ESOMEPRAZOL COMBIX 20 mg GASTRO-RESISTANT TABLETS

Introduction

Package Leaflet: Information for the Patient

Esomeprazol Combix 20 mg Gastro-Resistant Tablets EFG

Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine because it contains important information for you.

• 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 signs of illness 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. See section 4.

Contents of the pack

1. What is Esomeprazol Combix and what is it used for
2. What you need to know before you take Esomeprazol Combix
3. How to take Esomeprazol Combix
4. Possible side effects
5. Storage of Esomeprazol Combix
6. Contents of the pack and other information

1. What is Esomeprazol Combix and what is it used for

Esomeprazol Combix contains a medicine called esomeprazol, which belongs to a group of medicines called “proton pump inhibitors”. These work by reducing the amount of acid produced by the stomach.

Esomeprazol is used to treat the following conditions:

Adults

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This is where acid from the stomach escapes into the gullet (the tube which carries food from the mouth to the stomach) causing pain, inflammation and heartburn.
• Ulcers in the stomach or duodenum (the tube leading out of the stomach) that are infected with bacteria called Helicobacter pylori. If you have this condition, your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection and allow the ulcer to heal.
• Ulcers in the stomach caused by medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Esomeprazol can also be used to prevent ulcers if you are taking NSAIDs.
• Too much acid in the stomach caused by a tumor in the pancreas (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome).
• Prevention of bleeding from ulcers in the stomach or duodenum, following treatment with esomeprazol given by injection.

Adolescents from 12 years of age

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This is where acid from the stomach escapes into the gullet (the tube which carries food from the mouth to the stomach) causing pain, inflammation and heartburn.

Ulcers in the stomach or duodenum (the tube leading out of the stomach) that are infected with bacteria called Helicobacter pylori. If you have this condition, your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection and allow the ulcer to heal.

2. What you need to know before you take Esomeprazol Combix

Do not take Esomeprazol Combix

• if you are allergic to esomeprazol or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).
• if you are allergic to other proton pump inhibitors (e.g. pantoprazole, lansoprazole, rabeprazole, omeprazole).
• if you are taking a medicine containing nelfinavir (used to treat HIV).
• if you have ever had a skin reaction after treatment with a medicine similar to esomeprazol that reduces stomach acid.

If any of these apply to you, do not take esomeprazol. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking esomeprazol.

Warnings and precautions

Tell your doctor or pharmacist before taking esomeprazol:

• if you have severe liver problems.
• if you have severe kidney problems.
• if you have ever had a skin reaction after treatment with a medicine similar to esomeprazol that reduces stomach acid.
• if you are due to have a specific blood test (Chromogranin A).

Esomeprazol may hide the symptoms of other diseases. Therefore, if you notice any of the following, contact your doctor immediately:

• you lose a lot of weight without reason and have problems swallowing.
• you have stomach pain or indigestion.
• you start vomiting food or blood.
• your stools are black (blood-stained).

If your doctor has prescribed esomeprazol only when you have symptoms, you should contact your doctor if your symptoms persist or change.

Taking a proton pump inhibitor like esomeprazol, especially over a period of more than one year, may slightly increase your risk of fracture in the hip, wrist or spine.

Tell your doctor if you have osteoporosis or if you are taking corticosteroids (which can increase the risk of osteoporosis).

If you get a rash on your skin, especially in areas exposed to the sun, tell your doctor as soon as possible, as you may need to stop your treatment with esomeprazol. Also remember to mention any other symptoms that you may have, such as joint pain.

Severe skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis have been reported with esomeprazol. Stop taking esomeprazol and contact your doctor immediately if you get any of the symptoms described in section 4.

Children under 12 years

Information on dosing for children from 1 to 11 years is presented in the esomeprazol granules product information (consult your doctor or pharmacist if you need additional information).

Other medicines and Esomeprazol Combix

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. This includes medicines that you can buy without a prescription. This is because esomeprazol may affect how these medicines work, and these medicines may also affect how esomeprazol works.

Do not take esomeprazol if you are taking a medicine containing nelfinavir (used to treat HIV).

Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• atazanavir (used to treat HIV).
• clopidogrel (used to prevent blood clots).
• ketoconazole, itraconazole or voriconazole (for fungal infections).
• erlotinib (used to treat cancer).
• citalopram, imipramine, clomipramine (for depression).
• diazepam (used to treat anxiety, as a muscle relaxant or for epilepsy).
• phenytoin (for epilepsy). If you are taking phenytoin, your doctor will need to monitor you when you start or stop taking Esomeprazol Combix.
• medicines used to thin the blood, such as warfarin. Your doctor may need to monitor you when you start or stop taking Esomeprazol Combix.
• cilostazol (used to treat intermittent claudication - pain in the legs when walking, caused by poor blood circulation).
• cisapride (used for indigestion and heartburn).
• digoxin (used for heart problems).
• methotrexate (a chemotherapy medicine used at high doses to treat cancer) - if you are taking high doses of methotrexate, your doctor may temporarily stop your treatment with Esomeprazol Combix.
• tacrolimus (used after organ transplantation).
• rifampicin (used to treat tuberculosis).
• St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) (used to treat depression).

If your doctor has prescribed the antibiotics amoxicillin and clarithromycin with esomeprazol to treat ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori, it is very important that you tell your doctor about any other medicines you are taking.

Taking Esomeprazol Combix with food and drink

You can take the tablets with or without food.

Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility

If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. Your doctor will decide whether you can take esomeprazol during this time.

It is not known if esomeprazol passes into breast milk. Therefore, you should not take esomeprazol if you are breast-feeding.

Driving and using machines

Esomeprazol is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or use machines. However, side effects such as dizziness or blurred vision (see section 4) may occur. Do not drive or use machines if you are affected by these side effects.

Esomeprazol Combix contains sucrose

Esomeprazol contains sugar spheres that contain sucrose, a type of sugar. If your doctor has told you that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact them before taking this medicine.

3. How to take Esomeprazol Combix

Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

• If you are taking this medicine for a long time, your doctor will want to monitor you (especially if you take it for more than one year).
• If your doctor has told you to take this medicine as and when you need it, tell your doctor if your symptoms change.

How much to take

• Your doctor will tell you how many tablets to take and when to take them. This will depend on your condition, age and liver function.
• The recommended doses are as follows:

Use in adults aged 18 years and over

For the treatment of heartburn caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD):

• If your doctor has found that your gullet (oesophagus) is slightly damaged, the recommended dose is one 40 mg gastro-resistant tablet of esomeprazol once a day for 4 weeks. Your doctor may tell you to take the same dose for another 4 weeks if your oesophagus has not yet healed. Once your oesophagus has healed, the recommended dose is one 20 mg gastro-resistant tablet of esomeprazol once a day.
• If your oesophagus is not damaged, the recommended dose is one 20 mg gastro-resistant tablet of esomeprazol once a day. Once your condition has been controlled, your doctor may tell you to take your medicine as and when you need it, up to a maximum of one 20 mg gastro-resistant tablet of esomeprazol per day.
• If you have severe liver problems, your doctor may give you a lower dose.

For the treatment of ulcers caused by Helicobacter pyloriinfection and to prevent them coming back:

• The recommended dose is one 20 mg gastro-resistant tablet of esomeprazol twice a day for one week. Your doctor will also prescribe two antibiotics called amoxicillin and clarithromycin.

For the treatment of stomach ulcers caused by NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs):

• The recommended dose is one 20 mg gastro-resistant tablet of esomeprazol once a day for 4 to 8 weeks.

To prevent stomach ulcers if you are taking NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs):

• The recommended dose is one 20 mg gastro-resistant tablet of esomeprazol once a day.

For the treatment of too much acid in the stomach caused by a tumor in the pancreas (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome):

• The recommended dose is one 40 mg gastro-resistant tablet of esomeprazol twice a day. Your doctor will adjust the dose according to your needs and will also decide how long you need to take the medicine for. The maximum dose is 80 mg twice a day.

Prevention of bleeding from ulcers in the stomach or duodenum, following treatment with esomeprazol given by injection:

• The recommended dose is one 40 mg gastro-resistant tablet of esomeprazol once a day for 4 weeks.

Use in adolescents aged 12 years and over

For the treatment of heartburn caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD):

• If your doctor has found that your gullet (oesophagus) is slightly damaged, the recommended dose is one 40 mg gastro-resistant tablet of esomeprazol once a day for 4 weeks. Your doctor may tell you to take the same dose for another 4 weeks if your oesophagus has not yet healed.
• Once your oesophagus has healed, the recommended dose is one 20 mg gastro-resistant tablet of esomeprazol once a day.
• If your oesophagus is not damaged, the recommended dose is one 20 mg gastro-resistant tablet of esomeprazol once a day.
• If you have severe liver problems, your doctor may give you a lower dose.

