Melodin

Package Leaflet: Information for the User

Melodyn, 35 micrograms/hour, transdermal system
Melodyn, 52.5 micrograms/hour, transdermal system
Melodyn, 70 micrograms/hour, transdermal system
(Buprenorphine)
Read all of this leaflet carefully before using this medicine because it contains important information for you.

• You should 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 symptoms 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.

Contents of the Package Leaflet

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

1. What Melodyn is and what it is used for

Melodyn is a pain-relieving medicine (analgesic) used to treat moderate to severe pain in cancer patients and severe pain in other patients who have not responded to non-steroidal painkillers. Melodyn works through the skin. After applying the patch to the skin, the active substance buprenorphine passes through the skin into the bloodstream.
Buprenorphine belongs to a group of strong painkillers called opioids, which reduce pain by acting on the central nervous system (on specific nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain). The effect of the patches lasts for three days. Melodyn is not recommended for the treatment of acute (short-term) pain.

2. Important information before using Melodyn

When not to use Melodyn:

• if you are allergic to buprenorphine, soy, peanuts, or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6);
• if you are addicted to strong painkillers (opioids);
• if you have a disease that causes severe breathing difficulties;
• if you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs - certain medicines used to treat depression) or if you have taken them in the last two weeks (see "Melodyn and other medicines");
• if you have myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness);
• if you have delirium tremens (a state of confusion and tremors caused by sudden withdrawal of alcohol in people who drink excessively or during an episode of excessive alcohol consumption);
• if you are pregnant.

Melodyn should not be used to treat withdrawal symptoms in people addicted to drugs.

Warnings and precautions

You should consult your doctor or pharmacist before using Melodyn in the following cases:

• after recent consumption of large amounts of alcohol;
• if you have a history of seizures or convulsions;
• if you have impaired consciousness (dizziness or fainting) for unknown reasons;
• if you are in a state of withdrawal (symptoms of withdrawal may include cold sweats);
• if you have increased intracranial pressure (e.g., after head surgery or due to brain disease) and it is not possible to use artificial respiration;
• if you have breathing difficulties or are taking other medicines that can cause weakness or slowing of breathing (see "Melodyn and other medicines");
• if you have liver problems;
• if you have a tendency to abuse drugs or narcotics;
• if you have depression or other conditions treated with antidepressant medicines. Using these medicines at the same time as Melodyn can lead to a condition called serotonin syndrome, which can be life-threatening (see "Melodyn and other medicines").

You should also be aware of the following warnings:
Heat and the use of external heat sources can increase the amount of buprenorphine released into the bloodstream. The use of external heat sources can cause the patch to stick improperly to the skin. Therefore, you should not use external heat sources (sauna, infrared lamp, electric blanket, hot water bottle). You should consult your doctor if you have a fever.

Tolerance, dependence, and addiction

This medicine contains buprenorphine, which is an opioid. Repeated use of opioids can lead to tolerance (the medicine becomes less effective), and long-term use can lead to dependence and addiction, which can result in life-threatening overdose. The risk of these side effects increases with higher doses and longer treatment duration.
Dependence or addiction can cause the patient to lose control over the amount of medicine taken and the frequency of use.
The risk of dependence on Melodyn varies from person to person. The risk of dependence on Melodyn may be higher if:

• you or a family member have ever abused or been dependent on alcohol, prescription drugs, or illegal substances ("addiction");
• you are a smoker;
• you have ever had mood problems (depression, anxiety, or personality disorders) or have been treated by a psychiatrist for other mental health conditions.

If you experience any of the following symptoms while taking Melodyn, it may indicate dependence:

• need to take the medicine for a longer period than prescribed by your doctor
• need to take a higher dose than prescribed
• need to continue taking the medicine even if it no longer helps with pain
• using the medicine for reasons other than prescribed, such as "to feel calm" or "to sleep better"
• repeatedly attempting to stop or control the use of the medicine but being unable to do so
• feeling unwell after stopping the medicine and feeling better after taking it again ("withdrawal symptoms").

