Alpragen

Patient Information Leaflet

Warning! Keep this leaflet, information on the immediate packaging is in a foreign language!
Alpragen ( Alprazolam Viatris)
0.5 mg, tablets
Alprazolam
Alpragen and Alprazolam Viatris are different brand names for the same medicine.
Please read the entire leaflet carefully before using the medicine, as it contains
important information for the patient.

• Keep this leaflet for future reference.
• If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
• This medicine has been prescribed for a specific individual. Do not give it to others. It may harm someone else, even if their symptoms are the same.
• If you experience any adverse reactions, including any not listed in this leaflet, inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately. See section 4.

Table of Contents:

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

1. What Alpragen is and what it is used for

Alpragen contains the active substance alprazolam, which belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines.
Alpragen is indicated for the treatment of symptoms of anxiety disorders in adults, but only in cases where symptoms are severe, impair normal functioning, or cause significant distress to the patient. This medicine is intended for short-term use only.

2. Important information before using Alpragen

When not to use Alpragen:

• if the patient is allergic to alprazolam, benzodiazepines, or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6)
• if the patient has muscle weakness ( myasthenia gravis )
• if the patient has severe breathing difficulties or lung disease
• if the patient has been diagnosed with sleep apnoea syndrome (irregular breathing during sleep)
• if the patient has severe liver failure
• if the patient has acute alcohol intoxication or intoxication with other substances acting on the central nervous system, e.g. narcotics
• if the patient has been diagnosed with glaucoma.

Warnings and precautions
Before starting treatment with Alpragen, discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist:

• if the patient has chronic lung problems, mild to moderate liver or kidney impairment
• if the patient has depression or anxiety disorders associated with depression, as alprazolam may increase the frequency of suicidal thoughts (if present)
• if the patient is taking other medicines for anxiety disorders or insomnia
• if the patient is taking medicines acting on the central nervous system (e.g. benzodiazepines, neuroleptics)
• if the patient has previously abused narcotics or alcohol, or has difficulty stopping the use of medicines, drinking alcohol, or taking narcotics. The doctor may recommend special assistance when discontinuing this medicine
• if the patient has personality disorders
• if the patient is elderly, this medicine may cause drowsiness or muscle weakness, which may lead to falls, often with serious consequences.

During treatment, the patient may experience anterograde amnesia. To reduce the risk,
the patient should ensure uninterrupted sleep of 7–8 hours while taking the medicine.
Use of alprazolam has been associated with atypical reactions such as:
anxiety, especially motor restlessness, agitation, irritability, aggression, delusions,
angry outbursts, nightmares, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real),
psychosis (loss of contact with reality), and unusual behaviour. If such symptoms occur,
the patient should consult a doctor, as treatment must be discontinued.

Children and adolescents
The use of Alpragen is not recommended in children and adolescents under 18 years of age.

Alpragen with other medicines
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines the patient is currently taking or has recently taken, including those obtained without a prescription, as well as any medicines the patient plans to take. It is especially important to inform the doctor about the use of the following medicines:

• antipsychotics (medicines used to treat mental disorders) such as haloperidol and chlorpromazine, hypnotics (medicines used to induce sleep) such as phenobarbital and zolpidem, anxiolytics (medicines used to treat anxiety) such as diazepam and lorazepam, opioid analgesics (a type of painkiller) such as propoxyphene, antitussives (medicines used to treat cough) such as dextromethorphan and codeine, medicines such as methadone (which may be used to relieve pain or help people addicted to opioids), anaesthetics (medicines used for anaesthesia) such as halothane and bupivacaine, or antidepressants, as they may enhance the effect of alprazolam
• clozapine (a medicine used to treat mental illnesses such as schizophrenia). This medicine may increase the amount of alprazolam in the blood
• medicines belonging to the group of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), used to treat depression (e.g. fluoxetine or sertraline)
• medicines used to treat epilepsy (e.g. phenytoin and carbamazepine)
• antihistamines (antiallergic medicines) such as cetirizine, cyclizine
• medicines used to treat fungal infections (e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole or other azole derivatives), cimetidine (used to treat stomach ulcers), nefazodone (used to treat depression), or fluvoxamine (used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder). The dose of alprazolam should be adjusted appropriately when taking these medicines
• imipramine or desipramine – tricyclic antidepressants (TCA), used to treat depression, as dose adjustment may be necessary
• oral contraceptives
• diltiazem (used to treat angina and hypertension)
• certain antibiotics, e.g. erythromycin, clarithromycin, telithromycin, troleandomycin, and rifampicin
• medicines used to treat HIV infections, known as protease inhibitors (e.g. ritonavir)
• digoxin (a medicine used to treat heart conditions). The patient may experience symptoms of digoxin toxicity (symptoms include irregular heartbeat, confusion, delirium, visual disturbances, headache, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting) when digoxin is taken concomitantly with Alpragen.

