Cazhap Hct

Leaflet attached to the packaging: patient information

Carzap HCT, 8 mg + 12.5 mg, tablets

Carzap HCT, 16 mg + 12.5 mg, tablets

Candesartan cilexetil + Hydrochlorothiazide

It is essential to carefully read the contents of the leaflet before taking the medication, as it contains important information for the patient.

• The leaflet should be kept to be re-read if necessary.
• In case of any doubts, the patient should consult a doctor or pharmacist.
• This medication has been prescribed to a specific person. It should not be given to others. The medication may harm another person, even if their symptoms are the same.
• If the patient experiences any side effects, including those not listed in this leaflet, they should inform their doctor or pharmacist. See section 4.

Table of contents of the leaflet:

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

1. What is Carzap HCT and what is it used for

The medication is called Carzap HCT. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adult patients. The medication contains two active substances: candesartan cilexetil and hydrochlorothiazide. Both substances lower blood pressure.

• Candesartan cilexetil belongs to a group of medications called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Its action involves relaxing and dilating blood vessels, which helps lower blood pressure.
• Hydrochlorothiazide belongs to a group of medications called diuretics. It facilitates the excretion of water and salts, such as sodium, in the urine. This helps reduce blood pressure.

The doctor may prescribe Carzap HCT if blood pressure is not properly controlled while taking only candesartan cilexetil or only hydrochlorothiazide.

2. Important information before taking Carzap HCT

When not to take Carzap HCT

• if the patient has been diagnosed with an allergy to candesartan cilexetil or hydrochlorothiazide or any other component of this medication (listed in section 6),
• if the patient has been diagnosed with an allergy to sulfonamide derivatives - in case of doubt, the patient should consult a doctor,
• after the 3rd month of pregnancy (the patient should also avoid taking Carzap HCT in early pregnancy - see the section on pregnancy),
• if the patient has severe kidney function disorders,
• if the patient has severe liver disease or bile duct obstruction (disorders of bile flow from the gallbladder),
• if the patient has diabetes or kidney function disorders and is being treated with a blood pressure-lowering medication containing aliskiren,
• if the patient has persistently low potassium levels in the blood,
• if the patient has persistently high calcium levels in the blood,
• if the patient has ever had gout.

In case of any doubts about whether any of the above situations apply to the patient, they should consult a doctor or pharmacist before starting to take Carzap HCT.

Warnings and precautions

Before starting to take Carzap HCT, the patient should discuss the following with their doctor or pharmacist:

• if the patient has diabetes,
• if the patient has heart, liver, or kidney disorders,
• if the patient has recently had a kidney transplant,
• if the patient has recently experienced severe vomiting or diarrhea,
• if the patient has a adrenal gland disorder called Conn's syndrome (also known as primary hyperaldosteronism),
• if the patient has a history of skin cancer or if an unexpected skin change occurs during treatment. Treatment with hydrochlorothiazide, especially in high doses and for a long time, may increase the risk of certain types of skin cancer and lip cancer (non-melanoma skin cancer). During treatment with Carzap HCT, the patient should protect their skin from sunlight and UV radiation,
• if the patient experiences vision loss or eye pain. These may be symptoms of fluid accumulation in the vascular layer surrounding the eye (excessive fluid accumulation between the choroid and sclera) or increased intraocular pressure - these may occur within a few hours to weeks after taking Carzap HCT. This may lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. If the patient has previously been allergic to penicillin or sulfonamides, they may be more prone to developing this condition,
• if the patient has ever had systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE),
• if the patient has low blood pressure,
• if the patient has ever had a stroke,
• if the patient has ever had allergies or asthma,
• if the patient has ever had breathing or lung problems (including pneumonia or fluid accumulation in the lungs) after taking hydrochlorothiazide. If the patient experiences severe shortness of breath or difficulty breathing after taking Carzap HCT, they should seek medical attention immediately.
• if the patient is pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Carzap HCT should not be taken during pregnancy and should not be taken after the 3rd month of pregnancy, as it may seriously harm the fetus (see the section on pregnancy),
• if the patient is taking any of the following medications for high blood pressure:
• ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril, lisinopril, ramipril), especially if the patient has kidney function disorders related to diabetes,
• aliskiren.

The doctor may recommend regular monitoring of kidney function, blood pressure, and electrolyte levels (e.g., potassium) in the blood. See also the section "When not to take Carzap HCT". If any of the above conditions apply to the patient, the doctor may recommend more frequent monitoring and testing. If the patient experiences abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea after taking Carzap HCT, they should discuss this with their doctor. The doctor will decide on further treatment. The patient should not stop taking Carzap HCT on their own. If surgery is planned, the patient should inform their doctor or dentist about taking Carzap HCT, as the simultaneous administration of certain anesthetics may cause excessive lowering of blood pressure. Carzap HCT may increase skin sensitivity to sunlight.

Children and adolescents

There is no experience with the use of Carzap HCT in children and adolescents (under 18 years of age). Therefore, Carzap HCT should not be given to children and adolescents.

