Dulsevia

Leaflet accompanying the packaging: patient information

Warning! The leaflet should be kept. Information on the immediate packaging in a foreign language.

Dulsevia (Duloxetine Krka)

60 mg, hard gastro-resistant capsules

Duloxetine
Dulsevia and Duloxetine Krka are different trade names for the same medicine.

Before taking the medicine, the patient should carefully read the contents of the leaflet, as it contains important information for the patient.

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

Table of contents of the leaflet

• 1. What is Dulsevia and what is it used for
• 2. Important information before taking Dulsevia
• 3. How to take Dulsevia
• 4. Possible side effects
• 5. How to store Dulsevia
• 6. Package contents and other information

1. What is Dulsevia and what is it used for

Dulsevia contains the active substance duloxetine. Dulsevia increases the levels of serotonin and noradrenaline in the nervous system.
Dulsevia is indicated for the treatment of:

• depression,
• generalized anxiety disorders (chronic feeling of anxiety or nervousness),
• diabetic neuropathic pain (usually described as burning, stabbing, shooting, or tearing pain, or pain similar to electric shock. In a specific part of the body, there may be numbness, or sensations of touch, heat, or cold, and pressure may cause pain).

In most patients with depression or anxiety, Dulsevia starts working within two weeks of starting treatment, but it may take 2 to 4 weeks before an improvement is noticed. If no improvement is seen after this time, the patient should consult their doctor. Even if the patient's condition improves, the doctor may recommend continuing to take Dulsevia to prevent a relapse of depression or anxiety.
In patients with diabetic neuropathic pain, an improvement in condition may occur after several weeks. The patient should consult their doctor if no improvement is seen after 2 months.

2. Important information before taking Dulsevia

When not to take Dulsevia:

• if the patient is allergic to duloxetine or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6),
• if the patient has liver disease,
• if the patient has severe kidney disease,
• if the patient is taking or has taken another medicine called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) in the last 14 days (see "Dulsevia and other medicines"),
• if the patient is taking fluvoxamine, which is usually used to treat depression, ciprofloxacin, or enoxacin, which are used to treat certain infections,
• if the patient is taking other medicines containing duloxetine (see "Dulsevia and other medicines").

The patient should tell their doctor if they have high blood pressure or heart disease. The doctor will decide whether the patient should take Dulsevia.

Warnings and precautions

The following are some reasons why Dulsevia may not be suitable for the patient. Before taking Dulsevia, the patient should inform their doctor if any of the following apply:

• taking other antidepressant medicines (see "Dulsevia and other medicines"),
• taking herbal medicines containing St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum),
• kidney disease,
• a history of seizures,
• current or past episodes of mania,
• bipolar disorder,
• eye diseases, such as a certain type of glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye),
• bleeding disorders in the past (tendency to bruise),
• risk of low sodium levels (e.g., when taking diuretics, especially in the elderly),
• taking other medicines that may cause liver damage,
• taking other medicines containing duloxetine (see "Dulsevia and other medicines").

Medicines like Dulsevia (so-called SSRIs or SNRIs) may cause symptoms of sexual dysfunction (see section 4). In some cases, these symptoms persisted after stopping treatment.
Dulsevia may cause restlessness or an inability to sit or stand still. If such symptoms occur, the patient should inform their doctor.
Suicidal thoughts and worsening depression or anxiety
Depression and/or anxiety can lead to suicidal thoughts or self-harm. These thoughts may worsen after starting antidepressant medication, as it may take some time, usually two weeks or longer, for the medication to start working.
These thoughts may worsen:

• in patients who have had suicidal thoughts or self-harm in the past,
• in young adults. Clinical trial data have shown an increased risk of suicidal behavior in adults under 25 with mental health disorders who were treated with antidepressants.

In case of suicidal thoughts or self-harm, the patient should immediately contact their doctor or go to the hospital.

