DOLOVANZ FORTE 25 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS

Introduction

Package Leaflet: Information for the User

DOLOVANZ FORTE 25 mg film-coated tablets

dexketoprofen

Read the entire package leaflet carefully before starting to take this medication, as it contains important information for you.

Follow the administration instructions for the medication contained in this package leaflet or as indicated by your doctor or pharmacist.

• Keep this package leaflet, as you may need to read it again.
• If you need advice or more information, consult your pharmacist.
• If you experience side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist, even if they are not listed in this package leaflet. See section 4.
• You should consult a doctor if your symptoms worsen or do not improve after 4 days.

Package Leaflet Contents

1. What is DOLOVANZ FORTE and what is it used for
2. What you need to know before taking DOLOVANZ FORTE
3. How to take DOLOVANZ FORTE
4. Possible side effects
5. Storage of DOLOVANZ FORTE
6. Package contents and additional information

1. What is DOLOVANZ FORTE and what is it used for

DOLOVANZ FORTE is a pain reliever belonging to the group of medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is used for the short-term symptomatic treatment of acute pain of mild or moderate intensity, such as muscle or joint pain (e.g., back pain, sprains, and acute injuries), menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea), or toothache in adults.

2. What you need to know before taking DOLOVANZ FORTE

Do not take DOLOVANZ FORTE

• If you are allergic to dexketoprofen trometamol or any of the other components of this medication (listed in section 6);
• If you are allergic to acetylsalicylic acid or another non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication;
• If you have asthma or have suffered from asthma attacks, acute allergic rhinitis (a short period of inflammation of the nasal mucosa), nasal polyps (fleshy growths inside the nose due to allergy), urticaria (skin rash), angioedema (swelling of the face, eyes, lips, or tongue, or difficulty breathing), or wheezing in the chest after taking acetylsalicylic acid or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications;
• If you have suffered from photoallergic or phototoxic reactions (a special type of redness or sunburn) while taking ketoprofen (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication) or fibrates (medications used to reduce blood fat levels);
• If you have a peptic ulcer, stomach or intestinal bleeding, or if you have had a history of bleeding, ulceration, or perforation of the stomach or intestine;
• If you have chronic digestive problems (e.g., indigestion, heartburn);
• If you have had a history of stomach or intestinal bleeding or perforation due to the previous use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) used for pain;
• If you have chronic inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis);
• If you have severe heart failure, moderate to severe renal impairment, or severe hepatic impairment;
• If you have bleeding disorders or blood coagulation disorders;
• If you are severely dehydrated (have lost a lot of body fluid) due to vomiting, diarrhea, or insufficient fluid intake;
• If you are in the third trimester of pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Warnings and precautions

Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting to take DOLOVANZ FORTE:

• If you are allergic or have had allergy problems in the past;
• If you have kidney, liver, or heart disease (hypertension and/or heart failure), or fluid retention or have had any of these diseases in the past;
• If you are taking diuretics or have insufficient hydration and reduced blood volume due to excessive fluid loss (e.g., due to excessive urination, diarrhea, or vomiting);
• If you have heart problems, a history of strokes, or think you may be at risk of suffering from these disorders (e.g., you have high blood pressure, suffer from diabetes, have high cholesterol, or are a smoker) you should consult your doctor or pharmacist about this treatment. Medications like DOLOVANZ FORTE may be associated with a small increased risk of suffering from heart attacks ("myocardial infarctions") or strokes. This risk is more likely to occur when high doses and prolonged treatments are used. Do not exceed the recommended dose or treatment duration;
• If you are an elderly patient, you may experience a higher incidence of side effects (see section 4).