Carzap HCT and other medications

The patient should tell their doctor or pharmacist about all medications they are currently taking or have recently taken, as well as any medications they plan to take. Carzap HCT may affect the action of certain other medications, and other medications may affect the action of Carzap HCT. If the patient is taking other medications, the doctor may recommend periodic blood tests. In particular, the patient should inform their doctor about taking any of the following medications, as the doctor may recommend a dose change and/or take other precautions:

• Other medications used to lower blood pressure, including beta-blockers, diazoxide, and ACE inhibitors, such as enalapril, captopril, lisinopril, or ramipril.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, celecoxib, or etoricoxib (medications that relieve pain and reduce inflammation).
• Aspirin (used in doses greater than 3 g per day) (medication that relieves pain and reduces inflammation).
• Potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium (medications that increase potassium levels in the blood).
• Calcium or vitamin D supplements.
• Medications that lower cholesterol levels, such as colestyramine or colestipol.
• Medications used to treat diabetes (tablets or insulin).
• Medications that affect heart rhythm (anti-arrhythmic medications), such as digoxin and beta-blockers.
• Medications that may affect potassium levels in the blood, such as certain antipsychotic medications.
• Heparin (medication that thins the blood).
• Diuretics (medications that increase urine production).
• Laxatives.
• Penicillin or cotrimoxazole (also known as trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) (antibiotic).
• Amphotericin (used to treat fungal infections).
• Lithium (medication used to treat mental disorders).
• Corticosteroids, such as prednisolone.
• Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).
• Medications used to treat cancer.
• Amantadine (used to treat Parkinson's disease or severe viral infections).
• Barbiturates (medications that calm or treat epilepsy).
• Carbenoxolone (used to treat esophageal or mouth ulcers).
• Anticholinergic medications, such as atropine and bipiperidine.
• Cyclosporine, a medication used after organ transplantation to prevent rejection.
• Other medications that may enhance the blood pressure-lowering effect, such as baclofen (medication that reduces muscle tension), amifostine (used to treat cancer), and certain antipsychotic medications.

The doctor may recommend a dose change and/or take other precautions:

• If the patient is taking an ACE inhibitor or aliskiren (see also the sections "When not to take Carzap HCT" and "Warnings and precautions").

Carzap HCT with food, drink, and alcohol

The patient should consult their doctor before consuming alcohol while taking Carzap HCT. Alcohol may cause a feeling of weakness or dizziness.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fertility

Pregnancy
The patient should inform their doctor about suspected or planned pregnancy. The doctor will usually recommend stopping Carzap HCT before planned pregnancy or immediately after confirming pregnancy and recommend taking a different medication instead of Carzap HCT. Carzap HCT should not be taken during pregnancy and should not be taken after the 3rd month of pregnancy, as it may seriously harm the fetus.
Breastfeeding
The patient should inform their doctor about breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Carzap HCT is not recommended during breastfeeding. The doctor may recommend a different medication if the patient wants to breastfeed, especially if the baby is a newborn or premature.

Driving and operating machinery

While taking Carzap HCT, some patients may experience fatigue or dizziness. If such symptoms occur, the patient should not drive vehicles, use tools, or operate machinery.

Carzap HCT contains lactose and sodium

Carzap HCT contains lactose, which is a type of sugar. If the patient has been diagnosed with intolerance to certain sugars, they should consult their doctor before taking this medication. The medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol (23 mg) of sodium per tablet, which is considered "sodium-free".

3. How to take Carzap HCT

This medication should always be taken according to the doctor's or pharmacist's recommendations. In case of doubts, the patient should consult their doctor or pharmacist. It is essential to take Carzap HCT every day. The recommended dose of Carzap HCT is one tablet per day. The tablet should be swallowed with water. Carzap HCT can be taken with or without food. The patient should try to take the tablet at the same time every day. This will help remember to take the tablet. The tablet can be divided into equal doses.

Taking a higher dose of Carzap HCT than recommended

In case of taking a higher dose of Carzap HCT than recommended, the patient should immediately contact their doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Missing a dose of Carzap HCT

The patient should not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. The next dose should be taken at the usual time.

Stopping treatment with Carzap HCT

Stopping treatment with Carzap HCT may cause blood pressure to rise again. Therefore, the patient should not stop taking Carzap HCT without consulting their doctor first. If the patient has any further doubts about taking the medication, they should consult their doctor or pharmacist.

4. Possible side effects

Like all medications, Carzap HCT can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. It is essential for the patient to know about the possibility of side effects. Some of the side effects of Carzap HCT are caused by candesartan cilexetil, and others by hydrochlorothiazide.

The patient should stop taking Carzap HCT and seek medical attention immediately if they experience any of the following allergic reactions:

• difficulty breathing with or without swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and/or throat,
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and/or throat, which may cause difficulty swallowing,
• severe itching of the skin (with raised bumps).