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should talk to your doctor to discuss the best treatment plan for you, including when to stop taking the medicine and how to do it safely (see also "Stopping Melodyn").
Athletes should be aware that this medicine can cause a positive reaction to doping tests.
Sleep apnea
Melodyn contains the active substance buprenorphine, which belongs to the group of opioids. Opioids can cause sleep apnea, such as central sleep apnea (shallow breathing or pauses in breathing during sleep) and hypoxia during sleep (low oxygen levels in the blood).
The risk of central sleep apnea depends on the dose of opioids. Your doctor may consider reducing the total dose of opioids if you experience central sleep apnea.

Children and adolescents

Melodyn should not be used in people under 18 years of age, as there is no experience with the use of this medicine in this age group.

Melodyn and other medicines

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you are taking, have recently taken, or might take.
Some medicines can increase the side effects of Melodyn, and sometimes cause very serious reactions. While taking Melodyn, do not take other medicines without first consulting your doctor, especially:

• antidepressant medicines, such as moclobemide, tranylcypromine, citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, duloxetine, venlafaxine, amitriptyline, doxepin, or trimipramine. These medicines can interact with Melodyn and cause symptoms such as involuntary, rhythmic muscle contractions, including muscles that control eye movements, agitation, hallucinations, drowsiness, excessive sweating, tremors, increased reflexes, muscle tension, and body temperature above 38°C. If you experience such symptoms, you should contact your doctor.
• Do not use Melodyn at the same time as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs - certain medicines used to treat depression) or if you have taken them in the last two weeks.
• Melodyn can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or fainting, and can lead to slowed or weakened breathing. These side effects can be increased if you take other medicines that have similar side effects, such as strong painkillers (opioids), certain sedatives, anesthetics, or medicines used to treat certain mental health conditions, such as tranquilizers, antidepressants, and neuroleptics.
• Taking Melodyn at the same time as sedatives, such as benzodiazepines or related medicines, increases the risk of drowsiness, breathing difficulties (respiratory depression), drowsiness, and can be life-threatening. Therefore, taking these medicines together should only be considered if other treatment options are not possible. However, if your doctor prescribes Melodyn with a sedative, the dose and duration of use should be limited. You should inform your doctor about all sedatives you are taking and follow your doctor's instructions carefully. It may be helpful to inform your friends or family members to be aware of these symptoms. If you experience such symptoms, you should contact your doctor.
• Using Melodyn at the same time as certain medicines can increase the effect of the transdermal system. These medicines include certain antifungal or antibacterial medicines (e.g., those containing erythromycin or ketoconazole), medicines used to treat HIV infection (e.g., those containing ritonavir).

Using Melodyn at the same time as certain medicines can decrease the effect of the transdermal system. These medicines include dexamethasone; medicines used to treat epilepsy (e.g., those containing carbamazepine or phenytoin); medicines used to treat tuberculosis (e.g., rifampicin).

• Gabapentin or pregabalin used to treat epilepsy or neuropathic pain.
• Medicines used to treat depression.
• Medicines used to treat allergies, motion sickness, or nausea (antihistamines or antiemetics).
• Medicines used to treat mental health conditions (antipsychotics or neuroleptics).
• Muscle relaxants.
• Medicines used to treat Parkinson's disease.

Using Melodyn with food, drink, and alcohol

Do not drink alcohol while using Melodyn. Alcohol can increase certain side effects and worsen your condition.
Consuming grapefruit juice can increase the effect of Melodyn.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fertility

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or think you may be pregnant, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine.
There is no sufficient experience with the use of Melodyn during pregnancy. Therefore, Melodyn should not be used during pregnancy.
Buprenorphine, the active substance in Melodyn, inhibits milk production and passes into breast milk. Therefore, Melodyn should not be used during breastfeeding.

Driving and using machines

Melodyn can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision, which can affect your reactions to the extent that you may not react properly or quickly enough in unexpected or emergency situations. This is especially true:

• at the start of treatment;
• when changing the dose;
• when switching from another painkiller to Melodyn;
• if you are taking other medicines that act on the central nervous system,
• if you are drinking alcohol.

