difficulty concentrating. It is not their fault that they cannot cope with this. Many children and young people struggle with these problems. However, in people with ADHD, this can disrupt daily life. Children and young people with ADHD may have difficulty learning and doing homework. They may have difficulty behaving properly at home, at school, and in other places. ADHD does not affect the intelligence of the child or young person.
Adults with ADHD have difficulty with all the things that children with ADHD have difficulty with, but for adults, this can mean problems:- at work
- in relationships
- related to low self-esteem
- with learning.
2. Important information before taking Strattera
When not to take Strattera:
You should not take Strattera if any of the above conditions apply to you. If you are not sure, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting to take Strattera, as the medicine may worsen these conditions.
Warnings and precautions
Before starting to take Strattera, you should discuss with your doctor or pharmacist if you have:
- thoughts or behaviors of suicide;
- heart problems (including heart defects) or rapid heartbeat. Strattera may increase heart rate. There have been reports of sudden death in patients with heart defects;
- high blood pressure. Strattera may increase blood pressure;
- low blood pressure. Strattera may cause dizziness or fainting in people with low blood pressure;
- sudden changes in blood pressure or heart rate;
- cardiovascular disease or a history of stroke;
- liver disease. The dose of Strattera may need to be reduced;
- psychotic reactions, including hallucinations (hearing voices or seeing things that are not there), believing in untrue things, or being suspicious;
- a state of manic excitement (excitement or excessive stimulation that leads to unusual behavior) and excitement;
- feeling aggressive;
- hostile or evil (hostile) attitude;
- a history of epilepsy or seizures for any reason. Strattera may increase the frequency of seizures;
- mood changes or feelings of great sadness;
- difficulty controlling repetitive movements of any part of the body or repeating sounds or words.
If any of the above conditions apply to you, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting to take Strattera. Strattera may worsen these conditions. Your doctor will monitor how the medicine affects you.
Tests that your doctor will perform before you start taking Strattera
These tests are necessary to decide whether Strattera is suitable for you.
Your doctor will measure
- your blood pressure and heart rate (pulse) before starting to take Strattera and during treatment
- the growth and weight of your child during treatment with Strattera, if your child is a child or adolescent.
You should talk to your doctor if you are
- taking any other medicines
- have a family history of sudden death from an unknown cause
- have any other diseases (such as heart problems) or a family history of them.
It is important to give your doctor as much information as possible. This will help your doctor decide whether Strattera is suitable for you. Your doctor may also prescribe other medical tests that are necessary before starting to take this medicine.
Strattera and other medicines
You should tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the medicines you are taking now or have taken recently, as well as any medicines you plan to take. This includes medicines that are available without a prescription. Your doctor will decide whether you can take Strattera with other medicines. In some cases, your doctor may decide to adjust the dose or increase it more slowly.
You should not take Strattera with medicines called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (IMAO) used to treat depression. See section 2 "When not to take Strattera".
If you are taking other medicines, Strattera may affect their action or cause side effects. If you are taking any of the following medicines, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting to take Strattera:
- medicines that increase blood pressure or are used to control blood pressure,
- antidepressant medicines, such as imipramine, venlafaxine, mirtazapine, fluoxetine, or paroxetine,
- certain cough and cold medicines that contain substances that affect blood pressure. It is important to check with your pharmacist when buying any of these medicines;
- certain medicines used to treat mental health conditions,
- medicines that increase the risk of seizures,
- certain medicines that may prolong the time Strattera stays in the body (such as quinidine or terbinafine);
- salbutamol (a medicine used to treat asthma) taken orally or by injection, may cause a feeling of rapid heartbeat, but will not worsen asthma symptoms.
The following medicines may increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythm if taken with Strattera:
- medicines used to control heart rate,
- medicines that change the level of salts in the blood,
- medicines used to prevent and treat malaria,
- certain antibiotics (such as erythromycin and moxifloxacin).
If you are unsure whether the medicines you are taking are listed above, you should ask your doctor or pharmacist before starting to take Strattera.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
It is not known whether this medicine can affect an unborn baby or pass into breast milk.
- You should not take this medicine during pregnancy, unless your doctor advises you to.
- You should avoid taking this medicine during breastfeeding or stop breastfeeding.
If you
- -are pregnant or breastfeeding,
- -think you may be pregnant or plan to have a baby,
- -plan to start breastfeeding, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine.
Driving and using machines
After taking Strattera, you may feel tired, drowsy, or dizzy. You should be careful when driving a car or operating machinery until you know how Strattera affects you. If you feel tired, drowsy, or dizzy, you should not drive or operate machinery.
