NEURONTIN 600 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS
How to use NEURONTIN 600 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS
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This page provides general information and does not replace a doctor’s consultation. Always consult a doctor before taking any medication. Seek urgent medical care if symptoms are severe.
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Introduction
Package Leaflet: Information for the User
Neurontin 600mg Film-Coated Tablets
Gabapentin
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.
Contents of the Pack
- What Neurontin is and what it is used for
- What you need to know before you take Neurontin
- How to take Neurontin
- Possible side effects
- Storing Neurontin
- Contents of the pack and other information
1. What Neurontin is and what it is used for
Neurontin belongs to a group of medicines used to treat epilepsy and peripheral neuropathic pain (long-lasting pain caused by damage to the nerves).
The active substance in Neurontin is gabapentin.
Neurontin is used to treat
- Certain types of epilepsy (seizures that initially are limited to certain parts of the brain, whether or not the seizure spreads to other parts of the brain). Your doctor will prescribe Neurontin for you to help treat your epilepsy when your current treatment is no longer working fully. You should take Neurontin in addition to your current treatment unless told otherwise. Neurontin can also be used as the only medicine to treat adults and children over 12 years of age.
- Peripheral neuropathic pain (long-lasting pain caused by damage to the nerves). There are various diseases that can cause peripheral neuropathic pain (mainly in legs and/or arms), such as diabetes or shingles. The feeling of pain can be described as burning, shooting, aching, tingling, prickling, numbness, and pins and needles, etc.
2. What you need to know before you take Neurontin
Do not takeNeurontin
- if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to gabapentin or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).
Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Neurontin
- if you have kidney problems, your doctor may prescribe a different dosing schedule
- if you are on haemodialysis (to remove waste products due to kidney failure), inform your doctor if you start to feel muscle pain and/or weakness
- if you develop symptoms such as persistent stomach pain, vomiting, and nausea, inform your doctor immediately as these may be signs of acute pancreatitis (inflamed pancreas).
- if you have a nervous system disorder or a respiratory disorder or if you are over 65 years of age, your doctor may prescribe a different dose.
- before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you have ever abused or been dependent on alcohol, prescribed drugs, or illegal drugs; you may have a higher risk of developing dependence on Neurontin.
Dependence
Some people may develop dependence (need to continue taking the medicine) on Neurontin. They may have withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking Neurontin (see section 3, "How to take Neurontin" and "If you stop taking Neurontin"). If you are concerned about developing dependence on Neurontin, it is important that you talk to your doctor.
If you experience any of the following signs while taking Neurontin, it may be indicative of dependence.
- you feel that you need to take the medicine for longer than prescribed.
- you feel that you need to take a higher dose than recommended.
- you are taking the medicine for reasons other than prescribed.
- you have tried to stop taking the medicine or control how you take it, without success.
- when you stop taking the medicine, you feel unwell and feel better when you start taking it again.
If you notice any of the above, talk to your doctor to decide on the best course of treatment for you, including when it is appropriate to stop treatment and how to do it safely.
A small number of people taking antiepileptics, such as Neurontin, have had thoughts of harming themselves or suicide. If at any time you have these thoughts, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Important information about potentially serious reactions
Severe skin reactions have been reported with the use of gabapentin, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). Stop taking gabapentin and seek medical attention immediately if you notice any of the symptoms related to these severe skin reactions described in section 4.
Read the description of serious symptoms in section 4 of this leaflet"Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms after taking this medicine as they can be serious".
Muscle weakness, tenderness, or pain and especially if you feel unwell or have a fever, could be due to an abnormal breakdown of muscle fibers that can lead to kidney problems and put your life at risk. You may also experience discoloration of the urine and changes in blood test results (significant increase in creatine phosphokinase in the blood). If you experience any of these signs or symptoms, please contact your doctor immediately.
Using Neurontin with other medicines
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medicines. In particular, tell your doctor (or pharmacist) if you are taking or have recently taken any medicines for seizures, sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, or any other neurological or psychiatric disorder.
Medicines containing opioids, such as morphine
If you are taking any medicines containing opioids (such as morphine), inform your doctor or pharmacist, as opioids can increase the effect of Neurontin. Additionally, the combination of Neurontin with opioids may cause drowsiness, sedation, decreased breathing, or death.
Antacids for indigestion
If you take Neurontin at the same time as antacids containing aluminum and magnesium, the absorption of Neurontin in the stomach may be reduced. It is recommended that Neurontin be taken at least two hours after taking an antacid.
Neurontin
- is not expected to interact with other antiepileptic medicines or with the oral contraceptive pill.
- may interfere with some laboratory tests, so if you need a urine test, inform your doctor or hospital about what you are taking.
Taking Neurontinwith food
Neurontin can be taken with or without food.
Pregnancy, breast-feeding, and fertility
- If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately to discuss the possible risks that the medicine you are taking may have on the fetus.
- Do not stop your treatment without first talking to your doctor.
- If you are planning to become pregnant, you should discuss your treatment with your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible before you become pregnant.
- If you are breast-feeding or planning to breast-feed, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.
Pregnancy
Neurontin can be used during the first trimester of pregnancy if necessary.
If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.
If you become pregnant and have epilepsy, it is important that you do not stop taking your medicine without first talking to your doctor, as this may cause your seizures to return. The return of your seizures may harm both you and your unborn baby.
In a study that reviewed data from women in Nordic countries who took gabapentin in the first 3 months of pregnancy, there was no increased risk of birth defects or problems with brain development (neurodevelopmental disorders). However, babies born to women who took gabapentin during pregnancy had a higher risk of low birth weight and premature birth.
If taken during pregnancy, gabapentin may cause withdrawal symptoms in newborns. This risk may be higher when gabapentin is taken with opioid painkillers (drugs for intense pain treatment).
Contact your doctor immediately if you become pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant while taking Neurontin. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly, as this may cause your seizures to return, which could have serious consequences for both you and your baby.
Breast-feeding
Gabapentin, the active substance in Neurontin, passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended while taking Neurontin, as the effect on the baby is unknown.
Fertility
There are no effects on fertility in animal studies.
Driving and using machines
Neurontin may cause dizziness, drowsiness, and fatigue. Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or engage in other potentially hazardous activities until you know whether this medicine affects your ability to perform these activities.
3. How to take Neurontin
Take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. If you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Do not take more than the prescribed dose.
Your doctor will determine the dose that is right for you.
Epilepsy, the recommended dose is
Adults and adolescents
Take the number of tablets that your doctor has told you to. Your doctor will usually start you on a low dose and gradually increase it. The initial dose will generally be between 300 and 900 mg per day. The dose may then be increased to a maximum of 3600 mg per day, divided into three equal doses, for example, one in the morning, one at noon, and one in the evening.
Children aged 6 years and older
Your doctor will decide the dose to give to your child based on the child's weight. The treatment will start with a low initial dose that will be gradually increased over approximately 3 days. The usual dose to control epilepsy is 25-35 mg per kg per day. The dose is usually given in three equal doses, for example, one in the morning, one at noon, and one in the evening.
Neurontin is not recommended for children under 6 years of age.
Peripheral neuropathic pain,the recommended dose is
Adults
Take the number of tablets that your doctor has told you to. Your doctor will usually start you on a low dose and gradually increase it. The initial dose will generally be between 300 and 900 mg per day. The dose may then be increased to a maximum of 3600 mg per day, divided into three equal doses, for example, one in the morning, one at noon, and one in the evening.
If you have kidney problems or are on haemodialysis
Your doctor may prescribe a different dosing schedule and/or dose if you have kidney problems or are on haemodialysis.
If you are an elderly patient (over 65 years of age)
You should take the normal dose of Neurontin unless you have kidney problems.
Your doctor may prescribe a different dosing schedule or dose if you have kidney problems.
If you think that the effect of Neurontin is too strong or too weak, talk to your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible.
Method of administration
Neurontin is taken by mouth. Always swallow the tablets with plenty of water. The tablet can be divided into two equal halves.
Continue taking Neurontin until your doctor tells you to stop.
If you take more Neurontin than you should
Doses higher than those recommended may cause an increased risk of side effects, including loss of consciousness, dizziness, double vision, slurred speech, numbness, and diarrhea. In case of overdose or accidental ingestion, contact your doctor, pharmacist, or call the Toxicology Information Service, telephone 91 562 04 20, indicating the medicine and the amount taken, or go to the emergency department of the nearest hospital if you take more Neurontin than your doctor prescribed. Take any remaining tablets, the packaging, and the leaflet with you so that the hospital can easily identify the medicine you have taken.
If you forget to takeNeurontin
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time for your next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for forgotten doses.
If you stop takingNeurontin
Do not stop taking Neurontin suddenly. If you want to stop taking Neurontin, talk to your doctor first. Your doctor will tell you how to stop taking Neurontin gradually. You should know that you may experience certain side effects, called withdrawal symptoms, after stopping treatment with Neurontin after short or long-term use. These include seizures, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, feeling unwell (nausea), pain, sweating, trembling, headache, depression, abnormal sensations, dizziness, and a general feeling of being unwell. These effects usually occur within the first 48 hours after stopping treatment with Neurontin. If you experience this withdrawal syndrome, you should contact your doctor.
If you have any further questions on 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 all people suffer from them.