In such cases, you should not drive or operate machinery while using Melodyn. This also applies to the period after stopping Melodyn. You should not drive or operate machinery for at least 24 hours after removing the patch.
If you have any doubts or questions, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Melodyn contains soybean oil. If you are allergic to peanuts or soy, you should not use this medicine.

3. How to use Melodyn

Always use Melodyn exactly as your doctor has told you. If you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Before starting treatment and regularly during treatment, your doctor will discuss with you what to expect from using Melodyn, when and how long to take it, when to contact your doctor, and when to stop taking it (see also "Stopping Melodyn").
Melodyn is available in three strengths: Melodyn 35 micrograms/hour, transdermal system; Melodyn 52.5 micrograms/hour, transdermal system; Melodyn 70 micrograms/hour, transdermal system.
Your doctor will decide which strength is suitable for you. If necessary, your doctor will decide to change the strength during treatment.

Usual dose:

Adults
If your doctor does not prescribe otherwise, you should apply one Melodyn patch as described below and change it at least every 3 days. To remember when to change the patch, you should write the date on the outer packaging. If your doctor prescribes additional painkillers, you should follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Otherwise, you will not get the full benefit of using Melodyn.
Use in children and adolescents
Melodyn should not be used in people under 18 years of age due to the lack of experience with the use of this medicine in this age group.
Elderly patients
No dose adjustment is necessary in elderly patients.
Patients with kidney problems and patients on dialysis
No dose adjustment is necessary in patients with kidney problems or those on dialysis.
Patients with liver problems
In patients with liver problems, the effect and duration of action of Melodyn may be changed. Your doctor will monitor these patients closely.

Instructions for opening the child-resistant sachet.

• 1. Cut along the arrows on the sides of the sachet.
• 2. Tear along the cut lines on the heat-sealed edge.
• 3. Open the sachet and remove the patch.

Method of administration

Before applying the patch

• Choose a flat, hairless, clean area of skin on the upper part of the body, preferably on the chest, below the collarbone, or on the upper arm. If you have difficulty applying the patch, you should ask for help.
• If the chosen area has hair, you should cut it with scissors. Do not shave!
• Avoid areas of skin that are red, irritated, or have any lesions, such as large scars.
• The chosen skin area must be clean and dry. If necessary, wash the skin with cold or lukewarm water. Do not use any cleansing products. After a hot bath or shower, wait until the skin is completely dry and cool. Do not apply lotions, creams, or oils to the chosen skin area, as this may reduce the adhesion of the patch.

Applying the patch

• 1. Open the sachet immediately before applying the patch. Each patch is packaged in a separate sachet.

• 2. First, separate the lightly attached thin foil.
• 3. Then, remove the foil backing from half of the patch, avoiding touching the adhesive surface.
• 4. After applying half of the patch, remove the foil backing from the other half.
• 5. After applying the patch, press it firmly onto the skin with the palm of your hand for about 30-60 seconds. Make sure the patch adheres closely to the skin, especially at the edges.
• 6. After applying the patch, wash your hands. Do not use cleansing products.

After applying the patch
The patch can stay on the skin for up to 3 days. If the patch is applied correctly, there is a low risk that it will fall off. With the patch applied correctly, you can take a shower, bathe, or swim. Do not expose the patch to heat (e.g., sauna, infrared lamp, electric blanket, hot water bottle).
If the patch comes off unexpectedly before the planned change, do not reapply it. Instead, apply a new patch (see "Changing the patch").
Changing the patch

• Remove the old patch from the skin.
• Fold it in half, with the adhesive surfaces together.
• Dispose of the used patch carefully, making sure it is not visible or accessible to children.
• Apply a new patch to a different area of skin (following the instructions above). You can apply a new patch to the same area of skin only after a week has passed.