For the treatment of ulcers caused by Helicobacter pyloriinfection and to prevent them coming back:

• The recommended dose is one 20 mg gastro-resistant tablet of Esomeprazol Combix twice a day for one week. Your doctor will also prescribe two antibiotics called amoxicillin and clarithromycin.

Taking this medicine

• You can take the tablets at any time of the day.
• You can take the tablets with or without food.
• Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not chew or crush the tablets. This is because the tablets contain coated pellets which stop the medicine from being broken down by the acid in your stomach. It is important not to damage these pellets.

What to do if you have difficulty swallowing

• If you have difficulty swallowing the tablets:

• Put the tablets in a glass of water. Do not use other liquids.
• Stir until the tablets break up (the mixture will not be clear). You can drink this mixture immediately or within 30 minutes. Always stir well before drinking.
• To make sure you get the full dose of the medicine, rinse the glass with half a glass of water and drink it. The solid pieces contain the medicine - do not chew or crush them.

• If you cannot swallow at all, the tablets can be dispersed in water and given through a syringe (a syringe without a needle) into the stomach through a tube.

Use in children under 12 years of age

Esomeprazol is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.

Information on dosing for children from 1 to 11 years is presented in the esomeprazol granules product information (consult your doctor or pharmacist if you need additional information).

Elderly patients

No dose adjustment is necessary in elderly patients.

If you take more Esomeprazol Combix than you should

If you take more esomeprazol than you should, talk to your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

In case of overdose or accidental ingestion, you can also contact the national poison control center (91 562 04 20), indicating the medicine and the amount taken. It is recommended to take the packaging and the leaflet of the medicine to the healthcare professional.

If you forget to take Esomeprazol Combix

• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, do not take the missed dose.
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you have any further questions on the use of this product, 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.

If you observe any of the following serious adverse effects, stop taking Esomeprazol Combix and contact a doctor immediately:

• A sudden difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat, or body in general, skin rash, fainting, or difficulty swallowing (severe allergic reaction).

• Redness of the skin with blisters or peeling. Large blisters and bleeding of the lips, eyes, mouth, nose, and genitals may also appear. This could be a "Stevens-Johnson Syndrome" or "toxic epidermal necrolysis".
• Yellow skin, dark urine, and fatigue, which can be symptoms of liver problems.
• Widespread rash, high body temperature, and enlargement of the lymph nodes (DRESS syndrome or drug hypersensitivity syndrome), which is very rare.

These effects are rare and may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people.

Other adverse effects include:

Frequent (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

• Headache.
• Effects on the stomach or intestine: stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, gas (flatulence).
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Benign polyps in the stomach.

Infrequent (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

• Swelling of the feet and ankles.
• Sleep disturbance (insomnia).
• Dizziness, tingling sensation, and numbness, drowsiness.
• Vertigo sensation.
• Dry mouth.
• Alteration of blood tests that determine liver function.
• Skin rash, hives, itching of the skin.
• Fracture of the hip, wrist, or spine (if Esomeprazol Combix is used at high doses and for a long period).

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

• Blood disorders such as a decrease in the number of white blood cells or platelets. This can cause weakness, bruising, or increase the likelihood of infections.
• Low sodium levels in the blood. This can cause weakness, vomiting, and cramps.
• Agitation, confusion, or depression.
• Taste alteration.
• Eye disorders such as blurred vision.
• Sudden sensation of shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (bronchospasm).
• Inflammation inside the mouth.
• An infection known as "candidiasis" that can affect the esophagus and is caused by a fungus.
• Liver problems, including jaundice, which can cause yellow skin, dark urine, and fatigue.
• Hair loss (alopecia).
• Dermatitis due to sun exposure.
• Joint pain (arthralgia) or muscle pain (myalgia).
• General feeling of discomfort and lack of energy.
• Increased sweating.

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

• Changes in the number of cells in the blood, including agranulocytosis (decrease in the number of white blood cells).
• Aggression.
• Seeing, feeling, or hearing things that do not exist (hallucinations).
• Liver disorders that can lead to liver failure or brain inflammation.
• Sudden appearance of severe skin rash, blisters, or peeling of the skin. These symptoms can be accompanied by high fever and joint pain. (Erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis).
• Muscle weakness.
• Severe kidney disorders.
• Enlargement of the breasts in men.

