Akis

Leaflet accompanying the packaging: information for the user

AKIS

25 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml, 75 mg/ml, solution for injection
Diclofenac sodium

You should read the contents of the leaflet before using the medicine, as it contains important information for the patient.

• You should keep this leaflet, so that you can read it again if you need to.
• You should consult a doctor or pharmacist if you have any further doubts.
• This medicine has been prescribed to you by a doctor and you should not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
• If any of the side effects get worse, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, you should tell your doctor or pharmacist.

Table of contents of the leaflet:

• 1. What is AKIS and what is it used for
• 2. Important information before using AKIS
• 3. How to use AKIS
• 4. Possible side effects
• 5. How to store AKIS
• 6. Contents of the packaging and other information

1. What is AKIS and what is it used for

The active substance of the medicine is diclofenac sodium. AKIS belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other medicines in the NSAID group are aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
AKIS administered by intramuscular or subcutaneous injection is used to treat painful conditions, including:

• recurrent joint and back pain;
• gout attacks;
• pain caused by kidney stones;
• pain resulting from injuries, fractures, or trauma;

AKIS administered by intravenous injection in a hospital setting is used to treat or prevent pain after surgical procedures.

2. Important information before using AKIS

When not to use AKIS:

• if the patient is allergic to diclofenac, aspirin, ibuprofen, or other NSAIDs;
• if the patient is allergic to any of the other ingredients of AKIS (listed in section 6 at the end of this leaflet);
• if the patient has had stomach or intestinal bleeding after taking NSAIDs;
• if the patient has had two or more episodes of stomach or duodenal ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding (including if the patient has vomited blood, had blood in their stools, or had black, tarry stools);
• if the patient has liver failure;
• if the patient has severe heart failure;
• if the patient has had heart disease and/or cerebrovascular disease, such as after a heart attack, stroke, transient ischemic attack (mini-stroke), or vascular surgery;

and/or have had vascular surgery or angioplasty.

• if the patient has circulatory disorders (peripheral vascular disease);
• if the patient has severe kidney failure;
• if the patient has asthma, hives, or acute rhinitis (allergy) that may be triggered by NSAIDs or aspirin;
• if the patient has bleeding disorders or is currently taking anticoagulant medications (such as warfarin);
• if the patient is more than 6 months pregnant (see section "Pregnancy and breastfeeding");
• if the patient is under 18 years old.

In addition, AKIS should not be used for intravenous injection:

• if the patient is taking other NSAIDs or anticoagulant medications (including low-dose heparin);
• if the patient has a history of bleeding, especially in the brain;
• in cases of surgical procedures with a high risk of bleeding;
• in cases of asthma;
• in cases of moderate or severe kidney impairment;
• in cases of dehydration;
• in cases of significant blood loss.

Warnings and precautions

Before taking diclofenac, the patient should inform their doctor:

• if they smoke;
• if they have diabetes;
• if they have angina, blood clots, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or high triglycerides.

The risk of side effects can be minimized by using the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time.
Before using AKIS, the patient should consult a doctor.

• If the patient thinks they may be allergic to diclofenac, acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen, or any other NSAID, or to any of the other ingredients of AKIS (listed at the end of this leaflet). Symptoms of hypersensitivity include swelling of the face and lips (angioedema), difficulty breathing, chest pain, runny nose, and skin rash or any other allergic reactions.
• If the patient has ever had a stomach ulcer, stomach or intestinal bleeding. Symptoms may include vomiting blood, blood in the stool, or black, tarry stools.
• If the patient has any bowel disorders, including ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.
• If the patient has kidney or liver problems.
• If the patient has bleeding disorders or is taking anticoagulant medications.
• If the patient has asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), nasal polyps, or hay fever.
• If the patient has lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus) or any similar condition.
• If the patient is planning to become pregnant, as AKIS may affect fertility.
• If the patient has recently undergone or is scheduled to undergo stomach or intestinal surgery, as AKIS may interfere with the healing of intestinal wounds after surgery.

Other precautions

• Taking medicines like AKIS may be associated with a small increased risk of heart attack (myocardial infarction) or stroke. This risk increases with high doses and long-term treatment. The recommended dose should not be exceeded and treatment should not be prolonged.

AKIS is an anti-inflammatory medicine, so it may mask the symptoms of inflammation, such as headache or high temperature. If the patient does not feel well and needs to consult a doctor, they should tell the doctor that they are taking AKIS.

• Patients who are elderly are more prone to side effects from taking AKIS, so they should tell their doctor about any unusual symptoms.