Carzap HCT may cause a decrease in the number of white blood cells. The patient's resistance to infections may be weakened, and they may experience fatigue, infection, or fever. If such symptoms occur, the patient should contact their doctor. The doctor may recommend periodic blood tests to check if Carzap HCT is affecting the blood count (agranulocytosis). Other possible side effects include:

Frequent (may occur in less than 1 in 10 people)

• Changes in blood test results:
• Decreased sodium levels in the blood. In case of significant decrease, the patient may experience weakness, lack of energy, or muscle cramps.
• Increased or decreased potassium levels in the blood, especially in patients with kidney function disorders or heart failure. In case of significant decrease or increase, the patient may experience fatigue, weakness, heart rhythm disorders, or a tingling sensation.
• Increased cholesterol, sugar, or uric acid levels in the blood.
• Presence of sugar in the urine.
• Dizziness/loss of balance or weakness.
• Headache.
• Respiratory tract infection.

Uncommon (may occur in less than 1 in 100 people)

• Low blood pressure. This may cause fainting or dizziness.
• Lack of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, stomach upset.
• Skin rash, hives, sun-induced skin rash.

Rare (may occur in less than 1 in 1000 people)

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes). In this case, the patient should contact their doctor immediately.
• Affecting kidney function, especially in patients with kidney function disorders or heart failure.
• Sleep disorders, depression, anxiety.
• Tingling or prickling sensation in the arms or legs.
• Temporary blurred vision.
• Heart rhythm disorders.
• Breathing difficulties (including pneumonia and fluid accumulation in the lungs).
• High fever.
• Pancreatitis, causing moderate or severe abdominal pain.
• Muscle cramps.
• Vascular damage, causing red or purple spots on the skin.
• Decreased number of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. The patient may experience fatigue, infection, fever, or easy bruising.
• Severe, rapidly developing rash, with blisters or peeling skin and possible blisters in the mouth.

Very rare (may occur in less than 1 in 10,000 people)

• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and/or throat.
• Angioedema of the intestine: intestinal swelling with symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Itching.
• Back pain, joint pain, and muscle pain.
• Liver function disorders, including hepatitis. The patient may experience fatigue, yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, and flu-like symptoms.
• Cough.
• Acute respiratory failure (symptoms include severe shortness of breath, fever, weakness, and confusion).
• Nausea.

Frequency not known (frequency cannot be estimated from available data):

• Sudden short-sightedness.
• Malignant skin tumors and lip tumors (non-melanoma skin cancer).
• Vision loss or eye pain due to increased pressure (possible symptoms of fluid accumulation in the vascular layer surrounding the eye, acute short-sightedness, or acute angle-closure glaucoma).
• Systemic and cutaneous lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune disorder causing fever, joint pain, skin rash with redness, blistering, peeling, and lump formation).

Reporting side effects

If the patient experiences any side effects, including those not listed in the leaflet, they should inform their doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. Side effects can be reported directly to the Department of Drug Safety Monitoring of the Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices, and Biocidal Products. Al. Jerozolimskie 181 C, 02-222 Warsaw. Tel.: +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 or its representative in Poland. By reporting side effects, more information can be collected on the safety of the medication.

5. How to store Carzap HCT

The medication should be stored in a place that is out of sight and reach of children. This medication should not be taken after the expiration date stated on the carton and blister pack after EXP. The expiration date refers to the last day of the specified month. This medication does not require special storage precautions. Medications should not be disposed of in wastewater or household waste. The patient should ask their pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed. This will help protect the environment.

6. Contents of the packaging and other information

What Carzap HCT contains

• The active substances of the medication are candesartan cilexetil and hydrochlorothiazide. Carzap HCT, 8 mg + 12.5 mg: Each tablet contains 8 mg of candesartan cilexetil and 12.5 mg of hydrochlorothiazide. Carzap HCT, 16 mg + 12.5 mg: Each tablet contains 16 mg of candesartan cilexetil and 12.5 mg of hydrochlorothiazide.
• Other ingredients of the medication: lactose monohydrate, cornstarch, hydroxypropylcellulose (300-600 cps), sodium croscarmellose, magnesium stearate, and triethyl citrate.

What Carzap HCT looks like and contents of the pack

Carzap HCT, 8 mg + 12.5 mg: Round, biconvex tablets, white or almost white, with the inscription CH/8 and a dividing line on one side, with a diameter of about 8 mm. Carzap HCT, 16 mg + 12.5 mg: Round, biconvex tablets, white or almost white, with the inscription CH/16 and a dividing line on one side, with a diameter of about 8 mm. Pack sizes: 7, 14, 28, 30, 56, 70, 90, 98 tablets. Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

Marketing authorization holder

Zentiva k.s., U kabelovny 130, Dolni Měcholupy, 102 37 Prague 10, Czech Republic.

Manufacturer

Zentiva k.s., U kabelovny 130, Dolni Měcholupy, 102 37 Prague 10, Czech Republic. This medication is authorized in the Member States of the European Economic Area under the following names: Bulgaria Карзап H, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland CARZAP HCT, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania Carzan HCT, Portugal Candesartan + Hidroclorotiazida Zentiva, Romania CANZENO HCT

For more information about the medication, the patient should contact the representative of the marketing authorization holder in Poland:

Zentiva Polska Sp. z o.o. ul. Bonifraterska 17 00-203 Warsaw tel.: +48 22 375 92 00 Date of last revision of the leaflet:January 2025