Remolexam

LEAFLET SUPPLIED WITH THE PACKAGING

Leaflet supplied with the packaging: patient information

Remolexam, 15 mg, tablets

Meloxicam

Read the leaflet carefully before taking the medicine, as it contains important information for the patient.

• Keep this leaflet, so you can read it again if you need to.
• If you have any doubts, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
• This medicine has been prescribed specifically for you. Do not pass it on to others. The medicine may harm another person, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
• 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 Remolexam and what is it used for
• 2. Important information before taking Remolexam
• 3. How to take Remolexam
• 4. Possible side effects
• 5. How to store Remolexam
• 6. Contents of the packaging and other information

1. What is Remolexam and what is it used for

Remolexam contains the active substance meloxicam. Meloxicam belongs to a group of medicines called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Meloxicam is used to reduce inflammation and pain in the joints and muscles.
Remolexam is used to:

• treat symptoms of osteoarthritis (wear and tear of the joints) for a short period;
• treat symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis (a type of arthritis that affects the spine) for a long period.

2. Important information before taking Remolexam

When not to take Remolexam:

• if the patient is allergic to meloxicam or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6);
• if the patient is allergic to acetylsalicylic acid or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), i.e. if the patient has ever had any of the following symptoms after taking these medicines:
• -wheezing, feeling of tightness in the chest, shortness of breath (asthma),
• -nasal congestion due to swelling of the nasal mucosa (nasal polyps),
• -skin rash or hives,
• -sudden swelling of the skin or mucous membranes, such as swelling around the eyes, face, lips, mouth or throat, which may make breathing difficult (angioedema);
• if the patient has had gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation after taking NSAIDs;
• if the patient currently has (or has had two or more episodes of) peptic ulcer (stomach or intestinal ulcer) or gastrointestinal bleeding;
• if the patient has severe liver dysfunction;
• if the patient has severe kidney disease that does not require dialysis;
• if the patient has recently had bleeding in the brain;
• if the patient has had any other bleeding;
• if the patient has severe heart disease;
• in the last three months of pregnancy;
• in children and adolescents under 16 years of age.

If the patient is unsure whether any of the above points apply to them, they should consult their doctor.

Warnings and precautions

Before starting Remolexam, the patient should discuss it with their doctor or pharmacist in the following cases:

• if the patient has ever had esophagitis, gastritis, or any other gastrointestinal disease, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis;
• if the patient has high blood pressure (hypertension);
• if the patient is elderly; there is an increased risk of side effects in elderly patients, so the doctor may reduce the dose and closely monitor heart, liver, and kidney function during treatment;
• if the patient has heart, liver, or kidney disease;
• if the patient has decreased blood volume (hypovolemia), which may occur in case of significant blood loss or burns, surgery, or low fluid intake;
• if the patient has increased potassium levels in the blood;
• if the patient has ever had a persistent rash (drug rash) after taking meloxicam or other oxicams (e.g. piroxicam) [circular or oval, red and swollen spots on the skin, usually recurring in the same place (in the same places), blisters, hives, and itching].

Remolexam is not recommended for immediate pain relief.
Remolexam may mask the symptoms of infection such as fever, pain, swelling, redness.
The patient may mistakenly think they are feeling better or that the infection is not serious. If the patient suspects they have an infection, they should consult their doctor.
Skin reactions
Potentially life-threatening skin rashes (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis) have been reported with meloxicam, initially appearing as red spots or circular patches on the torso, often with central blisters.
Additional symptoms that may be observed include ulcers in the mouth, throat, nose, genitals, and conjunctivitis (red and swollen eyes).
These potentially life-threatening skin rashes are often accompanied by flu-like symptoms.
The rash may develop into generalized blisters or skin peeling.
The highest risk of severe skin reactions occurs in the first few weeks of treatment.
In patients who have developed Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis while taking meloxicam, meloxicam treatment should not be restarted.
In case of a rash or skin symptoms, the patient should immediately consult their doctor, informing them of the use of this medicine.
Cardiovascular reactions
Taking medicines like Remolexam may be associated with a small increased risk of heart attack (myocardial infarction) or stroke. This risk increases with long-term use of high doses of the medicine.
The patient should not exceed the recommended dose and duration of treatment.
In case of heart problems, a history of stroke, or suspected risk of these disorders, the patient should discuss their treatment with their doctor or pharmacist. For example, when:

• the patient has high blood pressure (hypertension);
• the patient has high blood sugar levels (diabetes);
• the patient has high cholesterol levels (hypercholesterolemia);
• the patient smokes.