Other medicines and AKIS

The patient should tell their doctor or pharmacist about all medicines they are currently taking or have recently taken, including those obtained without a prescription (e.g., over-the-counter medicines or recreational substances). Some medicines may affect the patient's treatment.
The patient should tell their doctor if they are taking any of the following medicines:

• any other NSAID or COX-2 inhibitor (e.g., aspirin or ibuprofen);
• medicines for diabetes;
• anticoagulant medications (e.g., warfarin or heparin);
• antiplatelet medications;
• diuretics;
• lithium (used to treat certain types of depression);
• phenytoin (used to treat epilepsy);
• digitalis (used to treat heart conditions);
• methotrexate (used to treat certain inflammatory conditions and cancers);
• cyclosporine and tacrolimus (used to treat certain inflammatory conditions and after organ transplants);
• quinolone antibiotics;
• corticosteroids;
• cholestyramine (used to lower cholesterol levels);
• colestyramine (used to treat liver disease and Crohn's disease);
• sulfinpyrazone (used to treat gout);
• voriconazole (used to treat fungal infections);
• pemetrexed (used in chemotherapy for certain types of cancer);
• deferazirox (used in patients undergoing long-term blood transfusions);
• mifepristone (used in case of abortion during pregnancy);
• medicines used to treat heart disease or high blood pressure, such as beta blockers or ACE inhibitors;
• tacrolimus (an immunosuppressant used to prevent organ rejection in certain patients);
• medicines used to treat anxiety and depression, known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs);
• zidovudine (used to treat HIV infections).

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• AKIS should not be used during the last 3 months of pregnancy, as it may harm the unborn baby or cause problems during delivery. AKIS may cause kidney or heart problems in the unborn baby. It may also increase the risk of bleeding in the mother and baby and prolong labor. During the first 6 months of pregnancy, AKIS should not be used unless the doctor considers it absolutely necessary. If treatment is necessary during this period or when trying to become pregnant, the lowest effective dose should be used for the shortest possible time. From the 20th week of pregnancy, AKIS may cause kidney problems in the unborn baby if used for more than a few days. This may lead to low levels of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby (oligohydramnios) or narrowing of the ductus arteriosus in the baby's heart. If treatment is required for a longer period, the doctor may recommend additional monitoring.

If the patient is breastfeeding, they should not use AKIS, as diclofenac passes into breast milk in small amounts. The patient should consult their doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Driving and using machines

Some patients taking AKIS may experience dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness, and blurred vision. The patient should not drive or operate machinery if they experience these side effects.
The medicine contains less than 1 mmol (23 mg) of sodium per dose unit, which means it is essentially "sodium-free".

3. How to use AKIS

The doctor will decide when and how to treat the patient with AKIS solution for injection. The medicine is administered by intramuscular injection (into a muscle, usually in the buttock) or subcutaneous injection (under the skin, usually in the buttock or thigh) or intravenous injection (into a vein, usually in the forearm). AKIS should not be administered by intravenous infusion.

Adults

The usual initial dose is 25-75 mg, depending on the severity of the pain. If the patient still experiences severe pain, the doctor may decide to administer a second injection after 6 hours. The maximum daily dose is 150 mg. The medicine is administered for only one or two days.

Elderly patients

The doctor may administer a lower dose of the medicine if the patient is elderly.

Children and adolescents

This medicine is not suitable for use in children and adolescents under 18 years old.
The doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will prepare the injection for the patient. The medicine is usually administered by a nurse or doctor. The doctor or nurse will not administer the injection twice in the same place.

Using more than the recommended dose of AKIS

If the patient takes more AKIS than recommended, they may experience the following symptoms:
nausea and vomiting, stomach pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, and rarely, hemorrhage, dizziness, tinnitus (ringing, buzzing, or other persistent noises in the ears), and sometimes convulsions (seizures or fits). In severe cases, the patient's kidneys or liver may be damaged (symptoms include problems urinating or excessive urination, muscle cramps, fatigue, swelling of the hands, feet, or face, nausea, or vomiting).
If the patient thinks they have taken more AKIS than recommended, they should tell their doctor or nurse immediately.

4. Possible side effects

Like all medicines, AKIS can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Some side effects can be serious.

The patient should stop using AKIS and contact their doctor immediately if they notice:

• mild painful stomach cramps and tenderness, starting soon after taking AKIS, followed by bleeding from the rectum or bloody diarrhea, usually within 24 hours of the onset of stomach pain (frequency not known - cannot be estimated from the available data).

The patient should tell their doctor immediately if they experience any of the following side effects:

• severe allergic reactions, including: swelling of the face, neck, or tongue, difficulty breathing, wheezing, runny nose, and skin rash;
• stomach pain, indigestion, heartburn, gas, nausea, or vomiting;
• any symptoms of stomach or intestinal bleeding, such as blood in the stool, black, tarry stools, or vomiting blood;
• severe skin rash, itching, hives, bruising, painful red spots on the skin, blistering, and peeling of the skin. These reactions can also affect the mouth, lips, eyes, nose, and genitals;
• yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes;
• persistent sore throat or high temperature;
• unexpected changes in urine output or appearance;
• easy bruising or frequent sore throats or infections;
• chest pain, which may be a sign of a potentially serious allergic reaction known as Kounis syndrome:
• injection site reactions, including pain, redness, swelling, hard lump, ulceration, and bruising. This can lead to blackening and death of the skin and tissues around the injection site, which heals with scarring, known as Nicolau syndrome.