Important information about the contents of the capsules
You should not open the capsules of Strattera, as the contents may irritate your eyes. If the contents of the capsule get into your eye, you should rinse it with water and seek medical advice. You should also wash your hands and any other parts of your body that have come into contact with the contents of the capsules.
3. How to take Strattera
- This medicine should always be taken exactly as your doctor has instructed. It is usually taken once or twice a day (in the morning and late afternoon or early evening).
- If you experience drowsiness or feeling unwell while taking Strattera once a day, your doctor may recommend taking it twice a day.
- The capsules should be swallowed whole, with or without food.
- You should not open the capsules, pour out their contents, or take them in any other way.
- Taking the medicine at the same time every day will help you remember to take it.
What dose to take
Children and adolescents (aged 6 and over)
Your doctor will recommend the appropriate dose of Strattera, calculated according to your body weight.
Your doctor will start treatment with a lower dose, before increasing it to the dose suitable for your body weight.
- Body weight up to 70 kg: the total initial daily dose is approximately 0.5 mg/kg body weight for at least 7 days. Your doctor may then recommend increasing the dose to the usual maintenance dose of approximately 1.2 mg/kg body weight per day.
- Body weight over 70 kg: the total initial daily dose is 40 mg for at least 7 days. Your doctor may then recommend increasing the dose to the usual maintenance dose of approximately 80 mg per day. The maximum daily dose that your doctor can prescribe is 100 mg.
In case of liver disease, your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of Strattera.
Taking more Strattera than prescribed
You should contact your doctor or the nearest hospital immediately and inform them of the number of capsules taken. The most commonly reported symptoms after overdose are gastrointestinal symptoms, drowsiness, dizziness, tremor, and abnormal behavior.
Missing a dose of Strattera
If you miss a dose, you should take it as soon as possible. However, you should not take a dose that is more than the total recommended daily dose within 24 hours. You should not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Stopping treatment with Strattera
After stopping Strattera, there are usually no side effects, but the symptoms of ADHD may return. You should talk to your doctor before stopping the medicine.
While taking the medicine, your doctor will perform the following:
Your doctor will perform tests
- before starting treatment - to make sure that taking Strattera will be safe and beneficial for you;
- during treatment - tests will be performed at least every 6 months, although probably more often.
Tests will also be performed when the dose is changed. They will include:
- measuring the growth and weight of children and young people
- measuring blood pressure and heart rate
- checking for any problems or if side effects have worsened while taking Strattera.
Long-term treatment
You do not need to take Strattera for the rest of your life. After one year of treatment with Strattera, your doctor will assess the results of the treatment to determine if you still need to take the medicine.
If you have any further doubts about taking this medicine, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines, Strattera can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Although some people experience side effects, most people taking Strattera are helped by it.
Your doctor will inform you about the possible side effects.
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following side effects, you should contact your doctor immediately:
Uncommon(may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
- perceived or real rapid heartbeat, irregular heartbeat
- thoughts or behaviors of suicide
- feeling aggressive
- hostile or evil (hostile) attitude
- mood changes or mood swings
- severe allergic reactions, with symptoms such as
- swelling of the face and throat
- difficulty breathing
- hives (small, itchy spots on the skin)
- seizures
- psychotic symptoms, including hallucinations (hearing voices or seeing things that are not there), believing in untrue things, or being suspicious.
In children and adolescents under 18 years, there is an increased risk of side effects, such as
thoughts or behaviors of suicide (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):
- mood changes or mood swings (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
In adults, there is a decreased risk of side effects (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people) such as:
- seizures
- psychotic symptoms, including hallucinations (hearing voices or seeing things that are not there), believing in untrue things, or being suspicious.
Rare(may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)
You should stop taking Strattera and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- dark-colored urine
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- pain in the upper right part of the abdomen, which worsens when pressed (tenderness to pressure)
- unexplained nausea
- fatigue
- itching
- flu-like symptoms.