Frequency not known (frequency cannot be estimated from available data)

• If you are being treated with Esomeprazol Combix for more than three months, it is possible that your magnesium levels in the blood may decrease. Low magnesium levels can manifest as fatigue, involuntary muscle contractions, disorientation, convulsions, dizziness, or increased heart rate. If you have any of these symptoms, inform your doctor immediately. Low magnesium levels can also lead to a reduction in potassium or calcium levels in the blood.

Your doctor may decide to perform periodic tests to monitor your magnesium levels.

• Inflammation of the intestine (can lead to diarrhea).
• Skin rash, possibly with joint pain.

In very rare cases, esomeprazol can affect white blood cells, causing an immune deficiency.

If you have an infection with symptoms such as fever with a severe worsening of your general condition or fever with symptoms of a local infection such as pain in the neck, throat, mouth, or difficulty urinating, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible to rule out a decrease in the number of white blood cells (agranulocytosis) through a blood test. It is important that, in this case, you report your medication.

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 is not listed in this prospectus. 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 Esomeprazol Combix

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

Do not store at a temperature above 25°C.

Keep in the original packaging to protect it from moisture.

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

Medicines should not be thrown down the drain or into the trash. Deposit the packaging and medicines that you no longer need at the pharmacy's SIGRE point. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of the packaging and medicines that you no longer need. This will help protect the environment.

6. Package Contents and Additional Information

Composition of Esomeprazol Combix

• The active ingredient is esomeprazol. Each gastro-resistant tablet contains 20 mg of esomeprazol (as esomeprazol magnesium dihydrate).
• The other components are:

Core of the tablet: sugar spheres (sucrose and corn starch), hydroxypropylcellulose (E463), light magnesium oxide (E530).

Coating: povidone K-30, mannitol (E421), vegetable magnesium stearate (E470b), methacrylic acid and ethyl acrylate copolymer, polysorbate 80 (E433), triethyl citrate (E1507), glycerol monostearate 40-55 (E472a), hypromellose, macrogol 8000, silicified microcrystalline cellulose (E460i), microcrystalline cellulose (E460i), crospovidone (type A), copovidone, talc, opadry pink 20A54019 (composed of hypromellose, hydroxypropylcellulose (E463), titanium dioxide (E171), talc, and red iron oxide (E172)).

Appearance of the Product and Package Contents

Pink, oval, biconvex tablets, with beveled edges, film-coated, and smooth on both sides.

Esomeprazol Combix 20 mg is presented in OPA/Al/PE-PE/Al blister packs, available in packages of 14, 28, and 56 tablets.

Only some package sizes may be marketed.

Marketing Authorization Holder and Manufacturer

Marketing Authorization Holder:

Laboratorios Combix, S.L.U.

C/ Badajoz 2, Edificio 2.

28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón (Madrid)

Spain

Manufacturer:

Zydus France

ZAC Les Hautes Patures

Parc d'activités des Peupliers

25 Rue des Peupliers

92000 Nanterre

France

or

Centre Spécialités Pharmaceutiques

ZAC des Suzots

35 Rue de la Chapelle

63450 Saint Amant Tallende

France

or

Netpharmalab Consulting Services

Carretera de Fuencarral 22,

Alcobendas,

28108 Madrid

Spain

or

Flavine Pharma France

3 Voie d’Allemagne

13127 Vitrolles

France

Date of the Last Revision of this Prospectus: February 2025

Other Sources of Information

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

This information is intended only for healthcare professionals:

Administration through a gastric tube

1. Insert the tablet into a suitable syringe and fill the syringe with approximately 25 ml of water and approximately 5 ml of air. For some tubes, dispersion in 50 ml of water is required to prevent the pellets from clogging the tube.
2. Shake the syringe immediately for approximately 2 minutes to disperse the tablet.
3. Hold the syringe with the tip upwards and check that the tip is not clogged.
4. Connect the syringe to the tube while maintaining the previous position.

5. Shake the syringe and place it with the tip downwards. Inject immediately 5-10 ml into the tube. Invert the syringe after injection and shake (the syringe must be kept with the tip upwards to avoid clogging the tip).

1. Put the syringe back with the tip downwards and inject immediately another 5-10 ml into the tube. Repeat this procedure until the syringe is empty.
2. Fill the syringe with 25 ml of water and 5 ml of air and repeat step 5 if necessary to drag any sediment that remains in the syringe. For some tubes, 50 ml of water are necessary.