It may be helpful to inform a relative or close friend about the patient's depressive or anxious state and ask them to read this leaflet. The patient can also ask for their opinion on whether their depressive or anxious state has worsened or if there are any changes in behavior that cause concern.
Children and adolescents under 18 years of age
Dulsevia should not normally be used in children and adolescents under 18 years of age. In patients under 18 years of age who are taking medicines of this class, there is an increased risk of side effects, such as suicidal attempts, suicidal thoughts, and hostility (mainly aggression, rebellious behavior, and expressions of anger). However, the doctor may recommend Dulsevia for patients under 18 years of age if they decide it is beneficial for them. If there are any doubts when the doctor recommends Dulsevia for a patient under 18 years of age, the patient should consult their doctor again. The patient should inform their doctor if they experience any of the above side effects or if they worsen while taking Dulsevia. Additionally, there is a lack of long-term safety data on the use of duloxetine in this age group regarding growth, maturation, and cognitive and behavioral development.

Dulsevia and other medicines

The patient should tell their doctor or pharmacist about all medicines they are currently taking or have recently taken, as well as any medicines they plan to take, including those that are available without a prescription.
Duloxetine, the active ingredient in Dulsevia, is also found in other medicines used to treat other conditions:

• diabetic neuropathic pain, depression, anxiety, and urinary incontinence.

The patient should avoid taking more than one of these medicines at the same time. The patient should consult their doctor if they are taking other medicines containing duloxetine.
The doctor will decide whether Dulsevia can be taken with other medicines. The patient should not
start or stop taking other medicines, including those available without a prescription and herbal products, without consulting their doctor.
The patient should inform their doctor if they are taking any of the following medicines:
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs):The patient should not take Dulsevia with another antidepressant medicine called an MAOI or within 14 days of stopping an MAOI. Examples of MAOIs include moclobemide (an antidepressant) and linezolid (an antibiotic). Taking MAOIs with many prescription medicines, including Dulsevia, can cause serious or life-threatening side effects. After stopping an MAOI, the patient must wait at least 14 days before starting Dulsevia. Before starting an MAOI, the patient must wait at least 5 days after stopping Dulsevia.
Sedatives:These include prescription medicines such as benzodiazepines, strong painkillers, antipsychotics, phenobarbital, and antihistamines.
Medicines that increase serotonin levels:Triptans, tramadol, tryptophan, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g., paroxetine and fluoxetine), selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (e.g., venlafaxine), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., clomipramine and amitriptyline), pethidine, St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum), and MAOIs (e.g., moclobemide and linezolid). These medicines increase the risk of side effects.
If the patient experiences any symptoms while taking these medicines with Dulsevia, they should consult their doctor.
Oral anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents:Medicines that thin the blood or prevent blood clotting. These medicines may increase the risk of bleeding.

Dulsevia with food, drink, and alcohol

Dulsevia can be taken with or without food. The patient should be cautious when consuming alcohol while taking Dulsevia.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fertility

If the patient is pregnant or breastfeeding, thinks they may be pregnant, or plans to have a baby, they should consult their doctor before taking this medicine.
The patient should tell their doctor:

• if they become pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking Dulsevia. The patient may take Dulsevia only after discussing the expected benefits and potential risks to the unborn child with their doctor.

The patient should inform their midwife and/or doctor that they are taking Dulsevia.
Taking similar medicines (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) during pregnancy may increase the risk of a serious condition in children called persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, which causes rapid breathing and bluish discoloration. These symptoms usually occur within the first 24 hours after birth. If the patient notices these symptoms in their child, they should immediately contact their midwife and/or doctor.
If the patient takes Dulsevia towards the end of their pregnancy, certain symptoms may occur in their child at birth. These symptoms usually occur at birth or within a few days after birth. They may include floppiness, trembling, jittering, difficulty feeding, breathing problems, and seizures. If the patient notices any of these symptoms or is concerned about their child's health, they should contact their doctor or midwife for help.

• The patient should inform their doctor if they are breastfeeding. It is not recommended to take Dulsevia while breastfeeding. Breastfeeding women should consult their doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Driving and using machines

Dulsevia may cause drowsiness or dizziness. The patient should not drive or operate machinery until they know how Dulsevia affects them.

Dulsevia contains sucrose

If the patient has been told by their doctor that they have an intolerance to some sugars, they should consult their doctor before taking Dulsevia.

