as these could be symptoms associated with inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) or the biliary system.

• If you have an enlarged prostate (prostatic hyperplasia).

• If you suffer from a disease characterized by muscle weakness called myasthenia gravis.

• If you have inflammatory or obstructive intestinal disorders.

• If you are addicted to alcohol.

• If you have epilepsy.

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you are in shock.

• If you are elderly or severely ill. In these cases, you may be more sensitive to the medicine.

• If you are prone to allergic reactions, you may experience, for example: asthma exacerbation, skin redness, etc.

• If you have acute abdominal pain, as administration of this medicine or similar medicines may make diagnosis and clinical monitoring more difficult.

• If you have any risk factors for QT interval prolongation (a cardiac conduction disorder), such as:

  • History of irregular heartbeats,
  • History of heart disease,
  • Family history of sudden unexplained death,
  • Low levels of potassium, sodium, or magnesium,
  • Liver disease.

• Long-term use may cause decreased levels of sex hormones and increased levels of prolactin hormone. Consult your doctor if you experience symptoms such as reduced libido, impotence, or absence of menstruation (amenorrhea).

• During the induction phase of methadone maintenance treatment, patients must stop using heroin and may experience typical withdrawal symptoms (tearing, runny nose, sneezing, yawning, etc.), which should be distinguished from side effects of methadone.

• Administration of usual doses of an opioid antagonist to a patient physically dependent on methadone or other opioids will precipitate an acute withdrawal syndrome. The severity of symptoms depends on the degree of dependence and the dose of antagonist administered.

• Methadone may alter the results of certain blood tests (blood levels of hormones such as prolactin and other hormones related to the thyroid (such as thyroxine, thyroxine-binding globulin [TBG], and triiodothyronine)).

Tolerance, dependence, and addiction

This medicine contains an opioid medicine called methadone. Repeated use of opioids may reduce the effectiveness of the medicine (your body becomes accustomed to the medicine—this is known as tolerance). Repeated use of Metasedin may also lead to dependence, abuse, and addiction, which could result in a potentially fatal overdose.

Dependence or addiction may make you feel that you no longer have control over how much medicine you need or how often you take it.

The risk of becoming dependent or addicted varies from person to person. You may have a higher risk of becoming dependent or addicted to Metasedin if:

• You or a family member has a history of alcohol, prescription medicine, or illicit substance abuse or dependence ("addiction").
• You are a smoker.
• You have ever had mood disorders (depression, anxiety, or a personality disorder) or have been treated by a psychiatrist for other mental illnesses.

If you notice any of the following signs while taking Metasedin, it could indicate that you have become dependent or addicted:

• You need to take the medicine for longer than prescribed by your doctor.
• You need to take higher doses than prescribed.
• You are using the medicine for reasons other than those prescribed, for example, "to calm down" or "to help you sleep."
• You have made repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop or control your use of the medicine.
• You feel unwell when you stop taking the medicine and feel better when you take it again ("withdrawal symptoms").

If you notice any of these signs, speak with your doctor to discuss the most appropriate treatment strategy for your case, including when it is appropriate to stop taking the medicine and how to do so safely (see section 3 “If you stop taking Metasedin”).

Sleep-related breathing disorders

Metasedin may cause sleep-related breathing disorders such as sleep apnea (breathing pauses during sleep) and sleep-related hypoxemia (low blood oxygen levels). Symptoms may include breathing pauses during sleep, nighttime awakenings due to breathlessness, difficulty maintaining sleep, or excessive daytime sleepiness. If you or someone else observes these symptoms, contact your doctor. Your doctor may consider reducing the dose.

Use in athletes

This medicine contains a component that may produce a positive result in doping control tests.

Children and adolescents

The use of Metasedin is not recommended in children and adolescents under 18 years of age due to lack of safety and efficacy data in this population. In addition, children are more sensitive to the effects of methadone than adults.