Stop taking Neurontin and seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of these symptoms:
- red patches without relief, with a target or circular shape on the torso, often with blisters in the center; skin peeling, ulcers in the mouth, throat, nose, genitals, and eyes. These severe skin rashes can be preceded by fever and flu-like symptoms (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis).
- Expanded rash, high body temperature, and increased lymph node size (DRESS or drug hypersensitivity syndrome).
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms after taking this medicine, as they can be serious:
- persistent stomach pain, vomiting, and nausea, as they can be symptoms of acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Neurontin can cause a severe or potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can affect the skin or other parts of the body, such as the liver or blood cells. This reaction may or may not have been preceded by a rash. It may require discontinuing Neurontin or even hospitalization.
- breathing difficulties that, if severe, may require urgent medical attention to breathe normally.
Contact your doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:• skin rash and redness and/or hair loss• hives• fever• swelling of the glands that does not disappear• swelling of the lips, face, and tongue• yellowish color of the skin or whites of the eyes• unusual bleeding or bruising• severe fatigue or weakness• unexpected muscle pain• Frequent infections
These symptoms may be the first signs of a severe reaction. You should be examined by a doctor to decide if you should continue taking Neurontin.
- If you are on hemodialysis, inform your doctor if you start to feel muscle pain and/or weakness.
Other adverse effects include:
Very common: (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
- Viral infection
- Feeling of drowsiness, dizziness, discoordination
- Feeling of fatigue, fever
Common: (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
- Pneumonia, respiratory infections, urinary tract infection, ear inflammation, or other infections
- Low white blood cell count
- Anorexia, increased appetite
- Irritability towards others, confusion, mood changes, depression, anxiety, nervousness, difficulty thinking
- Seizures, spasmodic movements, difficulty speaking, memory loss, tremors, difficulty sleeping, headache, sensitive skin, decreased sensitivity (numbness), difficulty coordinating, unusual eye movements, increased, decreased, or absent reflexes
- Blurred vision, double vision
- Vertigo
- Increased blood pressure, redness, or dilation of blood vessels
- Difficulty breathing, bronchitis, sore throat, cough, dry nose
- Vomiting, nausea, dental problems, inflamed gums, diarrhea, stomach pain, indigestion, constipation, dry mouth or throat, flatulence
- Facial swelling, bruising, rash, itching, acne
- Joint pain, muscle pain, back pain, tremors
- Difficulty with erection (impotence)
- Swelling in the legs and arms, difficulty walking, weakness, pain, feeling of discomfort, flu-like symptoms
- Decreased leukocytes, weight gain
- Accidental injuries, fractures, abrasions
In addition, in clinical trials in children, aggressive behavior and spasmodic movements were reported as frequent adverse effects.
Uncommon: (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
- Agitation (a state of chronic restlessness and involuntary, purposeless movements)
- Allergic reactions such as hives
- Decreased movement
- Accelerated heart rate
- Difficulty swallowing
- Swelling that can affect the face, torso, and extremities
- Abnormal blood test results that may indicate liver problems.
- Progressive mental damage
- Falling
- Increased blood glucose levels (observed more frequently in patients with diabetes)
Rare: (may affect up to 1 in 1000 people)
- Loss of consciousness
- Decreased blood glucose levels (observed more frequently in patients with diabetes)
- Breathing difficulties, shallow breathing (respiratory depression)
After the marketing of Neurontin, the following adverse effects have been reported:
- Decrease in platelets (blood clotting cells)
- Suicidal thoughts, hallucinations
- Abnormal movement problems such as contortions, spasmodic movements, and stiffness
- Ringing in the ears
- Yellowish appearance of the skin and eyes (jaundice), liver inflammation
- Acute kidney failure, incontinence
- Increased breast tissue, breast enlargement
- Adverse effects after sudden discontinuation of gabapentin treatment (anxiety, difficulty sleeping, feeling of dizziness, pain, and sweating), chest pain
- Muscle fiber rupture (rhabdomyolysis)
- Changes in blood test results (elevated creatine phosphokinase)
- Sexual activity problems, such as inability to reach orgasm and delayed ejaculation
- Low sodium levels in the blood
- Anaphylaxis (severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that includes difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, throat, and tongue, and hypotension that requires urgent treatment)
- Developing dependence on Neurontin ("drug dependence")
You should know that you may experience certain adverse effects, called withdrawal syndrome, after interrupting short-term or long-term treatment with Neurontin (see "If you stop taking Neurontin").
Reporting of Adverse Effects
If you experience any type of adverse effect, consult your doctor or pharmacist, even if it is a possible adverse effect that does not appear in this prospectus. You can also report them directly through the Spanish Pharmacovigilance System for Human Use Medicines: https://www.notificaram.es. By reporting adverse effects, you can contribute to providing more information on the safety of this medicine.
5. Conservation of Neurontin
Keep this medicine out of sight and reach of children.