Duration of treatment

Your doctor will tell you how long to use Melodyn. Do not stop using Melodyn without consulting your doctor, as this may cause the pain to return and worsen your condition (see also "Stopping Melodyn").
If you feel that the effect of Melodyn is too strong or too weak, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Using a higher dose of Melodyn than prescribed

If you use a higher dose of Melodyn than prescribed, you may experience symptoms of buprenorphine overdose. Overdose can lead to an increase in the side effects of buprenorphine, such as drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting. You may have pinpoint pupils, and breathing may become weak or slow. You may also experience circulatory collapse.

If you notice that you have applied more patches than necessary, you should remove the extra patch immediately and contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Missing a dose of Melodyn

If you forget to apply a patch, you should do so as soon as you remember. If the patch change is delayed, the pain may return. In such a case, you should contact your doctor.
Do not apply two patches to make up for a missed dose.

Stopping Melodyn

Suddenly stopping or ending the use of Melodyn may lead to the return of pain symptoms.
If you want to stop using Melodyn due to unpleasant side effects, you should first consult your doctor, who will inform you how to stop the treatment and whether you need to use other medicines.
In some patients, after long-term use of strong painkillers, withdrawal symptoms may occur. The risk of withdrawal symptoms after stopping Melodyn is low. However, if you experience symptoms such as restlessness, anxiety, nervousness, or tremors, and you are overactive and have difficulty sleeping or digestive problems, you should consult your doctor.
If you have any further questions about using this medicine, you should ask your doctor or pharmacist.

4. Possible side effects

Like all medicines, Melodyn can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Side effects have been classified as follows:

Immune system disorders

Very rare:
severe skin reactions (see below)

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Rare:
loss of appetite

Psychiatric disorders

Uncommon:
confusion, sleep disturbances, restlessness
Rare:
hallucinations, anxiety, nightmares, decreased sexual desire
Very rare:
addiction, mood changes

Nervous system disorders

Common:
dizziness, headache
Uncommon:
various degrees of sedation, from fatigue to a feeling of fogginess in the head

Rare:
difficulty concentrating, speech disorders, fogginess in the head, balance disorders, abnormal skin sensations (tingling, prickling, burning skin)
Very rare:
muscle tremors, taste disorders

Eyes

Rare:
vision disturbances, blurred vision, eyelid swelling
Very rare:
pupil constriction

Ears

Very rare:
ear pain

Heart and blood vessels

Uncommon:
circulatory disorders (such as low blood pressure or, rarely, circulatory collapse)
Rare:
hot flashes

Respiratory system

Common:
slow breathing
Rare:
breathing difficulties (respiratory depression)
Very rare:
rapid breathing, hiccups

Gastrointestinal system

Very common:
nausea
Common:
vomiting, constipation
Uncommon:
dry mouth
Rare:
heartburn
Very rare:
vomiting reflex

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders (usually at the application site)

Very common:
redness, itching
Common:
skin changes (rash, usually after repeated use), sweating
Uncommon:
rash
Rare:
hives
Very rare:
pustules, small blisters
Unknown frequency:
contact dermatitis (skin rash with inflammation, which may include a burning sensation), skin discoloration

Urinary system

Uncommon:
difficulty urinating, urinary retention (reduced amount of urine)

Reproductive system

Rare:
erectile dysfunction

General disorders

Common:
swelling (e.g., swelling of the legs), fatigue
Uncommon:
weakness
Rare:
withdrawal symptoms (see below), reactions at the application site
Very rare:
chest pain
If you experience any of the side effects listed above, you should inform your doctor as soon as possible.
In some cases, delayed allergic reactions may occur with visible symptoms of inflammation. In such cases, you should stop using Melodyn after consulting your doctor.
If you experience swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, face, lips, tongue, or throat, which may cause difficulty swallowing or breathing, hives, fainting, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), you should remove the patch immediately and contact your doctor or go to the emergency department of the nearest hospital. These may be symptoms of a very rare but serious allergic reaction.
In some patients, after long-term use of strong painkillers, withdrawal symptoms may occur. The risk of withdrawal symptoms after stopping Melodyn is low. However, if you experience symptoms such as restlessness, anxiety, nervousness, or tremors, and you are overactive and have difficulty sleeping or digestive problems, you should inform your doctor.
If any of the side effects get worse or if you experience any side effects not listed in this leaflet, you should inform your doctor or pharmacist.