Other reported side effects are listed below. If your symptoms worsen, you should contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Very common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people) |
CHILDREN and ADOLESCENTS over 6 years old | ADULTS |
- headache
- abdominal pain
- loss of appetite
- nausea or vomiting
- drowsiness
- increased blood pressure
- rapid heartbeat (pulse) In most patients, these symptoms may disappear after some time.
| - nausea
- dry mouth
- headache
- loss of appetite
- sleep problems, including difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and waking up early
- increased blood pressure
- rapid heartbeat (pulse)
|
Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) |
CHILDREN and ADOLESCENTS over 6 years old | ADULTS |
- irritability or restlessness
- sleep problems, including waking up early
- depression
- feeling sad or hopeless
- anxiety
- tics
- dilated pupils (the black center of the eye)
- dizziness
- constipation
- loss of appetite
- stomach problems, indigestion
- swollen, red, or itchy skin
- rash
- lethargy
- chest pain
- fatigue
- weight loss.
| - restlessness
- decreased interest in sex
- sleep problems
- depression
- feeling sad or hopeless
- anxiety
- dizziness
- taste disturbances or changes in taste that persist
- tremor
- tingling or numbness of the hands or feet
- drowsiness, lethargy, feeling tired
- constipation
- abdominal pain
- indigestion
- bloating with gas
- vomiting
- hot flashes or sudden reddening
- perceived or real rapid heartbeat
- swollen, red, or itchy skin
- increased sweating
- rash
- difficulty urinating, such as inability to urinate, frequent urination, or difficulty starting to urinate, pain while urinating
- prostate inflammation
- groin pain in men
- erectile dysfunction
- delayed orgasm
- difficulty maintaining an erection
- menstrual cramps
- lack of strength or energy
- fatigue
- lethargy
- chills
- irritability, shakiness
- feeling thirsty
- weight loss
|
Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) |
CHILDREN and ADOLESCENTS over 6 years old | ADULTS |
- fainting
- tremor
- migraine
- blurred vision
- abnormal skin sensations, such as burning, tingling, itching, or numbness
- tingling or numbness of the hands or feet
- seizures
- perceived or real rapid heartbeat (QT prolongation)
- shortness of breath
- increased sweating
- itching of the skin
- lack of strength or energy
| - restlessness
- tics
- fainting
- migraine
- blurred vision
- heart rhythm disturbances (QT prolongation)
- feeling of cold hands and feet
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- red, itchy rash on the skin (hives)
- muscle spasms
- sudden need to urinate
- abnormal orgasm or lack of orgasm
- irregular menstrual periods
- ejaculation disorders
|
Rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people) |
CHILDREN and ADOLESCENTS over 6 years old | ADULTS |
- poor blood circulation, which causes numbness and paleness of the fingers and toes (Raynaud's phenomenon).
- difficulty urinating, such as frequent urination or difficulty starting to urinate, pain while urinating
- prolonged and painful erections
- groin pain in boys and adolescent males
| - poor blood circulation, which causes numbness and paleness of the fingers and toes (Raynaud's phenomenon)
- prolonged and painful erections
|
Effect on growth
In some children, after starting to take Strattera, growth (weight and height) may be slowed down. However, during long-term treatment, children achieve normal weight and height for their age group.
Your doctor will monitor the growth and weight of your child. If your child is not growing or gaining weight as expected, your doctor may decide to change the dose or temporarily stop Strattera.
Reporting side effects
If you experience any side effects, including those not listed in this leaflet, you should tell your doctor or pharmacist. Side effects can be reported directly to the Department of Drug Safety, Urząd Rejestracji Produktów Leczniczych, Wyrobów Medycznych i Produktów Biobójczych, Al. Jerozolimskie 181C, 02-222 Warsaw, Poland, tel.: +48 22 49 21 301, fax: +48 22 49 21 309, e-mail: ndl@urpl.gov.pl. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5. How to store Strattera
The medicine should be stored out of sight and reach of children.
You should not take this medicine after the expiry date stated on the carton and blister after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of the month stated.
There are no special precautions for storage.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. You should ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines that are no longer needed. This will help protect the environment.
6. Contents of the pack and other information
What Strattera contains
- The active substance of Strattera is atomoxetine in the form of hydrochloride. Each hard capsule contains hydrochloride atomoxetine equivalent to 10 mg, 18 mg, 25 mg, 40 mg, or 60 mg of atomoxetine.
- The other ingredients are maize starch and dimethicone.
- The capsule shell contains sodium lauryl sulfate and gelatin. The capsule shell colors are: yellow iron oxide E172 (18 mg and 60 mg), titanium dioxide E171 (10 mg, 18 mg, 25 mg, 40 mg, and 60 mg), FD&C blue 2 (indigo carmine) E132 (25 mg, 40 mg, and 60 mg), and edible black ink (containing shellac and iron oxide black E172).