Concomitant use of Alpragen with opioids (strong painkillers, medicines used in opioid substitution therapy, some antitussive medicines) increases the risk of drowsiness, breathing difficulties (respiratory depression), coma, and may be life-threatening.
Cases of death have been reported. For this reason, concomitant use should only be considered when other treatment options are not possible.
However, if the doctor prescribes Alpragen together with opioids, the dosage and duration of treatment should be strictly limited by the treating physician.
Inform your doctor about all opioid medicines you are taking and strictly follow the dosage prescribed by the doctor. It may be helpful to inform friends or family about the above symptoms. If such symptoms occur, contact your doctor immediately.
If surgery under general anaesthesia is planned, inform the doctor about taking alprazolam.

Alpragen, alcohol, and grapefruit juice
Do not drink alcohol while taking Alpragen; alcohol enhances the effect of Alpragen.
Do not drink large amounts of grapefruit juice while taking this medicine, as it may increase the amount of alprazolam in the blood.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding
If the patient is pregnant, breastfeeding, suspects she may be pregnant, or is planning to have a child, she should consult her doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine. Do not
use Alpragen if the patient is pregnant without discussing with the doctor the possible risks and benefits associated with using this medicine.
If alprazolam is used regularly during the last trimester of pregnancy, the newborn may develop dependence on alprazolam and experience withdrawal symptoms.
If the doctor decides to use alprazolam in late pregnancy or during delivery, the newborn may experience symptoms such as low body temperature, floppiness, breathing difficulties, feeding problems, tremors, increased irritability, and hyperexcitability.
Do not use Alpragen during breastfeeding, as this medicine may pass into breast milk.

Driving and using machines
Do not drive or operate machinery after taking alprazolam, as symptoms such as: loss of concentration, loss of muscle control, memory loss, dizziness, drowsiness, or dizziness may occur.

Alpragen contains lactose monohydrate.
If the patient has previously been diagnosed with intolerance to certain sugars, the patient should consult a doctor before taking Alpragen.

Alpragen contains sodium.
The medicine contains less than 1 mmol (23 mg) of sodium per tablet, meaning the medicine is considered "sodium-free".

Alpragen contains sodium benzoate.
The medicine contains 0.1 mg of sodium benzoate in each tablet.
Sodium benzoate may increase the risk of jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) in newborns (up to 4 weeks of age); however, this medicine is not recommended for use in patients under 18 years of age.