Other medicines and Metasedin

Some medicines may affect how Metasedin works, or Metasedin may reduce the effectiveness of other medicines taken at the same time. These drug interactions may increase or decrease the effect of one or both medicines and may increase the risk or severity of adverse effects.

Do not take Metasedin if you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or have taken an MAOI within the last two weeks.

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

• Concurrent use of Metasedin and sedative medicines such as benzodiazepines or related drugs (e.g., opioid analgesics such as codeine, pentazocine, buprenorphine) increases the risk of drowsiness, difficulty breathing (respiratory depression), coma, and may be potentially fatal, especially in elderly patients. Therefore, concomitant use should only be considered when no other therapeutic options are possible. However, if your doctor prescribes Metasedin together with sedative medicines, they will limit the dose and duration of concomitant treatment.

• Gabapentin and pregabalin (medicines used to treat epilepsy, nerve pain, or anxiety). These may increase the risk of opioid overdose, respiratory depression (difficulty breathing), and may be potentially fatal.

• Inform your doctor about all sedative medicines you are taking and strictly follow the dosing recommendations provided. It may be helpful to inform your friends or family members to be alert for the signs and symptoms described above. If you experience these symptoms, contact your doctor.

• Buprenorphine or pentazocine may precipitate withdrawal symptoms in a patient addicted to methadone.

• Medicines used to reverse the effects of opioids (naloxone).

• Central nervous system depressants including general anesthetics, medicines used to treat schizophrenia and psychosis (phenothiazines), insomnia treatments, or other central nervous system sedatives, as methadone may increase the risk of respiratory depression, low blood pressure, and profound sedation or coma.

• However, if your doctor prescribes Metasedin together with sedative medicines, they will restrict the dose and duration of concomitant treatment.

• Inform your doctor of all sedative medicines you are taking and strictly follow the dosing recommendations provided. It may be helpful to inform your friends or family members to be alert for the signs and symptoms described above. If you experience these symptoms, contact your doctor.

• The risk of side effects increases if methadone is taken simultaneously with antidepressants (such as citalopram, duloxetine, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, venlafaxine, amitriptyline, clomipramine, imipramine, nortriptyline). Consult your doctor if you experience symptoms such as:

  • Changes in mental state (such as restlessness, hallucinations, coma)
  • Rapid pulse, unstable blood pressure, fever
  • Exaggerated reflexes, lack of coordination, muscle stiffness
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms (such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)

• Serotonergic medicines used to treat migraine, such as sumatriptan.

• Medicines used to treat heart conditions such as verapamil, bepridil, or enalapril.

• Medicines that cause electrolyte imbalances and affect cardiac conduction (such as antiarrhythmics, diuretics, or lithium).

• Medicines used to treat epilepsy such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and primidone.

• Cannabidiol (a medicine used to treat seizures).

• Antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin or macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin or clarithromycin.

• Medicines used to treat fungal infections such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, miconazole, and fluconazole.

• Rifampicin or phenytoin, which may trigger a withdrawal syndrome.

• Cimetidine, which enhances the effects of methadone.

• Drugs that acidify or alkalinize the urine and may alter the elimination of methadone, increasing or decreasing its effects (e.g., ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and ammonium chloride).

• Antiretroviral medicines to treat HIV, such as ritonavir, nevirapine, efavirenz, abacavir, and nelfinavir. Your doctor may need to adjust the dose of methadone while you are taking these medicines.

• St. John’s wort, a herbal preparation used for depression.

Taking Metasedin with food, drinks, and alcohol

Alcohol may increase the side effects of methadone and should not be taken during treatment with this medicine.

Grapefruit juice may alter the effect of methadone and should not be consumed together with Metasedin.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine.

Some studies have reported congenital malformations or neurodevelopmental problems (early development-related issues) in children born to mothers who used methadone during pregnancy to treat opioid addiction. However, it is not possible to determine whether this is due to methadone use or other factors such as maternal health and social and environmental conditions associated with opioid addiction.