What Strattera looks like and contents of the pack
10 mg hard capsule: 15.5-16.1 mm long, white, with the inscription Lilly 3227/10 mg
18 mg hard capsule: 15.5-16.1 mm long, gold and white, with the inscription Lilly 3238/18 mg
25 mg hard capsule: 15.5-16.1 mm long, blue and white, with the inscription Lilly 3228/25 mg
40 mg hard capsule: 15.5-16.1 mm long, blue, with the inscription Lilly 3229/40 mg
60 mg hard capsule: 17.5-18.1 mm long, blue and gold, with the inscription Lilly 3239/60 mg
Strattera is available in packs of 7, 14, 28, or 56 capsules. Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Marketing authorization holder and manufacturer:
Marketing authorization holder:
Eli Lilly Nederland B.V., Papendorpseweg 83, 3528 BJ Utrecht, Netherlands
Manufacturer:
Lilly S.A., Avda. Industria 30, 28108 Alcobendas, Madrid, Spain.
Strattera is a trademark of Eli Lilly and Company Limited.
This medicinal product is authorized in the Member States of the European Economic Area under the following names:
Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and United Kingdom: Strattera.
For further information, please contact your local representative of the marketing authorization holder:
Eli Lilly Polska Sp. z o.o.,
ul. Żwirki i Wigury 18A, 02-092 Warsaw, Poland
tel. +48 22 440-33-00
Date of last revision of the leaflet:
Detailed information on this medicine is available on the website of the Urząd Rejestracji Produktów Leczniczych, Wyrobów Medycznych i Produktów Biobójczych http://www.urpl.gov.pl .
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Information for children and young people
The following text contains the most important information about Strattera. You can read it yourself or ask someone else, such as your mom, dad, or caregiver, to read it and answer your questions.
It may help to read the text in parts.
Why was I prescribed this medicine?
This medicine may help children and young people with ADHD.
- ADHD may cause:
- you to be too restless
- you to have difficulty concentrating
- you to act quickly, without thinking, what might happen (impulsively)
- ADHD affects your learning, relationships, and self-esteem. Your restless behavior is not your fault.
While taking this medicine
- To cope with ADHD, you will also receive other help, besides taking this medicine, such as talking to a specialist in ADHD treatment.
- The medicine should help you, but it will not cure ADHD.
- You will need to visit your doctor several times a year to make sure the medicine is working and that you are growing and developing properly.
- Girls should tell their doctor immediately if they think they may be pregnant. It is not known how the medicine affects an unborn baby. If you have started sexual activity, you should talk to your doctor about how to prevent pregnancy.
Who should not take this medicine
You should not take this medicineif:
- you have taken a medicine called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (IMAO), such as phenelzine, in the last two weeks
- you have an eye problem called narrow-angle glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
- you have severe heart problems
- you have severe blood vessel problems in the brain
- you have a tumor of the adrenal gland
Who needs to talk to their doctor before taking this medicine
You should tell your doctor if:
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- you are taking other medicines - your doctor needs to know about all the medicines you are taking
- you think about harming yourself or others
- you have a rapid or irregular heartbeat when you are not exercising
- you hear voices or see things that other people do not see or hear
- you have a problem with getting too angry.
How to take the medicine (capsules)
- Swallow the medicine with water, with or without food.
- You should not open the capsules. If the capsule breaks and its contents get on your skin or in your eye, ask an adult for help.
- Your doctor will tell you how often to take the medicine during the day.
- Taking the medicine at the same time every day will help you remember to take it.
- You should not stop taking the medicine without talking to your doctor.
Possible side effects
Side effects are unwanted symptoms that can occur when taking a medicine.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should tell a trusted adult immediately. They can then talk to your doctor. The main symptoms that may occur are:
- rapid heartbeat
- feeling sad or depressed or thoughts of self-harm
- feeling aggressive
- mood changes
- symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, hives on the skin, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or other parts of the body, difficulty breathing, wheezing, or throat tightness.
- seizure (convulsions)
- seeing, feeling, or hearing things that other people do not see, feel, or hear
- liver damage: pain in the upper right part of the abdomen, which worsens when pressed (tenderness to pressure)
This medicine may cause drowsiness, so it is important not to engage in sports, such as horse riding or cycling, swimming, or climbing trees. You may harm yourself or others.
If you feel unwell in any way while taking this medicine, you should tell a trusted adult immediately.
What else to remember
- You should keep the medicine in a safe place, so that no one else can take it, especially younger brothers or sisters.
- This medicine is only for you - do not give it to others. The medicine may help you, but it may harm someone else.
- If you forget to take a dose, do not take a double dose next time. Take the next dose at the usual time.
- If you take too much medicine, tell your mom, dad, or caregiver immediately.
- It is important not to take too much medicine, as it may cause illness.
- You should not stop taking the medicine without talking to your doctor.
Who to ask if you have any questions
You should ask your mom, dad, caregiver, doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for help.