3. How to use Alpragen

This medicine should always be taken exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. If you are unsure,
you should consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Alpragen is available in the following strengths: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg.
Adults (over 18 years of age)
The recommended dose is 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg three times daily.
If necessary, your doctor may decide to increase the dose up to the maximum dose of 4 mg per day.
If in doubt, you should contact your doctor or pharmacist again. Caution should be exercised when increasing the dose.
The evening dose should be increased first, followed by the daytime dose.
In patients who have not previously taken this type of medicine, and in patients with a history of alcohol dependence,
a lower dose should be used.
Elderly patients
The recommended dose for elderly patients is 0.25 mg two to three times daily. In physically healthy elderly patients,
the doctor may, if necessary, increase the dose by 0.5 mg every third day, up to a maximum dose of 1.5 mg per day.
In frail elderly patients, the daily dose should not exceed 0.75 mg.
Alpragen tablets should be taken orally. The score line on the tablet is intended only to facilitate breaking the tablet
for easier swallowing.
Patients with hepatic or renal impairment
In cases of hepatic or renal impairment, the doctor may recommend a lower than usual dose.
The maximum recommended dose in patients with hepatic or renal impairment is 0.75 mg to 1.5 mg per day.
Duration of treatment
Alpragen should not be used for longer than prescribed by your doctor. The total duration of treatment
should not exceed 2–4 weeks. Prolonged use of alprazolam at excessive doses may lead to the development
of psychological and physical dependence. Do not discontinue treatment prematurely.
Taking more Alpragen than recommended
If you take more Alpragen than recommended, you should contact your doctor immediately or go to the
emergency department of the nearest hospital. You should bring the medicine packaging and any remaining tablets with you.
Symptoms of overdose include: drowsiness, confusion, lack of coordination or unsteady movements, breathing difficulties,
low blood pressure, fatigue, loss of consciousness, and in rare cases, death.
Missing a dose of Alpragen
Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Take the next dose at the scheduled time.
Stopping Alpragen
Do not stop taking this medicine on your own. Before discontinuing treatment, the dose should be gradually reduced.
Your doctor will advise you how to do this. If treatment with Alpragen is stopped or discontinued too early,
the following symptoms may occur: anxiety, restlessness (especially motor restlessness), seizures, headaches,
muscle pain, tension, confusion, irritability, involuntary movements, and difficulty falling asleep.
In extreme cases, symptoms may also include loss of awareness, detachment from reality, increased sensitivity
to light, sound, and touch, tingling or numbness in the limbs, seeing or hearing things that are not there,
seizures, abdominal and muscle cramps, vomiting, sweating, and tremor.
You should contact your doctor if any of these symptoms or mood changes occur.
If you have any further questions about the use of this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

4. Possible adverse effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause adverse effects, although not everyone will experience them.
Harmful or hostile behaviour has been observed in individuals with a history of violence, borderline personality disorder, alcohol abuse, and in individuals taking medicines that affect the central nervous system. In patients with post-traumatic stress, discontinuation of Alpragen treatment may lead to irritability, hostility, and unpleasant thoughts and reflections.
Common adverse effects are observed at the beginning of Alpragen treatment. These symptoms usually resolve during continued treatment.
Immediately contact your doctor if any of the following adverse effects occur, as they may be serious:
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 patients)

• seizures
• epileptic seizures in the brain which may affect muscle activity, senses, vital functions, or changes in the way the patient thinks, feels and experiences things
• memory loss (amnesia)
• unusual reaction to the medicine, which may include one or more of the following symptoms: anxiety, especially with motor restlessness, excitement, irritability, aggression, delusions, outbursts of anger, nightmares, seeing or hearing things that do not exist (hallucinations), loss of contact with reality (psychoses), and strange behaviour
• withdrawal syndrome.

Adverse effects with unknown frequency (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data)

• increased number of infections, which may present as fever, severe chills, mouth ulcers or sore throat. These may be symptoms of low white blood cell count
• airway obstruction causing breathing difficulties
• hepatitis, which may cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, general malaise, fever, itching, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, pale stools, dark urine
• symptoms of severe allergic reaction, which may include symptoms such as itchy rash, swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat, which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing
• passing small amounts of urine or inability to pass urine
• misuse of the medicine.

You should stop taking the medicine. Your doctor will advise you how to do this.
Other adverse effects
Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 patients)

• drowsiness or somnolence, sleep problems
• dizziness, difficulty controlling movements (ataxia)
• headache
• speech difficulties
• severe constipation, dry mouth
• fatigue
• increased or decreased body weight
• depression
• memory problems.

Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 patients)

• increased or decreased appetite
• blurred vision
• feeling detached from the body (depersonalization)
• perceiving other people and the surrounding world as unreal, dream-like (derealization)
• fear, nervousness or anxiety, confusion, disorientation
• tingling, involuntary muscle contractions, coordination disturbances, chills or tremors, balance problems
• difficulty concentrating, lack of energy
• rapid heartbeat, which may be felt as fluttering in the chest (palpitations)
• hot flushes
• stuffy nose, sore throat or choking cough. These may be symptoms of infection
• rapid breathing
• increased or decreased sexual drive
• inability to sleep (insomnia)
• excessive sleepiness
• sexual dysfunction
• increased salivation
• vomiting, feeling of discomfort in the stomach, diarrhoea, nausea, stomach pain
• excessive sweating
• skin rash, itching
• muscle cramps or spasms, back pain, muscle pain, joint pain
• chest pain
• unusual weakness
• swelling due to fluid accumulation in the body (oedema)
• ringing in the ears
• risk of causing road traffic accidents.

Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 patients)

• increased tendency to bruise
• restless sleep
• talkativeness, impulsiveness, slowed thinking
• muscle weakness
• restricted movement
• double vision, other vision problems
• euphoria or feeling of excitement, inability to experience pleasure from enjoyable activities
• persistent inability to achieve orgasm
• mood changes
• panic attacks
• fainting
• clumsiness
• taste disturbances
• stupor (state close to unconsciousness)
• joint stiffness, limb pain
• involuntary urination (urinary incontinence) or frequent urination during the day
• problems with ejaculation, inability to achieve or maintain erection
• irregular menstruation in women
• malaise
• change in walking pattern, feeling of intoxication, feeling of nervousness or tension, feeling of relaxation, feeling of intoxication
• influenza-like symptoms, drowsiness
• thirst
• increased bilirubin levels, which may be detected in blood tests
• falls, limb injuries
• overdose
• drug dependence.

Adverse effects with unknown frequency (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data)

• high levels of prolactin in the blood, which may be detected in blood tests (hyperprolactinaemia)
• hostile behaviour
• inability to sit or stand still, hyperactivity
• disturbances in thinking
• problems with learning and problem-solving
• vascular problems
• swelling of hands and feet (peripheral oedema)
• excessive alertness
• increased sensitivity to light
• rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
• low blood pressure
• decreased salivation
• liver function disturbances, which may be detected in blood tests
• problems with muscle tone
• feeling of warmth
• increased intraocular pressure.

Reporting of adverse effects
If any adverse effects occur, including any not listed in this leaflet, inform your doctor or pharmacist. Adverse effects can be reported directly to the Department for Monitoring Adverse Drug Reactions of the Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices and Biocidal Products, Al. Jerozolimskie 181C, tel: 22 49 21 301, fax: 22 49 21 309, website:
https://smz.ezdrowie.gov.pl
Reporting adverse effects helps to provide more information on the safety of the medicine.

5. How to store Alpragen

Keep this medicine out of sight and reach of children.
Protect from moisture.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date stated on the carton and blister.
The expiry date refers to the last day of the stated month.
Medicines must not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. This will help protect the environment.

6. Contents of the pack and other information

What Alpragen contains

• The active substance is alprazolam. Each tablet contains 0.5 mg of alprazolam.
• The other ingredients are: monohydrate lactose (see section 2 "Alpragen contains monohydrate lactose"), microcrystalline cellulose, maize starch, sodium benzoate, sodium lauryl sulfate, povidone, colloidal anhydrous silica, sodium carboxymethyl starch, magnesium stearate, indigo carmine aluminium lake (E 132), and erythrosine aluminium lake (E 127).

What Alpragen looks like and contents of the pack
0.5 mg tablets: pink, oval tablets marked with "AL" and a score line "0.5" on one side and "G" on the other side.
Alpragen is available in packs containing 30 or 60 tablets in blister packs.
For more detailed information, please contact the marketing authorisation holder or the parallel importer.

Marketing Authorisation Holder in France, the country of export:
Viatris Santé
1 Rue de Turin
69007 Lyon
France

Manufacturer
McDermott Laboratories Ltd.
trading as Gerard Laboratories
35/36 Baldoyle Industrial Estate
Grange Road
Dublin
Ireland
Viatris Santé
360 Avenue Henri Schneider
69330 Meyzieu
France
Europeenne de Pharmacotechnie – Europhartec
Rue Henri Matisse
63370 Lempdes
France
Mylan Hungary Kft./Mylan Hungary Ltd.
Mylan utca 1.
Komárom, 2900
Hungary

Parallel Importer:
Medezin Sp. z o.o.
ul. Zbąszyńska 3
91-342 Łódź
Repackaged in:
Medezin Sp. z o.o.
ul. Zbąszyńska 3
91-342 Łódź

Marketing Authorisation Number in France, the country of export: 34009 348 325 2 9
Parallel Import Licence Number: 203/25