If these occur, consult your doctor immediately;

• If you are a woman with fertility problems (see section 2, "Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fertility");
• If you have a blood disorder or blood cell production disorder;
• If you have systemic lupus erythematosus or mixed connective tissue disease (immune system diseases that affect connective tissue);
• If you have had or currently have chronic inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease);
• If you have had or currently have stomach or intestinal disorders;
• If you have an infection, see the "Infections" heading below;
• If you are taking other medications that increase the risk of peptic ulcers or bleeding, such as oral corticosteroids, some antidepressants (of the SSRI type, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), or anticoagulants like warfarin. In these cases, consult your doctor before taking dexketoprofen: your doctor may prescribe an additional medication to protect your stomach (e.g., misoprostol or other medications that block gastric acid production);
• If you have asthma combined with chronic rhinitis or sinusitis and/or nasal polyps, as you have a higher risk of being allergic to acetylsalicylic acid and/or NSAIDs than the rest of the population. The administration of this medication may cause asthma attacks or bronchospasm, particularly in patients allergic to acetylsalicylic acid or NSAIDs.

Infections

Dexketoprofen may mask the signs of an infection, such as fever and pain. Consequently, this medication may delay the appropriate treatment of the infection, which may increase the risk of complications. This has been observed in bacterial pneumonia and bacterial skin infections related to chickenpox. If you take this medication while having an infection and the symptoms of the infection persist or worsen, consult a doctor without delay. Avoid using this medication if you have chickenpox.

Children and adolescents

Dexketoprofen has not been studied in children or adolescents. Therefore, safety and efficacy have not been established, and the medication should not be used in children or adolescents.

Other medications and DOLOVANZ FORTE

Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or may need to take any other medication. There are some medications that should not be taken together, and others may need a dose change if taken together.

Always inform your doctor, dentist, or pharmacist if, in addition to dexketoprofen, you are taking any of the following medications:

Not recommended combinations:

• Acetylsalicylic acid, corticosteroids, and other anti-inflammatory medications;
• Warfarin, heparin, and other medications used to prevent blood clot formation;
• Lithium, used to treat certain mood disorders;
• Methotrexate (cancer and immunosuppressive medication), used at high doses of 15 mg/week;
• Hydantoins and phenytoin, used for epilepsy;
• Sulfamethoxazole, used for bacterial infections.

Combinations that require caution:

• ACE inhibitors, diuretics, and angiotensin II antagonists, used for high blood pressure and heart disorders;
• Pentoxifylline and oxpentifylline, used to treat chronic venous ulcers;
• Zidovudine, used to treat viral infections;
• Aminoglycoside antibiotics, used to treat bacterial infections;
• Sulfonylureas (e.g., chlorpropamide and glibenclamide), used for diabetes;
• Methotrexate, used at low doses, less than 15 mg/week.

Combinations to be taken into account:

• Quinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin), used for bacterial infections;
• Cyclosporine or tacrolimus, used to treat immune system diseases and organ transplants;
• Streptokinase and other thrombolytic and fibrinolytic medications, i.e., medications used to dissolve blood clots;
• Probenecid, used for gout;
• Digoxin, used in the treatment of chronic heart failure;
• Mifepristone, used as an abortifacient (for pregnancy termination);
• Antidepressants of the SSRI type (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors);
• Antiplatelet agents used to reduce platelet aggregation and blood clot formation;
• Beta-blockers, used for high blood pressure and heart disorders;
• Tenofovir, deferasirox, pemetrexed.

If you have any doubts about taking other medications with dexketoprofen, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Taking DOLOVANZ FORTE with food, drinks, and alcohol

In general, it is recommended to take the medication with meals to reduce the risk of stomach disorders (see also section 3, "Method of administration").

The use of NSAIDs in combination with alcohol may worsen the adverse reactions caused by the active ingredient.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fertility

Do not take this medication during the last three months of pregnancy or during breastfeeding.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this medication.

Do not take dexketoprofen if you are in the last 3 months of pregnancy, as it may harm the fetus or cause problems during delivery. It may cause kidney and heart problems in your fetus. It may affect your and your baby's ability to bleed and delay or prolong delivery more than expected. You should not take dexketoprofen during the first 6 months of pregnancy unless it is strictly necessary and as indicated by your doctor. If you need treatment during this period or while trying to become pregnant, you should take the minimum dose for the shortest possible time. From the 20th week of pregnancy, dexketoprofen may cause kidney problems in your fetus if taken for more than a few days, which may lead to low levels of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby (oligohydramnios) or narrowing of a blood vessel (ductus arteriosus) in the baby's heart. If you need treatment for more than a few days, your doctor may recommend additional checks.