3. How to take Dulsevia

This medicine should always be taken exactly as prescribed by the doctor or pharmacist. If the patient is unsure, they should consult their doctor or pharmacist.
Dulsevia is available in 30 mg and 60 mg strengths.
Dulsevia is taken orally. The capsule should be swallowed whole with water.
Treatment of depression and diabetic neuropathic pain
The usual dose of Dulsevia is 60 mg taken once a day. However, the doctor will prescribe the dose that is right for the patient.
Treatment of generalized anxiety disorder
The usual starting dose of Dulsevia is 30 mg once a day. For most patients, the dose is then increased to 60 mg once a day. However, the doctor will prescribe the dose that is right for the patient. The dose may be increased up to 120 mg depending on the patient's response to treatment.
Taking Dulsevia at the same time every day will help the patient remember to take it.
The doctor will tell the patient how long to take Dulsevia. The patient should not stop taking Dulsevia or change their dose without consulting their doctor. It is essential to treat the condition properly so that the patient feels better. If left untreated, the patient's condition may persist or worsen and become difficult to treat.

Overdose of Dulsevia

If the patient takes more Dulsevia than they should, they should immediately contact their doctor or pharmacist. Symptoms of overdose include drowsiness, coma, serotonin syndrome (a rare reaction that can cause excessive happiness, drowsiness, coordination problems, restlessness, especially agitation, drunkenness, fever, sweating, or muscle stiffness), seizures, vomiting, and rapid heartbeat.

Missed dose of Dulsevia

If the patient misses a dose, they should take it as soon as possible. However, if it is time for the next dose, the patient should skip the missed dose and take their usual dose. The patient should not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. The patient should not take more than the prescribed daily dose of Dulsevia.

Stopping treatment with Dulsevia

Even if the patient feels better, they should notstop taking Dulsevia without consulting their doctor. If the doctor decides that the patient no longer needs to take Dulsevia, they will recommend gradually reducing the dose over at least 2 weeks.
In some patients who stop taking duloxetine abruptly, symptoms may occur, such as:

• dizziness, tingling sensation like pins and needles or electric shock (especially in the head), sleep disturbances (vivid dreams, nightmares, difficulty sleeping), fatigue, drowsiness, restlessness or agitation, anxiety, nausea or vomiting, tremors, headaches, muscle pain, irritability, diarrhea, and excessive sweating or dizziness due to balance problems.

These symptoms are usually not serious and go away within a few days. However, if they are troublesome, the patient should consult their doctor.
If the patient has any further questions about their medicine, they should ask their doctor or pharmacist.

4. Possible side effects

Like all medicines, Dulsevia can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Very common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people):

• headache, drowsiness
• nausea, dry mouth

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

• loss of appetite
• sleep disturbances, restlessness, decreased libido, anxiety, difficulty or inability to achieve orgasm, unusual dreams
• dizziness, feeling slowed down, tremors, numbness, including numbness, tingling, or prickling sensation of the skin
• blurred vision
• tinnitus (hearing a sound in the ears without an external source)
• palpitations
• increased blood pressure, flushing
• increased yawning
• constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, heartburn or indigestion, gas, increased sweating, rash (itching)
• muscle pain, muscle spasms
• painful urination, frequent urination
• difficulty or inability to achieve erection, changes in ejaculation
• falls (especially in the elderly), fatigue
• weight loss

In children and adolescents under 18 years of age with depression, treated with duloxetine, a decrease in weight was observed after starting treatment. After 6 months of treatment, weight increased and was comparable to that of other children and adolescents of the same age and sex.
Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

• pharyngitis causing hoarseness
• suicidal thoughts, difficulty sleeping, teeth grinding, disorientation, lack of motivation
• sudden involuntary movements or muscle twitching, feeling restless or inability to sit or stand still, agitation, difficulty concentrating, taste disturbances, difficulty controlling movements, e.g., lack of coordination or involuntary muscle movements, restless legs syndrome, poor sleep quality
• pupil dilation (dark center of the eye), vision problems
• dizziness, dizziness due to balance problems, ear pain
• rapid and/or irregular heartbeat
• fainting, dizziness, feeling lightheaded or fainting when standing up, feeling cold in the fingers of the hands and/or feet
• throat tightness, nosebleeds
• vomiting blood or black, tarry stools, gastritis, reflux, difficulty swallowing
• liver inflammation, which can cause abdominal pain and yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes
• night sweats, hives, cold sweats, sensitivity to sunlight, increased tendency to bruise
• muscle stiffness and twitching
• difficulty or inability to urinate, difficulty starting to urinate, need to urinate at night, need to urinate more often than usual, decreased amount of urine
• abnormal vaginal bleeding, menstrual disorders, including heavy, painful, irregular, or prolonged periods, or infrequent or absent periods
• chest pain, feeling cold, thirst, chills, difficulty walking
• weight gain
• Dulsevia may cause side effects that the patient may not be aware of, such as increased liver enzyme activity or potassium levels in the blood, increased creatine phosphokinase activity, blood glucose or cholesterol levels

Rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people):

• severe allergic reaction causing difficulty breathing, dizziness with swollen tongue or lips, allergic reactions
• decreased thyroid function, which can cause fatigue or weight gain
• dehydration, low sodium levels in the blood (especially in the elderly; symptoms may include dizziness, weakness, confusion, drowsiness, excessive fatigue, nausea, or vomiting; more severe symptoms include fainting, seizures, and falls), syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)
• suicidal behavior, manic excitement (excessive activity, racing thoughts, and decreased need for sleep), hallucinations, aggression, and expressions of anger
• serotonin syndrome (a rare reaction that can cause excessive happiness, drowsiness, coordination problems, restlessness, especially agitation, drunkenness, fever, sweating, or muscle stiffness), seizures
• increased eye pressure (glaucoma)
• cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath, which may be accompanied by fever
• mouth inflammation, bright red blood in the stool, unpleasant breath, colitis (leading to diarrhea)
• liver failure, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice)
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome (a severe disease with skin ulcers, mouth, eyes, and genital ulcers), severe allergic reaction causing facial or throat swelling (angioedema)
• jaw muscle spasm
• abnormal urine odor
• menopausal symptoms, abnormal milk production in men or women in the breasts

Very rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people):

• vasculitis of the skin

Reporting side effects

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

5. How to store Dulsevia

The medicine should be stored out of sight and reach of children.
The patient should not take this medicine after the expiry date stated on the packaging. The expiry date refers to the last day of the month.
The patient should not store the medicine above 25°C.
The patient should store the medicine in its original packaging to protect it from moisture.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. The patient should ask their pharmacist how to dispose of medicines they no longer use. This will help protect the environment.

6. Package contents and other information

What Dulsevia contains

• The active substance of Dulsevia is duloxetine. Each hard gastro-resistant capsule contains 60 mg of duloxetine (as duloxetine hydrochloride).
• Other ingredients are: capsule contents:sucrose, pellets (sucrose, cornstarch), hypromellose 6 cP, sucrose, hypromellose phthalate, talc, and triethyl citrate, capsule shell: gelatin, titanium dioxide (E 171), indigo carmine (E 132), yellow iron oxide (E 172), black iron oxide (E 172), ink [shellac, black iron oxide (E 172)].

See section 2 "Dulsevia contains sucrose".

What Dulsevia looks like and contents of the pack

White to almost white pellets in a hard gelatin capsule, size 1 (average length: 19.4 mm). The capsule body is yellow-green and the capsule cap is dark blue. The capsule body is marked with a black inscription "60".
Packaging: 7, 14, 28, 56, or 84 hard gastro-resistant capsules in blisters, in a cardboard box.
For more detailed information, the patient should contact the marketing authorization holder or parallel importer.

Marketing authorization holder in Ireland, the country of export:

KRKA, d.d., Novo mesto, Šmarješka cesta 6, 8501 Novo mesto, Slovenia

Manufacturer:

KRKA, d.d., Novo mesto, Šmarješka cesta 6, 8501 Novo mesto, Slovenia
TAD Pharma GmbH, Heinz-Lohmann-Straße 5, 27472 Cuxhaven, Germany

Parallel importer:

Delfarma Sp. z o.o., ul. Św. Teresy od Dzieciątka Jezus 111, 91-222 Łódź

Repackaged by:

Delfarma Sp. z o.o., ul. Św. Teresy od Dzieciątka Jezus 111, 91-222 Łódź
Ireland, the country of export, authorization number: PA1347/051/004

Parallel import authorization number: 169/22 Date of leaflet approval: 14.04.2022

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