Remolexam and other medicines

The patient should tell their doctor or pharmacist about all medicines they are taking, have recently taken, or plan to take.
Remolexam may affect the action of other medicines. There are several medicines that should not be taken with Remolexam. In some cases, the dose of other medicines may need to be modified while taking Remolexam.
The patient should inform their doctor or pharmacist, especially if they are taking or receiving any of the following medicines:

• acetylsalicylic acid or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs);
• anticoagulants;
• medicines that dissolve blood clots (thrombolytics);
• medicines used to treat heart and kidney diseases;
• medicines used to treat high blood pressure;
• diuretics;
• corticosteroids (used to treat inflammatory or allergic diseases);
• certain antidepressants: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or lithium;
• methotrexate (used to treat certain cancers, severe uncontrolled skin diseases, and active rheumatoid arthritis);
• pemetrexed (used to treat certain cancers);
• deferazirox (used to treat chronic iron overload due to repeated blood transfusions);
• cyclosporine (used after transplantation or to treat autoimmune diseases, such as severe cases of certain skin diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, or a kidney disease called nephrotic syndrome);
• tacrolimus (used after transplantation);
• cholestyramine (used to reduce cholesterol levels);
• if the patient is using an intrauterine contraceptive device, commonly known as an IUD.

In case of doubts about taking these medicines, the patient should consult their doctor or pharmacist.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fertility

If the patient is pregnant, breastfeeding, or thinks they may be pregnant, they should consult their doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine.
Pregnancy
If the patient becomes pregnant while taking Remolexam, they should inform their doctor.
Remolexam should not be taken during the last three months of pregnancy, as it may harm the unborn baby or cause problems during delivery. It may cause problems with the baby's kidneys and heart. It may affect the mother's and baby's tendency to bleed and may cause the delivery to be later or longer than expected.
Remolexam should not be taken during the first six months of pregnancy, unless it is absolutely necessary and prescribed by a doctor. If treatment is necessary during this period or when trying to become pregnant, the lowest dose should be used for the shortest possible time. Remolexam taken for more than a few days, starting from the 20th week of pregnancy, may cause kidney problems in the unborn baby, leading to low levels of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby (oligohydramnios) or narrowing of the blood vessel (ductus arteriosus) in the baby's heart. If treatment for more than a few days is necessary, the doctor may recommend additional monitoring.
Breastfeeding
Remolexam is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women.
Fertility
Remolexam may make it more difficult to become pregnant. The patient should inform their doctor if they plan to become pregnant or are having trouble becoming pregnant.

Driving and using machines

Visual disturbances, including blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, feeling of spinning or loss of balance, or other central nervous system disorders may occur after taking this medicine. If these symptoms occur, the patient should not drive or operate machinery.

Remolexam contains lactose

If the patient has been diagnosed with intolerance to some sugars, they should consult their doctor before taking the medicine.

3. How to take Remolexam

This medicine should always be taken exactly as prescribed by the doctor or pharmacist. In case of doubts, the patient should consult their doctor or pharmacist.
The total daily dose of Remolexam tablets (see dosage recommendations below) should be swallowed in a single dose with water or other fluids during a meal.
The recommended dose is:

• osteoarthritis: 7.5 mg (half a Remolexam 15 mg tablet) per day. If necessary, the doctor may increase the dose to 15 mg per day (one Remolexam 15 mg tablet).
• rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis: 15 mg (one Remolexam 15 mg tablet) per day. After evaluating the response to treatment, the doctor may reduce the dose to 7.5 mg.

Do not exceed the maximum dose of 15 mg per day. Elderly patients

The recommended dose for long-term treatment of rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis is 7.5 mg per day.
Patients with kidney and liver disorders
If the patient has severe kidney disease and is on dialysis, they should not take more than 7.5 mg per day.
If the patient has mild to moderate kidney or liver disease, they may take the usual adult dose.

Use in children and adolescents

Remolexam is not recommended for children and adolescents under 16 years of age.

Overdose of Remolexam

In case of overdose, the patient should immediately consult their doctor or go to the nearest hospital. Symptoms of overdose may include: weakness (feeling of lack of energy), drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding.
In case of severe poisoning, the following symptoms may occur: high blood pressure, acute kidney failure, liver dysfunction, slow or weak breathing, loss of consciousness (coma), seizures, circulatory failure, sudden cessation of effective blood circulation, immediate allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, and skin reactions.

Missed dose of Remolexam

In case of a missed dose, the patient should take the next dose at the usual time. They should not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
In case of any further doubts about taking this medicine, the patient should consult their doctor or pharmacist.

4. Possible side effects

Like all medicines, Remolexam can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Stop taking Remolexam and consult a doctor or the nearest hospital immediately if the patient experiences:

• Any allergic reactions, which may manifest as:
• -skin reactions, such as itching, blisters, or peeling of the skin, which may be potentially life-threatening skin rashes (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis), soft tissue damage (mucosal lesions), or drug rash; see section "Warnings and precautions";
• -swelling of the skin or mucous membranes, such as swelling around the eyes, face, and lips, mouth or throat, which may make breathing difficult;
• -shortness of breath or asthma attack.
• Any symptoms of hepatitis, in particular:
• -yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice);
• -abdominal pain;
• -loss of appetite.
• Any symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders, in particular:
• -bleeding (causing black stools or vomiting blood);
• -gastrointestinal ulcers (causing abdominal pain). Gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, or perforation may sometimes have a severe course and may be life-threatening, especially in elderly patients.

