KARVEZIDE 300 mg/12.5 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS

Introduction

Package Leaflet: Information for the PatientKarvezide 300mg/12.5mg film-coated tablets

Irbesartan/Hydrochlorothiazide

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

1. What is Karvezide and what is it used for

Karvezide is a combination of two active substances, irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide.

Irbesartan belongs to a group of medicines known as angiotensin-II receptor antagonists.

Angiotensin-II is a substance produced in the body that binds to receptors in blood vessels, causing them to narrow. This results in an increase in blood pressure. Irbesartan blocks the binding of angiotensin-II to these receptors, relaxing the blood vessels and lowering blood pressure.

Hydrochlorothiazide belongs to a group of medicines called thiazide diuretics, which increase the amount of urine removed from the body, lowering blood pressure.

The two active substances in Karvezide work together to achieve a greater reduction in blood pressure than either substance alone.

Karvezide is used to treat high blood pressure, when treatment with irbesartan or hydrochlorothiazide alone has not provided adequate control of blood pressure.

2. What you need to know before you take Karvezide

Do not take Karvezide

• if you are allergicto irbesartan, or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6)
• if you are allergicto hydrochlorothiazide or any other sulfonamide-derived medication
• if you are more than 3 months pregnant. (In any case, it is recommended to avoid taking this medicine during the first trimester of pregnancy – see section “Pregnancy”)
• if you have severe liver or kidney problems
• if you have difficulty urinating
• if your doctor detects that you have persistently elevated calcium or low potassium levels in your blood
• if you have diabetes or kidney insufficiencyand are being treated with a blood pressure-lowering medicine containing aliskiren.

Warnings and precautions

Consult your doctor before starting to take Karvezide and in any of the following cases:

• if you have excessive vomiting or diarrhea
• if you have kidney problemsor have had a kidney transplant
• if you have heart problems
• if you have liver problems
• if you have diabetes
• if you experience low blood sugar levels(symptoms may include sweating, weakness, hunger, dizziness, tremors, headache, flushing, or pallor), especially if you are being treated for diabetes
• if you have systemic lupus erythematosus(also known as lupus or SLE)
• if you have primary aldosteronism(a condition related to excessive production of the hormone aldosterone, leading to sodium retention and increased blood pressure)
• if you are taking any of the following medicines used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension):

• an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE inhibitor) (e.g., enalapril, lisinopril, ramipril), particularly if you have kidney problems related to diabetes.
• aliskiren.
• if you have had skin cancer or if you develop an unexpected skin lesionduring treatment. Treatment with hydrochlorothiazide, especially long-term use at high doses, may increase the risk of certain types of skin and lip cancer (non-melanoma skin cancer). Protect your skin from sun exposure and UV rays while taking Karvezide.
• if you have had respiratory or lung problems(such as inflammation or fluid in the lungs) after taking hydrochlorothiazide in the past. If you experience severe shortness of breath or difficulty breathing after taking Karvezide, seek medical attention immediately.

Your doctor may monitor your kidney function, blood pressure, and blood electrolyte levels (e.g., potassium) at regular intervals.

Consult your doctor if you experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea after taking Karvezide. Your doctor will decide whether to continue treatment. Do not stop taking Karvezide on your own.

See also the information under the heading “Do not take Karvezide”.

If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant, inform your doctor. Karvezide is not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy and should not be used after the third month of pregnancy, as it may cause serious harm to your baby (see section “Pregnancy”).

You must also inform your doctor:

• if you are on a low-salt diet
• if you experience any of the following signs: feeling of thirst, dry mouth, general weakness, feeling of sleepiness, muscle pain or cramps, nausea, vomiting, or rapid heartbeat, as they may indicate an excessive effect of hydrochlorothiazide (contained in Karvezide)
• if you experience an increased sensitivity of your skin to the sunwith symptoms of sunburn (such as redness, itching, swelling, blisters) that occurs more quickly than usual
• if you are going to have surgery(surgical intervention) or if you are going to be administeredanesthetics.
• if you experience a decrease in vision or eye pain when taking Karvezide. These could be symptoms of fluid accumulation in the vascular layer of the eye (choroidal effusion) or increased pressure in the eye (glaucoma) and can occur within a few hours to a week after taking Karvezide. This can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated. If you have previously been allergic to penicillin or sulfonamide, you may be at higher risk of developing it. You should discontinue treatment with Karvezide and seek immediate medical attention.

Hydrochlorothiazide contained in this medicine may cause positive results in doping tests.

Children and adolescents

Karvezide should not be given to children and adolescents (under 18 years of age).

Using Karvezide with other medicines

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using, have recently used, or might use any other medicines.

Diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide contained in Karvezide, may have an effect on other medicines. You should not take preparations containing lithium with Karvezide without your doctor's supervision.

Your doctor may need to adjust your dose and/or take other precautions:

If you are taking an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE inhibitor) or aliskiren (see also the information under the headings “Do not take Karvezide” and “Warnings and precautions”).

You may need to have blood tests if you take:

• potassium supplements
• salt substitutes containing potassium
• potassium-sparing medicines or other diuretics (tablets that increase urine production)
• certain laxatives
• medicines used to treat gout
• vitamin D supplements
• medicines to control heart rhythm
• medicines for diabetes (oral agents such as repaglinide or insulins)
• carbamazepine (a medicine for epilepsy treatment)

It is also important to inform your doctor if you are taking other medicines to lower your blood pressure, steroids, cancer treatments, painkillers, medicines for arthritis, or cholestyramine or colestipol resins to lower blood cholesterol.

Taking Karvezide with food, drinks, and alcohol

Karvezide can be taken with or without food.

Due to the hydrochlorothiazide contained in Karvezide, if you drink alcohol while taking this medicine, you may experience increased dizziness when standing up, especially when getting up from a sitting or lying position.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fertility

Pregnancy

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant. Your doctor will normally advise you to stop taking Karvezide before you become pregnant or as soon as you know you are pregnant and will recommend that you take another medicine to lower your blood pressure instead. Karvezide is not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy and should not be used after the third month of pregnancy, as it may cause serious harm to your baby.

Breastfeeding

Inform your doctor if you are about to start or are breastfeeding, as Karvezide is not recommended for use during breastfeeding. Your doctor may decide to give you a different treatment that is more suitable if you want to breastfeed, especially for newborns or premature babies.

Driving and using machines

Karvezide is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or use machines. However, during treatment for high blood pressure, dizziness or fatigue may occasionally occur. If you experience these symptoms, talk to your doctor before driving or using machines.

Karvezide contains lactose. If your doctor has told you that you have an intolerance to some sugars (e.g., lactose), consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

Karvezide contains sodium. This medicine contains less than 1 mmol of sodium (23 mg) per tablet, which is essentially “sodium-free”.

3. How to take Karvezide

Follow exactly the instructions of your doctor for taking this medicine. If you are unsure, consult your doctor or pharmacist again.

Dose

The recommended dose of Karvezide is one tablet per day. In general, your doctor will prescribe Karvezide when previous treatments you received did not sufficiently reduce your blood pressure. Your doctor will indicate how to switch from previous treatments to Karvezide.

Method of administration

Karvezide is taken orally. The tablets should be swallowed with a sufficient amount of liquid (e.g., a glass of water). You can take Karvezide with or without food. Try to take your daily dose at the same time each day. It is important that you continue taking Karvezide until your doctor advises you to stop.

The maximum blood pressure-lowering effect should be achieved within 6-8 weeks after starting treatment.

If you take more Karvezide than you should

If you accidentally take too many tablets, contact your doctor immediately.

Children should not take Karvezide

Karvezide should not be given to children under 18 years of age. If a child swallows some tablets, contact your doctor immediately.

If you forget to take Karvezide

If you accidentally miss a dose, simply take your normal dose when it is due next. Do not take a double dose to make up for forgotten doses.

If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

4. Possible side effects

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

Some of these effects may be serious and may require medical attention.

In rare cases, reports of skin allergic reactions (rash, urticaria) have been received for patients treated with irbesartan, as well as localized swelling in the face, lips, and/or tongue. If you have any of the above symptoms or experience shortness of breath, stop taking Karvezide and contact your doctor immediately.

The frequency of side effects is defined using the following convention:

Common: may affect up to 1 in 10 people

Uncommon: may affect up to 1 in 100 people

The side effects reported in clinical studies for patients treated with Karvezide were:

Common side effects(may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

• nausea/vomiting
• urination anomalies
• fatigue
• dizziness (including dizziness when standing up from a lying or sitting position)
• blood tests may show elevated levels of an enzyme that measures muscle and heart function (creatine kinase) or elevated levels of substances that measure kidney function (urea, creatinine).

If any of these side effects bother you, talk to your doctor

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

• diarrhea
• low blood pressure
• fainting
• rapid heartbeat
• flushing
• swelling due to fluid retention (edema)
• sexual dysfunction (sexual function disorders)
• blood tests may show low sodium and potassium levels in your blood.

If any of these side effects bother you, talk to your doctor

Side effects reported since Karvezide has been marketed

Since Karvezide has been marketed, some side effects have been reported. The frequency of these side effects is not known: headache, ringing in the ears, cough, altered taste, indigestion, muscle and joint pain, liver function disorders, kidney failure, high potassium levels in the blood, and allergic reactions such as rash, urticaria, swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat. Rare cases of jaundice (yellowing of the skin and/or whites of the eyes) have also been observed.

As with all combinations of two active substances, it cannot be excluded that side effects associated with each of the components may occur.

Side effects associated with irbesartan alone

In addition to the side effects described above, the following have also been reported: chest pain, severe allergic reactions (anaphylactic shock), decreased red blood cell count (anemia - symptoms may include tiredness, headaches, difficulty breathing when exercising, dizziness, and paleness), and decreased platelet count (a blood cell essential for blood clotting) and low blood sugar levels.

Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people): intestinal angioedema: swelling in the intestine with symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Side effects associated with hydrochlorothiazide alone

Loss of appetite; stomach upset; stomach cramps; constipation; jaundice (yellowing of the skin and/or whites of the eyes); pancreatitis characterized by severe upper stomach pain, often with nausea and vomiting; sleep disorders; depression; blurred vision; low white blood cell count, which can lead to frequent infections, fever; decreased platelet count (a blood cell essential for blood clotting), decreased red blood cell count (anemia) characterized by tiredness, headaches, difficulty breathing when exercising, dizziness, and paleness; kidney disease; lung disorders including pneumonia or fluid accumulation in the lungs; increased sensitivity of the skin to the sun; blood vessel inflammation; a skin disease characterized by peeling of the skin all over the body; cutaneous lupus erythematosus, identified by a rash that can appear on the face, neck, and scalp; allergic reactions; weakness and muscle spasms; heart rhythm disorders; low blood pressure after changing body position; swelling of the salivary glands; high blood sugar levels; sugar in the urine; increased levels of certain blood fats; high uric acid levels in the blood, which can cause gout.

Very rare:Acute respiratory distress (signs include severe difficulty breathing, fever, weakness, and confusion).

Frequency “not known”(cannot be estimated from available data): skin and lip cancer (non-melanoma skin cancer), decreased vision or eye pain due to high pressure (possible signs of fluid accumulation in the vascular layer of the eye (choroidal effusion) or glaucoma).

It is known that side effects associated with hydrochlorothiazide can increase with higher doses of hydrochlorothiazide.

Reporting of side effects

If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist, even if it is possible that they are not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly through the national reporting system listed in Appendix V. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

5. Storage of Karvezide

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

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and on the blister after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of the month shown.

Do not store above 30 °C.

Store in the original package to protect from moisture.

Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. This will help protect the environment.

6. Package contents and additional information

Composition of Karvezide

• The active substances are irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide. Each film-coated tablet of Karvezide 300 mg/12.5 mg contains 300 mg of irbesartan and 12.5 mg of hydrochlorothiazide.
• The other ingredients are lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium croscarmellose, hypromellose, colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, macrogol 3000, red and yellow iron oxides, carnauba wax. See section 2 "Karvezide contains lactose".

Appearance and package contents of the product

Karvezide 300 mg/12.5 mg film-coated tablets are peach, biconvex, oval-shaped, with a heart-shaped indentation on one side and the number 2876 engraved on the other.

Karvezide 300 mg/12.5 mg film-coated tablets are available in blister packs of 14, 28, 30, 56, 84, 90 or 98 film-coated tablets. They are also available in unit dose blister packs of 56 x 1 film-coated tablet for hospital use.

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

Marketing authorisation holder

Sanofi Winthrop Industrie

82 avenue Raspail

94250 Gentilly

France

Manufacturer

SANOFI WINTHROP INDUSTRIE1, rue de la ViergeAmbarès & LagraveF-33565 Carbon Blanc Cedex - France

SANOFI WINTHROP INDUSTRIE30-36 Avenue Gustave Eiffel37100 Tours - France

SANOFI-AVENTIS, S.A.

Ctra. C-35 (La Batlloria-Hostalric), km. 63.09

17404 Riells i Viabrea (Girona)

Spain

You can request more information about this medicine from the local representative of the marketing authorisation holder:

Date of last revision of this leaflet:

Detailed information on this medicine is available on the European Medicines Agency web site: http://www.ema.europa.eu.