Do not use this medicine after the expiration date that appears on the packaging. The expiration date is the last day of the month indicated.
Do not store at a temperature above 25°C.
Medicines should not be thrown down the drain or into the trash. Deposit the packaging and medicines you no longer need at the SIGRE collection point in the pharmacy. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of the packaging and medicines you no longer need. This way, you will help protect the environment.
6. Package Contents and Additional Information
Composition of Neurontin
The active ingredient is gabapentin. Each film-coated tablet contains 600 mg of gabapentin.
The other components of Neurontin 600 mg film-coated tablets are: poloxamer 407 (ethylene oxide and propylene oxide), copolyvidone, cornstarch, and magnesium stearate.
Coating: Opadry White YS-1-18111 (hydroxypropylcellulose, talc).
Polishing agent: candelilla wax.
Appearance of the product and package contents
The 600 mg tablets are white, elliptical, film-coated tablets with a score on both sides and engraved with "NT" on one half and "16" on the other.
They are available in PVC/PE/PVDC/aluminum or PVC/PVDC/aluminum blisters included in packages of 20, 30, 45, 50, 60, 84, 90, 100, 200, and 500 tablets.
Only some package sizes may be marketed.
Marketing Authorization Holder and Manufacturer
Marketing Authorization Holder
Viatris Healthcare Limited
Damastown Industrial Park
Mulhuddart, Dublin 15
Dublin
Ireland
Manufacturer
Pfizer Manufacturing Deutschland GmbH
Mooswaldallee 1
79108 Freiburg Im Breisgau
Germany
or
MEDIS INTERNATIONAL a.s., výrobní závod Bolatice
Prumyslová 961/16
747 23 Bolatice
Czech Republic
You can request more information about this medicine by contacting the local representative of the marketing authorization holder
Viatris Pharmaceuticals, S.L.U.
Calle General Aranaz, 86
28027 Madrid
Spain
This medicine is authorized in the following European Economic Area member states and in the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) with the following name: Neurontin
Member State Name | Medicine Name |
Austria | Neurontin 600 mg Filmtabletten Neurontin 800 mg Filmtabletten |
Belgium/Luxembourg | Neurontin 600 mg comprimés pelliculés/filmomhulde tabletten/Filmtabletten, Neurontin 800 mg comprimés pelliculés/filmomhulde tabletten/Filmtabletten |
Czech Republic | Neurontin 600mg Neurontin 800mg |
Denmark | Neurontin |
Finland | Neurontin 600 mg tabletti, kalvopäällysteinen Neurontin 800 mg tabletti, kalvopäällysteinen |
France | Neurontin 600 mg comprimé pelliculé, Neurontin 800 mg comprimé pelliculé |
Germany | Neurontin 600 mg Filmtabletten Neurontin 800 mg Filmtabletten |
Greece | Neurontin 600 mg film-coated tablets, Neurontin 800 mg film-coated tablets |
Iceland | Neurontin |
Ireland | Neurontin 600 mg film-coated tabletsNeurontin 800 mg film-coated tablets |
Latvia | Neurontin 600mg apvalkotas tabletes Neurontin 800mg apvalkotas tabletes |
Netherlands | Neurontin 600, filmomhulde tabletten 600 mg Neurontin 800, filmomhulde tabletten 800 mg |
Norway | Neurontin 600 mg tabletter, filmdrasjerte Neurontin 800 mg tabletter, filmdrasjerte |
Poland | Neurontin 600 Neurontin 800 |
Portugal | Neurontin |
Slovenia | Neurontin 600 mg filmsko obložene tablete Neurontin 800 mg filmsko obložene tablete |
Spain | Neurontin 600 mg comprimidos recubiertos con película Neurontin 800mg comprimidos recubiertos con película |
Sweden | Neurontin 600 mg filmdragerade tabletter Neurontin 800 mg filmdragerade tabletter |
United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) | Neurontin 600 mg Film-coated Tablets Neurontin 800 mg Film-coated Tablets |
Date of the last revision of this prospectus: July 2023
Detailed and updated information on this medicine is available on the website of the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) http://www.aemps.gob.es/
- Country of registration
- Active substance
- Prescription requiredYes
- Manufacturer
- This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a doctor before taking any medication. Oladoctor is not responsible for medical decisions based on this content.
- Alternatives to NEURONTIN 600 mg FILM-COATED TABLETSDosage form: CAPSULE, 300 mgActive substance: gabapentinManufacturer: Almus Farmaceutica S.A.U.Prescription requiredDosage form: CAPSULE, 400 mgActive substance: gabapentinManufacturer: Almus Farmaceutica S.A.U.Prescription requiredDosage form: TABLET, 600 mgActive substance: gabapentinManufacturer: Almus Farmaceutica S.A.U.Prescription required
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