Very common side effects: occurring in more than 1 in 10 patients

• indigestion,
• nausea, vomiting,
• abdominal pain,
• constipation,
• bloating,
• diarrhea.

Common side effects: occurring in 1 to 10 in 100 patients

• headache.

Uncommon side effects: occurring in 1 to 10 in 1,000 patients

• dizziness (feeling of emptiness in the head),
• feeling of dizziness or spinning,
• drowsiness,
• anemia (reduced number of red blood cells, which may cause pale skin, weakness, and fatigue),
• high blood pressure (hypertension),
• flushing (temporary redness of the face and neck),
• fluid retention,
• high potassium levels (hyperkalemia). This may lead to symptoms such as:
• heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias),
• palpitations (when the patient feels their heartbeat more than usual),
• muscle weakness,
• gastritis,
• gastrointestinal bleeding,
• mouth ulcers,
• belching,
• immediate allergic reactions,
• itching,
• skin rash,
• fluid retention, including swelling of the ankles or feet,
• sudden swelling of the skin or mucous membranes, such as swelling around the eyes, face, lips, mouth or throat, which may make breathing difficult (angioedema),
• abnormal liver or kidney function test results (e.g. increased liver enzyme activity, increased bilirubin, creatinine, urea levels).

Rare side effects: occurring in 1 to 10 in 10,000 patients

• mood disorders,
• nightmares,
• blood disorders, including: abnormal blood smear, decreased white blood cell count (leukopenia), decreased platelet count (thrombocytopenia); these side effects may increase the risk of infection, bruising, or nosebleeds;
• ringing in the ears (tinnitus),
• feeling of heartbeat (palpitations),
• peptic ulcer disease,
• esophagitis,
• asthma attacks (in people allergic to aspirin or other NSAIDs),
• severe skin reactions, including: Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis,
• hives,
• visual disturbances, including: blurred vision, conjunctivitis (red and swollen eyes),
• ulcerative colitis.

Very rare side effects: occurring in less than 1 in 10,000 patients

• skin reactions with blisters and rash. Rash can be a severe allergic reaction of the skin, causing spots, red or purple stripes or blisters on the skin, which can also occur on the lips, eyes, and other moist body parts.
• hepatitis,
• acute kidney failure, especially in patients with risk factors such as heart disease, diabetes, or kidney disease,
• perforation (hole) in the intestinal wall.

Frequency not known: frequency cannot be estimated from the available data

• confusion,
• disorientation,
• shortness of breath and skin reactions (anaphylactic or anaphylactoid reactions),
• sunlight-induced rashes (photosensitivity reactions),
• heart failure,
• complete loss of certain types of white blood cells (agranulocytosis), especially in patients taking medicines that may have a suppressive or destructive effect on the bone marrow (myelotoxic medicines). This may cause:
• sudden fever,
• sore throat,
• infections,
• pancreatitis.
• a characteristic skin allergic reaction, known as fixed drug eruption, usually recurring in the same place (in the same places) after re-administration of the medicine and may appear as itchy, round or oval, red and swollen spots on the skin, blisters (hives). Taking medicines like Remolexam may be associated with a small increased risk of heart attack (myocardial infarction) or stroke, especially when taken in high doses and for long-term treatment (see section "Warnings and precautions").

Side effects caused by other similar medicines (NSAIDs) but not yet reported with meloxicam:

• kidney inflammation (interstitial nephritis)
• death of some kidney cells (acute tubular necrosis)
• presence of protein in the urine (nephrotic syndrome with proteinuria).

Reporting side effects

If the patient experiences any side effects, including those not listed in the leaflet, they should inform their doctor or 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 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. By reporting side effects, more information can be collected on the safety of the medicine.

5. How to store Remolexam

The medicine should be stored out of sight and reach of children.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date stated on the carton after "EXP:". The expiry date refers to the last day of the month.
This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions.
Do not use this medicine if visible signs of deterioration are observed.
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 Remolexam contains

• The active substance is meloxicam. Each tablet contains 15 mg of meloxicam.
• The other ingredients are: lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone K-17, sodium citrate, crospovidone (type B), colloidal anhydrous silica, magnesium stearate.

What Remolexam looks like and contents of the pack

Remolexam 15 mg tablets are yellow, round, flat tablets with a beveled edge and a dividing line. A marbled appearance of the surface is allowed. The tablet can be divided into equal doses.
Remolexam tablets are packaged in a PVC/PVdC/Aluminum blister.
Remolexam is available in packs of 10 or 20 tablets.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

Marketing authorization holder and importer

Marketing authorization holder:
Farmak International Sp. z o.o.
Koszykowa 65
00-667 Warsaw
Importer:
Symphar Sp. z o.o.
Chełmżyńska 249
04-458 Warsaw
Poland

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

PL:
Remolexam

Date of last revision of the leaflet: