GLICLAZIDE AUROVITAS 30 mg MODIFIED-RELEASE TABLETS

Introduction

Leaflet: information for the patient

Gliclazide Aurovitas 30 mg modified-release tablets EFG

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

• Keep this leaflet, as you may need to read it again.
• If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

• This medication has been prescribed to you only, and you should not give it to others, even if they have the same symptoms as you, as it may harm them.
  • If you experience side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist, even if they are side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.

Contents of the leaflet

1. What is Gliclazide Aurovitas and what is it used for
2. What you need to know before taking Gliclazide Aurovitas
3. How to take Gliclazide Aurovitas
4. Possible side effects

5 Storage of Gliclazide Aurovitas

1. Package contents and additional information

1. What is Gliclazide Aurovitas and what is it used for

Gliclazide is a medication that reduces blood sugar levels (oral antidiabetic medication belonging to the sulfonylurea group). Gliclazide is used in a certain type of diabetes in adults (type 2 diabetes mellitus), when diet, physical exercise, and weight loss alone are not sufficient to ensure normal blood sugar levels.

2. What you need to know before taking Gliclazide Aurovitas

Do not takeGliclazide Aurovitas

• if you are allergic to gliclazide or any of the other components of this medication (listed in section 6), or to other medications in the same group (sulfonylureas), or to other related medications (hypoglycemic sulfonamides);
• if you have insulin-dependent diabetes (type 1);
• if you have ketone bodies and sugar in the urine (which may indicate that you have diabetic ketoacidosis), precoma, or diabetic coma;
• if you have severe kidney or liver impairment;
• if you are taking medications for the treatment of fungal infections (miconazole), see section "Use of other medications";
• if you are breastfeeding (see section "Pregnancy and breastfeeding").

Warnings and precautions

Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting to take Gliclazide Aurovitas.

You should follow the treatment prescribed by your doctor to achieve adequate blood sugar levels. This means that, in addition to taking the tablets regularly, you should control your diet, exercise, and, if necessary, lose weight.

During treatment with gliclazide, periodic monitoring of your blood sugar level (and possibly urine) and hemoglobin A1c is necessary.

In the first few weeks of treatment, the risk of low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) may increase. Close clinical monitoring is especially necessary.

Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) may occur:

• if you do not maintain regular meals or skip them, if you are fasting,
• if you are malnourished,
• if you change your diet,
• if you increase your physical activity without an adequate increase in carbohydrate intake,
• if you drink alcohol, especially if you skip meals,
• if you take other medications or natural remedies at the same time,
• if you take too high a dose of gliclazide,
• if you have certain hormonal disorders (functional disorders of the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, or adrenal cortex),
• if your kidney or liver function is severely impaired,

If you experience low blood sugar, you may have the following symptoms: headache, intense hunger, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, sleep disturbances, agitation, aggression, lack of concentration, decreased alertness and reaction time, depression, confusion, visual and speech disturbances, tremors, sensory disorders, dizziness, and vulnerability.

You may also observe the following signs and symptoms: sweating, moist skin, anxiety, rapid or irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, severe chest pain that may radiate to adjacent areas (angina pectoris).

If your blood sugar levels continue to drop, you may experience severe confusion (delirium), convulsions, loss of self-control, shallow breathing, and a slowed heart rate, which can lead to unconsciousness.

In most cases, the symptoms of low blood sugar disappear quickly after consuming any form of sugar (e.g., glucose tablets, sugar cubes, sugary juice, sugary tea).

Therefore, you should always carry some sugar with you (glucose tablets, sugar cubes). Remember that artificial sweeteners are not effective. If sugar intake does not help or the symptoms recur, please contact your doctor or the nearest hospital.

The symptoms of low blood sugar may not appear, be mild, or develop slowly, or you may not notice in time that your blood sugar level has decreased. This can happen in elderly patients who take certain medications (e.g., those that act on the central nervous system and beta-blockers).

If you are under stress (accidents, surgical interventions, fever, etc.), your doctor may temporarily switch you to insulin treatment.

The symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) may appear when gliclazide has not yet sufficiently reduced blood sugar, when you have not followed the treatment prescribed by your doctor, if you take preparations containing St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) (see section "Other medications and Gliclazide Aurovitas"), or in special situations of stress. They may include thirst, frequent urination, dry mouth, dry skin with itching, skin infections, and decreased performance.

If these symptoms appear, you should contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Alterations in blood glucose (low blood sugar and high blood sugar) may occur when gliclazide is prescribed at the same time as other medications belonging to a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones, especially in elderly patients. In this case, your doctor will remind you of the importance of monitoring your blood glucose.

If you have a family history or know that you have a hereditary disorder of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency (a disorder of red blood cells), a decrease in hemoglobin level and destruction of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia) may occur. Consult your doctor before taking this medication.

Cases of acute porphyria have been described with other sulfonylureas in patients with porphyria (hereditary genetic disorders that cause accumulation of porphyrins and porphyrin precursors in the body).

Children and adolescents

Gliclazide is not recommended for use in children due to the lack of data.

Other medications and Gliclazide Aurovitas

Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are using, have recently used, or may need to use any other medication.

The hypoglycemic effect of gliclazide may be enhanced, and signs of low blood sugar may appear when taking one of the following medications:

• other medications used to treat high blood sugar (oral antidiabetics, GLP-1 receptor agonists, or insulin),
• antibiotics (sulfonamides, clarithromycin),
• medications for treating high blood pressure or heart failure (beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors such as captopril or enalapril),
• medications for treating fungal infections (miconazole, fluconazole),
• medications for treating stomach or duodenal ulcers (H2 receptor antagonists),
• medications for treating depression (monoamine oxidase inhibitors),
• analgesics or anti-rheumatics (phenylbutazone, ibuprofen),
• medications containing alcohol.

The hypoglycemic effect of gliclazide may be reduced, and blood sugar levels may increase if you take any of the following medications:

• medications for treating central nervous system disorders (chlorpromazine),
• anti-inflammatory medications (corticosteroids),
• medications for treating asthma or used during childbirth (intravenous salbutamol, ritodrine, and terbutaline),
• medications for treating breast disorders, heavy menstrual bleeding, and endometriosis (danazol).
• preparations containing St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum).

When a medication belonging to the class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones is taken at the same time as gliclazide, alterations in blood glucose (low blood sugar and high blood sugar) may occur, especially in elderly patients.

Gliclazide may increase the effect of medications that reduce blood coagulation (warfarin).

Consult your doctor before using any other medication. If you are hospitalized, inform the staff that you are taking gliclazide.

Taking Gliclazide Aurovitas with food, drinks, and alcohol

Gliclazide can be taken with meals and non-alcoholic drinks.

Alcohol consumption is not recommended, as it can unpredictably alter your diabetes control.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

The use of gliclazide is not recommended during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, consult your doctor before using this medication.

You should not use gliclazide if you are breastfeeding.

Driving and using machines

If your blood sugar level drops too low (hypoglycemia) or rises too high (hyperglycemia), or if you experience visual problems as a result of these disorders, your ability to concentrate or react may be impaired. Keep in mind that you may put yourself or others at risk (e.g., when driving or operating machinery). Consult your doctor if you can drive in the following cases:

• if you have frequent episodes of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia),
• if you have mild or no symptoms that warn you of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Gliclazide Aurovitascontains lactose

If your doctor has told you that you have an intolerance to certain sugars, consult with them before taking this medication.

3. How to take Gliclazide Aurovitas

Dose

Follow the administration instructions for this medication exactly as indicated by your doctor or pharmacist. In case of doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist again.

The dose will be determined by your doctor, depending on your blood sugar levels and possibly urine.

Dose adjustments of gliclazide may be necessary due to changes in external factors (weight loss, change in lifestyle, stress) or improvements in blood sugar control.

The recommended daily dose of Gliclazide Aurovitas 30 mg is one to four tablets (maximum 120 mg) in a single dose with breakfast, depending on the response to treatment.

If combination therapy with gliclazide and metformin, an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, a thiazolidinedione, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, or insulin is started, your doctor will determine the appropriate dose of each medication for you.

Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you notice that your blood sugar levels are high despite taking this medication as prescribed by your doctor.

Form and route of administration

Oral route.

Swallow the tablets whole.

Take the tablet(s) with a glass of water at breakfast (preferably at the same time each day).

You should always eat after taking the tablet(s).

If you take moreGliclazide Aurovitasthan you should

If you take too many tablets, contact your doctor or the emergency department of the nearest hospital or call the Toxicology Information Service, phone 91 562 04 20, indicating the medication and the amount taken. The symptoms of overdose are those of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) described in section 2. The symptoms may improve by taking sugar (4 to 6 sugar cubes) or sugary drinks, followed by a substantial snack or meal. If the patient is unconscious, inform the doctor immediately and call the emergency services. The same should be done if someone, for example, a child, has taken the medication accidentally. Do not give food or drink to unconscious persons.

You should ensure that there is always an informed person who can call the doctor in case of an emergency.

If you forget to takeGliclazide Aurovitas

It is important that you take your medication every day, as regular treatment is more effective.

However, if you forget to take a dose of gliclazide, take the next dose at the usual time.

Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed doses.

If you stop takingGliclazide Aurovitas

Since diabetes treatment is usually lifelong, you should consult your doctor before stopping this medication. Stopping treatment could cause an increase in blood sugar (hyperglycemia), which increases the risk of developing diabetes complications.

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

4. Possible side effects

Like all medications, this medication can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them.

Contact a doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms

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

• Skin reactions such as rash, redness, itching, hives, blisters, angioedema (rapid swelling of tissues such as eyelids, face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat that can cause difficulty breathing) have been reported. The rash may evolve into widespread blisters or peeling of the skin. If you develop these disorders, stop taking gliclazide, consult a doctor urgently, and tell them that you are taking this medication. Exceptionally, signs of severe hypersensitivity reactions (DRESS) have been reported: initially as symptoms similar to those of the flu and a rash on the face, and then a widespread rash with high fever.
• Abnormal liver function, changes in your liver (which can cause yellowing of the skin and eyes). If you experience this, go to your doctor immediately. These symptoms usually disappear when treatment is discontinued. Your doctor will decide if it is necessary to discontinue your treatment.

Frequency not known(cannot be estimated from the available data):

• Severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). For symptoms and signs of hypoglycemia, see section "Warnings and precautions". If these symptoms are not treated, they may progress to drowsiness, loss of consciousness, or possibly coma. You should seek immediate medical attentionif the episode of low blood sugar is severe or prolonged, even if it is temporarily controlled with sugar intake.

As with other sulfonylureas, the following adverse reactions have been observed: cases of severe changes in blood cell counts and allergic inflammation of blood vessel walls, decreased sodium in the blood (hyponatremia), symptoms of liver failure (e.g., jaundice) that in most cases disappeared after withdrawal of the sulfonylurea, but in isolated cases may lead to life-threatening liver failure.

Other possible side effects

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

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). For symptoms and signs, see section "Warnings and precautions".

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

• Gastrointestinal disorders, including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, diarrhea, and constipation.

These effects are reduced when gliclazide is taken with meals, as recommended.

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

• Decrease in blood cell count (e.g., platelets, red and white blood cells) that can cause pallor, prolonged bleeding, bruising, sore throat, and fever. These symptoms usually disappear when treatment is discontinued.
• Your vision may be temporarily affected, especially at the start of treatment. This effect is due to changes in blood sugar levels.

Reporting side effects

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

5. Storage of Gliclazide Aurovitas

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

Do not use this medication after the expiration date shown on the carton and blister pack, after "EXP". The expiration date is the last day of the month indicated.

This medication does not require special storage conditions.

Medications should not be disposed of through wastewater or household waste. Deposit the packaging and medications you no longer need at the SIGRE collection point in your pharmacy. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of the packaging and medications you no longer need. This will help protect the environment.

6. Packaging Content and Additional Information

Composition ofGliclazida Aurovitas

• The active ingredient is gliclazide.

Each modified-release tablet contains 30 mg of gliclazide.

• The other ingredients are: calcium carbonate, hypromellose 2208 (100mPas and 4000mPas controlled-release grade), lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, and anhydrous colloidal silica.

Appearance of the Product and Packaging Content

Modified-release tablet.

Gliclazida Aurovitas 30 mg modified-release tablets EFG:

Biconvex, uncoated, white to off-white, oblong tablet, approximately 10 x 4.5 mm in size, engraved with 'G30' on one face and smooth on the other.

Gliclazida Aurovitas 30 mg modified-release tablets EFG are available in blisters and HDPE bottles.

Packaging Sizes:

Blister Pack:

For 30 mg:10, 30, 60, and 180 modified-release tablets.

Bottle Pack:

For 30 mg:250 modified-release tablets.

Not all packaging sizes may be marketed.

Marketing Authorization Holder and Manufacturer

Aurovitas Spain, S.A.U.

Avda. de Burgos, 16-D

28036 Madrid

Spain

Manufacturer

APL Swift Services (Malta) Limited

HF26, Hal Far Industrial Estate, Hal Far

Birzebbugia, BBG 3000

Malta

Or

Generis Farmacêutica, S.A.

Rua João de Deus, 19

2700-487 Amadora

Portugal

Or

Arrow Génériques

26 Avenue Tony Garnier

69007 Lyon

France

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

France: Glicazide Arrow Generiques 30 mg, comprimé à libération modifiée

Italy: Gliclazide Aurobindo

Netherlands: Gliclazide Aurobindo Retard 30 mg, tabletten met gereguleerde afgifte

Portugal: Gliclazida Generis Phar

Spain: Gliclazida Aurovitas 30 mg modified-release tablets EFG

Date of the Last Revision of this Leaflet:January 2023

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