Reporting side effects

If you experience any side effects, including those not listed in this leaflet, you should inform your doctor or pharmacist.
Side effects can be reported directly to the:
Department for Monitoring of Adverse Reactions to Medicinal Products
Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices, and Biocidal Products
Jerozolimskie Avenue 181C
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 this medicine.

5. How to store Melodyn

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date (EXP) stated on the carton and sachet. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Store below 25°C.
Do not freeze.
Keep this medicine in a safe place, out of the reach of other people. The medicine can cause serious harm or even death if taken by someone else, either intentionally or accidentally, if it has not been prescribed for them.
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines no longer required. These measures will help protect the environment.

6. Contents of the pack and other information

What Melodyn contains

The active substance is buprenorphine.
Melodyn 35 micrograms/hour, transdermal system: each transdermal system contains 20 mg of buprenorphine and releases 35 micrograms of buprenorphine per hour. The active surface area of the patch is 25 cm².
Melodyn 52.5 micrograms/hour, transdermal system: each transdermal system contains 30 mg of buprenorphine and releases 52.5 micrograms of buprenorphine per hour. The active surface area of the patch is 37.5 cm².
Melodyn 70 micrograms/hour, transdermal system: each transdermal system contains 40 mg of buprenorphine and releases 70 micrograms of buprenorphine per hour. The active surface area of the patch is 50 cm².
The other ingredients are:
Adhesive layer
styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) and styrene-butadiene block copolymers,
colophony, antioxidants (2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylpropyl)phenol (3:1), tris(2,4-ditertbutylphenyl)phosphite, extract of aloe vera leaves (also contains refined soybean oil and alpha-tocopherol acetate).
Outer layer
Polyethylene/Polyester/Aluminum, blue ink.
Protective layer (to be removed)
Siliconized polyester.

What Melodyn looks like and contents of the pack

Patches are flesh-colored, rectangular in shape with rounded edges, and have the following prints:
"Buprenorphin 35 µg/h".
"Buprenorphin 52,5 µg/h".
"Buprenorphin 70 µg/h".
Each transdermal system is packaged in a single heat-sealed sachet.
Melodyn is available in packs containing 4, 5, 8, 10, 16, or 24 (6x4) patches, each in a sachet, in a carton box.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
The following strengths are available:
Melodyn 35 micrograms/hour.
Melodyn 52.5 micrograms/hour.
Melodyn 70 micrograms/hour.

Marketing authorization holder and manufacturer

G.L. Pharma GmbH
Schlossplatz 1
8502 Lannach
Austria

For more information about this medicine, please contact the marketing authorization holder:

G.L. PHARMA POLAND Sp. z o.o.
Al. Jana Pawła II 61/313
01-031 Warsaw, Poland
Phone: 022/ 636 52 23; 636 53 02
biuro@gl-pharma.pl

This medicinal product is authorized in the Member States of the European Economic Area under the following names:

Germany

Buvera 35 Mikrogramm/Stunde Transdermales Pflaster
Buvera 52,5 Mikrogramm/Stunde Transdermales Pflaster
Buvera 70 Mikrogramm/Stunde Transdermales Pflaster

Czech Republic

Buprenorphine Teva 35 µg/h transdermal patch
Buprenorphine Teva 52,5 µg/h transdermal patch
Buprenorphine Teva 70 µg/h transdermal patch

Poland

Melodyn 35 mikrogramów/godzinę, system transdermalny
Melodyn 52,5 mikrogramów/godzinę, system transdermalny
Melodyn 70 mikrogramów/godzinę, system transdermalny

Portugal

Buprenorfina Actavis 35 microgramas/h sistema transdermico
Buprenorfina Actavis 52,5 microgramas/h sistema transdermico
Buprenorfina Actavis 70 microgramas/h sistema transdermico

Date of last revision of the leaflet: 10.10.2024