Women planning a pregnancy or who are pregnant should avoid the use of dexketoprofen. Treatment at any time during pregnancy should only be done under the guidance of a doctor.

The use of dexketoprofen is not recommended while trying to conceive or while investigating a fertility problem.

Driving and using machines

Dexketoprofen may slightly affect your ability to drive and use machines, as it may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision as side effects of treatment. If you notice these effects, do not use machines or drive until these symptoms disappear. Ask your doctor for advice.

DOLOVANZ FORTE contains sodium.

This medication contains less than 1 mmol of sodium (23 mg) per tablet; that is, it is essentially "sodium-free".

3. How to take DOLOVANZ FORTE

Follow the administration instructions for the medication contained in this package leaflet or as indicated by your doctor or pharmacist.

In case of doubt, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

The dose of dexketoprofen you need may vary, depending on the type, intensity, and duration of the pain.

The lowest effective dose should be used for the shortest duration necessary to relieve symptoms. If you have an infection, consult a doctor without delay if the symptoms (such as fever and pain) persist or worsen (see section 2).

Adults over 18 years

Generally, the recommended dose is 1 tablet (25 mg of dexketoprofen) every 8 hours, not exceeding 3 tablets per day (75 mg).

Elderly patients or patients with renal or hepatic impairment

If you are an elderly patient or have severe kidney problems or mild to moderate liver problems, it is recommended to start treatment with a maximum of 2 tablets per day (50 mg of dexketoprofen).

In elderly patients, this initial dose may be increased later according to the general recommended dose (75 mg of dexketoprofen) if dexketoprofen has been well tolerated.

You should not take dexketoprofen if you have moderate or severe kidney problems or severe liver problems. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.

Use in children and adolescents

This medication should not be used in children and adolescents (under 18 years).

Method of administration

Take the tablets with a sufficient amount of water. Take the tablets with food, as this helps reduce the risk of stomach disorders. However, if your pain is intense and you need quick relief, take the tablets on an empty stomach (at least 30 minutes before a meal) as they will be absorbed more easily (see section 2, "Taking DOLOVANZ with food, drinks, and alcohol").

The tablet can be divided into equal doses.

Duration of treatment

Treatment should not exceed 4 days. If the pain persists after this period or worsens, or if other symptoms appear, you should stop treatment and consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you take more DOLOVANZ FORTE than you should

In case of overdose or accidental ingestion, consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately or call the Toxicology Information Service, phone: 91 562 04 20, indicating the medication and the amount taken.

If you forget to take DOLOVANZ FORTE

Do not take a double dose to make up for forgotten doses. Take the next dose when scheduled (according to section 3, "How to take DOLOVANZ FORTE").

If you have any other doubts about the use of this medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

4. Possible Adverse Effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause adverse effects, although not all people suffer from them.

Possible adverse effects are detailed below according to their frequency.

Frequent Adverse Effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

Nausea and/or vomiting, mainly pain in the upper abdominal quadrant, diarrhea, digestive disorders (dyspepsia).

Uncommon Adverse Effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

Rotatory sensation (vertigo), dizziness, somnolence, sleep disorders, nervousness, headache, palpitations, hot flashes, inflammation of the stomach wall (gastritis), constipation, dry mouth, flatulence, skin rash, fatigue, pain, febrile sensation, and chills, general malaise.

Rare Adverse Effects (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people):

Peptic ulcer, perforation of peptic ulcer, or bleeding (which may manifest with vomiting blood or black stools), fainting, high blood pressure, slow breathing, fluid retention, and peripheral edema (e.g., swelling of ankles), laryngeal edema, loss of appetite (anorexia), abnormal sensation, pruritic rash, acne, increased sweating, lower back pain, frequent urination, menstrual disorders, prostate disorders, abnormal liver function tests (blood tests), liver cell damage (hepatitis), acute kidney failure.

Very Rare Adverse Effects (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people):

Anaphylactic reaction (hypersensitivity reaction that can also lead to collapse), ulcers on the skin, mouth, eyes, and genital areas (Stevens-Johnson syndrome and Lyell syndrome), swelling of the face or swelling of the lips and throat (angioedema), difficulty breathing due to narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm), shortness of breath, tachycardia, low blood pressure, pancreatitis, blurred vision, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), sensitive skin, sensitivity to light, itching, kidney problems. Decrease in the number of white blood cells (neutropenia), decrease in the number of platelets (thrombocytopenia).

Inform your doctor immediately if you notice any adverse effect of a gastrointestinal type at the start of treatment (e.g., stomach pain or burning, or bleeding), if you have previously suffered from any of these adverse effects due to prolonged treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs, and especially if you are an elderly patient.

Stop taking DOLOVANZ FORTE immediately if you notice the appearance of a skin rash or any lesion inside the mouth or on the genitals, or any other sign of an allergic reaction.

During treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, cases of fluid retention and swelling (especially in ankles and legs), increased blood pressure, and heart failure have been reported.

Medicines like DOLOVANZ FORTE may be associated with a small increased risk of suffering a heart attack ("myocardial infarction") or a stroke ("stroke").

In patients with immune system disorders that affect connective tissue (systemic lupus erythematosus or mixed connective tissue disease), anti-inflammatory drugs can rarely cause fever, headache, and neck stiffness.

The most commonly observed adverse effects are of a gastrointestinal type. Peptic ulcers, perforation, or gastrointestinal bleeding may occur, sometimes fatal, especially in elderly patients.

After administration, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, constipation, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, melena, hematemesis, ulcerative stomatitis, worsening of colitis, and Crohn's disease have been reported. Less frequently, inflammation of the stomach wall (gastritis) has been observed.

As with other NSAIDs, hematological reactions (purpura, aplastic and hemolytic anemia, and more rarely agranulocytosis and bone marrow hypoplasia) may appear.

Reporting of Adverse Effects

If you experience any type of adverse effect, consult your doctor or pharmacist, even if it is a possible adverse effect that does not appear in this leaflet. You can also report them directly through the Spanish Pharmacovigilance System for Human Use Medicines: https://www.notificaram.es. By reporting adverse effects, you can contribute to providing more information on the safety of this medicine.

5. Storage of DOLOVANZ FORTE

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

Do not use this medicine after the expiration date that appears on the packaging and on the blister after CAD. The expiration date is the last day of the month indicated.

Do not store at a temperature above 30°C.

Keep in the original packaging to protect it from light.

Medicines should not be thrown away through the sewers or in the trash. Deposit the packaging and medicines that you no longer need in the SIGRE Point of the pharmacy. In case of doubt, ask your pharmacist how to dispose of the packaging and medicines that you no longer need. This way, you will help protect the environment.

6. Package Contents and Additional Information

Composition ofDOLOVANZ FORTE

The active ingredient is dexketoprofen trometamol. Each film-coated tablet contains 36.9 mg of dexketoprofen trometamol, equivalent to 25 mg of dexketoprofen.

The other components are:

Core: cornstarch, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose type A (from potato), and glycerol distearate.

Coating: hypromellose, titanium dioxide (E-171), and macrogol.

Appearance of the Product and Package Contents

White, biconvex, cylindrical film-coated tablets with a score, marked with DT2 on one side (diameter size: 9.3 mm + 5%). The tablet can be divided into equal doses.

It is presented in precut unit-dose PVC-PVDC/AL blisters. Boxes with 10 or 15 film-coated tablets.

Marketing Authorization Holder and Manufacturer

Laboratorios Cinfa, S.A.

Carretera Olaz-Chipi, 10. Polígono Industrial Areta

31620 Huarte (Navarra) – Spain

Date of the Last Revision of this Leaflet:May 2023

Detailed information about this medicine is available on the website of the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) http://www.aemps.gob.es/