Pregnancy

If Metasedin is used during pregnancy, your baby may develop a withdrawal syndrome. Be cautious if undergoing a pregnancy test, as methadone may interfere with test results.

Metasedin should not be used during labor.

Breastfeeding

Methadone is excreted in breast milk. It should only be administered to breastfeeding mothers when the benefits to the infant outweigh the potential risks. Breastfeeding under these conditions may help prevent the onset of a withdrawal syndrome in the newborn.

Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed while taking methadone, as it may affect your baby. Monitor your baby for signs and symptoms such as excessive sleepiness (more than usual), difficulty breathing, or floppiness. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of these symptoms.

Driving and using machines

Metasedin may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or other symptoms that may impair your ability to drive. If you experience any of these effects, avoid driving or operating machinery.

Metasedin contains lactose and sodium croscarmellose

This medicine contains lactose. If your doctor has informed you of an intolerance to certain sugars, consult with them before taking this medicine.

This medicine contains less than 23 mg of sodium (1 mmol) per tablet, which is essentially “sodium-free.”

3. How to take Metasedin

Follow exactly the instructions for use of this medicine as given by your doctor. If in doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist again.

Dosage should be individualized, so your doctor will determine the appropriate dose for you and make any adjustments considered necessary.

If you feel that the effect of this medicine is too strong or too weak, inform your doctor or pharmacist.

Use in adults:

The dose will be established according to the patient's level of physical dependence. Initially, a dose of 20–30 mg/day will be administered. Depending on the clinical response, the dose may be increased to 40–60 mg/day over the course of 1 to 2 weeks, to prevent the onset of withdrawal or intoxication symptoms. The maintenance dose ranges around 60–100 mg/day, reached by successive weekly increments of 10 mg/day. It is not advisable to exceed a dose of 120 mg/day unless plasma level monitoring is available. The dose should be taken as a single daily dose. Discontinuation of treatment should be carried out gradually, by reducing the dose in gradual steps of 5 to 10 mg.

The tablets may be dispersed in a glass of water or juice, or swallowed with a small amount of water.

Remember to take your medicine.

Your doctor will advise you on the duration of treatment with Metasedin.

If you take more Metasedin than you should

In case of overdose or accidental ingestion, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately or call the Toxicology Information Service at telephone number 91 562 04 20, indicating the medicine and the amount ingested.

If you take too much methadone, you may experience:

• breathing difficulties;
• extreme drowsiness, which may progress to decreased level of consciousness and coma;
• very small pupils;
• muscle weakness;
• cold skin;
• sometimes, low blood pressure and slow pulse;
• low blood sugar levels may occur;
• a brain disorder (known as toxic leukoencephalopathy).

In cases of severe intoxication, respiratory arrest, circulatory collapse, heart failure, and death may occur.

If you forget to take Metasedin

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

If you stop taking Metasedin

Sudden discontinuation of treatment in patients with physical dependence may precipitate a withdrawal syndrome. Your doctor will advise you on how to gradually reduce the dose.

Discontinuation of treatment should be carried out gradually, by gradually reducing the dose in steps of 5 to 10 mg (see section "How to take Metasedin").

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

4. Possible adverse effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause adverse effects, although not everyone will experience them.

In general, methadone causes adverse effects similar to those of morphine.

The most serious adverse effects of methadone, as with other opioids, are respiratory depression (difficulty breathing) and, to a lesser extent, decreased blood pressure, with cases of respiratory arrest, shock, and cardiac arrest having occurred. The most common adverse effects are dizziness, sedation, nausea, vomiting, and excessive sweating. These effects appear to be more intense in outpatients and in those who do not have severe chronic pain. In such patients, it is recommended to use lower doses. Some adverse effects may be relieved if the patient lies down.

Tell your doctor immediately if you experience:

• An allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, severe swelling and itching of the skin with lumps.
• Heart problems, such as changes in heart rhythm (both rapid heartbeat and missed beats), difficulty breathing, and dizziness.
• If your breathing becomes slow and shallow.
• Worsening of pressure inside the head or headache, if you already suffer from this condition following a brain injury or illness.
• If you have asthma and it worsens.