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

• pain, redness, or lumps at the injection site.

Common side effects(may affect more than 1 in 100 people but less than 1 in 10 people)

• nausea, discomfort at the injection site

Uncommon side effects(may affect more than 1 in 1,000 people but less than 1 in 100 people)

• dizziness and headache,
• diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation,
• gastritis causing stomach pain, nausea, and loss of appetite,
• liver problems,
• skin rash, itching.

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

• tissue damage at the injection site

Other side effects

Patients treated with NSAIDs have reported the following side effects.
Effects on the heart and blood

• medicines like AKIS may be associated with a small increased risk of heart attack (myocardial infarction) or stroke,
• high blood pressure, heart attack, rapid or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, swelling of the body, hands, or feet,
• asthma, shortness of breath,
• blood disorders, such as anemia (low red blood cell count). Symptoms include fatigue, headache, dizziness, and pale skin.

Effects on the stomach and intestines

• ulcer disease (stomach), mouth ulcers, tongue infections, bowel disorders (including bowel inflammation and exacerbation of Crohn's disease),
• pancreatitis or stomach lining inflammation (symptoms include severe stomach pain that may radiate to the back or arms).

Effects on the nervous system

• itching and numbness, tingling sensation in the hands or feet, or limbs, tremors, blurred or double vision, loss or disturbance of hearing, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), drowsiness, fatigue,
• hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that do not exist), depression, confusion, sleep disturbances, irritability, anxiety, memory problems, and convulsions (seizures or fits),
• meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain). Symptoms include stiffness of the neck, headache, nausea, vomiting, fever, or confusion and extreme sensitivity to light.

Effects on the liver and kidneys

• liver function disorders. Symptoms include nausea, loss of appetite, general feeling of being unwell, and sometimes jaundice,
• kidney function disorders or kidney failure. Symptoms include blood in the urine, frothy urine, swelling of the hands and feet or body.

Effects on the skin and hair

• severe skin rash, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and other skin conditions that may worsen with sun exposure,
• hair loss.

Effects on the immune system

• hypersensitivity reactions

If any of the side effects get worse, or if the patient notices any side effects not listed in this leaflet, they should tell their doctor or pharmacist.

Reporting side effects

If the patient experiences any side effects, including those not listed in this leaflet, they should tell their doctor or pharmacist. Side effects can be reported directly to the Department of Adverse Reaction Monitoring of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices, and Biocidal Products
Al. Jerozolimskie 181 C
02-222 Warsaw
Phone: +48 22 49 21 301
Fax: +48 22 49 21 309
Website: https://smz.ezdrowie.gov.pl
Side effects can also be reported to the marketing authorization holder.
Reporting side effects will help to gather more information on the safety of the medicine.

5. How to store AKIS

• The medicine should be stored out of sight and reach of children.
• The medicine should not be used after the expiration date stated on the ampoule after EXP (the expiration date refers to the last day of the given month).
• The medicine should be stored at a temperature below 25°C. It should not be stored in the refrigerator or frozen. The medicine should be stored in its original packaging to protect it from light.
• The medicine should be used immediately after opening. Any unused portions of the product should be disposed of.
• The medicine should not be used if the solution is cloudy or if small particles are visible.

After administering the correct dose, the doctor or nurse will dispose of any remaining solution, along with the syringe, needles, and containers.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. The patient should ask their pharmacist how to dispose of medicines that are no longer needed. This will help protect the environment.

6. Contents of the packaging and other information

What AKIS contains

The active substance of the medicine is diclofenac sodium.
1 ml of solution in an ampoule contains:
25 mg of diclofenac sodium or
50 mg of diclofenac sodium or
75 mg of diclofenac sodium.
The other ingredients are: hydroxypropylbetadex, polysorbate 20, water for injections

What AKIS looks like and contents of the pack

This medicine is a clear to slightly brownish, transparent solution for injection contained in a colorless glass ampoule.
Pack sizes: 1, 3, or 5 ampoules, in a cardboard box.
The medicine is also available in a pre-filled syringe.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

Marketing authorization holder

IBSA Farmaceutici Italia Srl
Via Martiri di Cefalonia 2
26900 Lodi
Italy

Manufacturer/Importer

IBSA Farmaceutici Italia Srl
Via Martiri di Cefalonia 2
26900 Lodi
Italy
Date of last revision of the leaflet:November 2022