Other possible adverse effects may include the following:

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

nausea, vomiting.

Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

excessive sweating

fatigue, drowsiness, sedation

weight gain

fluid retention

constipation

rash, which may come and go

blurred vision, small pupils, dry eyes

dizziness, vertigo

changes in mood, feeling overly excited (euphoria), or seeing or hearing things that are not real (hallucinations)

Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

difficulty breathing (respiratory depression), especially with high doses

worsening of asthma

low blood pressure

headache, fainting, or sudden loss of consciousness

feeling down (dysphoria), restlessness, confusion, disorientation, difficulty sleeping

you may become dependent on Metasedin; for more information, see section 2 “Warnings and precautions”

itching, skin rashes, hives

dry mouth or nose, swollen tongue, facial flushing

difficulty urinating (urinary retention), pain in the lower back and abdomen caused by muscle spasms

disturbance in bile duct movement (may present as nausea, vomiting, or both, biliary pain in the upper right abdomen or radiating to the right shoulder area)

low body temperature (hypothermia)

feeling of weakness, tiredness

decreased sex drive or difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection

painful menstrual periods, absence of menstruation

milk secretion from the nipple (galactorrhea)

accumulation of fluid in the lung (pulmonary edema)

Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1000 people)

changes in heart rhythm (both rapid heartbeat and missed beats)

abnormalities in the electrocardiogram (ECG), known as QT interval prolongation, which may lead to a heart rhythm disorder called "torsade de pointes" (especially with high doses of methadone)

cardiac arrest

shock

respiratory arrest

Other reported adverse effects, frequency unknown

loss of appetite

swelling, swollen legs (this may be a sign that your body is retaining more fluid than normal)

increased intracranial pressure (especially with high doses)

involuntary, rapid, repetitive eye movements, strabismus

reduced visual acuity

sleep apnea (breathing pauses during sleep)

reduction in blood platelets, increasing the risk of bleeding or bruising in patients with chronic hepatitis

low levels of potassium and magnesium

decreased production of adrenal and sex hormones

low blood sugar levels

elevated levels of prolactin in the blood

symptoms associated with inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) and of the biliary system (a condition affecting the intestinal valve known as Oddi sphincter dysfunction), for example, severe pain in the upper abdomen that may radiate to the back, nausea, vomiting, or fever.

If you notice any other reaction not described in this leaflet, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Reporting of adverse effects

If you experience any adverse effect, consult your doctor or pharmacist, even if it is a possible adverse effect not listed in this leaflet. You may also report them directly via the Spanish Pharmacovigilance System for Human Medicines at Website: www.notificaRAM.es. By reporting adverse effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

5. Storage of Metasedin

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Store this medicine in a safe and secure place, where others cannot access it. It may cause serious harm or be fatal to individuals for whom it has not been prescribed.

No special storage conditions are required.

No special storage conditions are required.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date stated on the packaging after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of the month indicated.

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

6. Contents of the pack and other information

Composition of Metasedin

• The active substance is methadone hydrochloride. Each tablet contains 40 mg of methadone hydrochloride.
• The other components are lactose, sodium croscarmellose, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, and colloidal silicon dioxide.

Appearance of the medicinal product and contents of the pack

Metasedin 40 mg tablets are presented as white, elliptical, biconvex tablets, scored on both sides, with the symbol “4/4” on one side and the other side blank, packed in containers containing 800 tablets.

Marketing Authorization Holder and Manufacturer

Marketing Authorization Holder

Esteve Pharmaceuticals, S.A.

Passeig de la Zona Franca, 109

08038 Barcelona

Spain

Manufacturer

TOWA Pharmaceutical Europe, S.L.

c/ de Sant Martí, 75-97

08107 Martorelles (Barcelona), Spain

Date of the most recent revision of this leaflet: May 2026

Detailed and up-to-date information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS) http://www.aemps.gob.es/