PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET:INFORMATION FOR THE USER
Nitroderm® TTS 10transdermal patches
Nitroglycerin
Read this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine because it contains important information for you.
Nitroderm TTS 10contains nitroglycerin as the active ingredient, which belongs to a group of medications called nitrates.
Nitroderm TTS 10is presented in the form of transdermal patches (release through the skin into the blood).
Nitroderm TTS 10is used to prevent or reduce the frequency of angina attacks (chest pain or discomfort). Nitroderm TTS dilates blood vessels, thus facilitating the heart's work.
If an angina attack has already started, instead of Nitroderm TTS patches, you should use a rapid-acting nitrate (sublingual tablets or spray).
Follow carefully the instructions of your doctor. They may be different from the general information given in this prospectus.
Do not use Nitroderm TTS 10
Warnings and precautions
Inform your doctor if you have, or have had, any of the following conditions:
In case of discontinuing treatment, the dose and frequency of application of the Nitroderm TTS patch must be reduced gradually over several weeks to avoid withdrawal reaction. If you start another treatment for angina, you may need to use both medications for a period of time.
Nitroderm may cause orthostatic hypotension, dizziness when standing up, so it is recommended to avoid changes in posture.
Before an intervention, hospitalization, emergency visit, or before any imaging test (e.g. MRI, cardioversion or defibrillation, or diathermy) inform your doctor or nurse that the Nitroderm TTS patch you are using contains aluminum if it needs to be removed.
Use of other medications
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medication, including those purchased without a prescription.
It may be necessary to change your dose or, in some cases, discontinue the use of one of the medications. It is especially important to inform your doctor if you are taking or plan to take any of the following medications:
Use of Nitroderm TTS with food and beverages:
Be careful when consuming alcoholic beverages, as your blood pressure may drop more than usual.
Use in children
Nitroderm TTS 10 should not be used in children.
Use in elderly patients
Older adults (65 years or older)may be more sensitive to the effects of nitrates. Your doctor will inform you about this.
Pregnancy and lactation
Consult your doctor or pharmacist about using any medication.
The experience with the use ofNitroderm TTSin pregnant womenis limited. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.Your doctor will discuss with you the potential risk ofusing Nitroderm TTSduring pregnancy.
It is unknown whether nitroglycerin passes into breast milk. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Driving and operating machinery
Nitroderm TTS may cause hypotension and dizziness, especially at the beginning of treatment or when changing doses. If you experience any of these effects, avoid driving vehicles or operating machinery.
Follow exactly the administration instructions for Nitroderm TTS as indicated by your doctor. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any doubts.
Your doctor will tell you which dose of Nitroderm TTS is best for you (Nitroderm TTS 5, 10, or 15) and how many patches you should use according to your individual needs.
Additionally, they will tell you when and how often to change the patch and the duration of treatment. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and do not exceed the recommended dose.
How many Nitroderm TTS 10 patches should be used
Generally, treatment starts with the smallest patch size (Nitroderm TTS 5) and is gradually increased. For most patients, a Nitroderm TTS 10 patch is sufficient. Do not use more than two Nitroderm TTS 10 patches at the same time or a Nitroderm TTS 15 patch combined with a Nitroderm TTS 5 patch. You should put a new patch on once a day, preferably in the morning. Your doctor may tell you to remove the patch for 8-12 hours a day, usually at night. If you consider the action of Nitroderm TTS to be too strong or too weak, inform your doctor.
Your doctor may increase or decrease your dose based on your response to treatment.
How and when to use Nitroderm TTS 10
Choose any area of the skin on the torso or upper arm, without hair.The skin should not be inflamed, cracked, or irritated. For the patch to adhere well, the skin should be clean, dry, and free of creams, lotions, oils, or powders. Choose a different area of the skin each day. Wait several days before choosing the same area again.
Each Nitroderm TTS patch is individually packaged in a thermosealed pouch. Open the pouch by the notch without using scissors and remove the patch.The patch (pink in color) has an adhesive surface covered with a white plastic protective film.
Open the pouch by the notch and remove the patch. Hold the patch carefully so that the white plastic protective film is facing you.
Double the tab forward with your thumb. Remove the white plastic protective film from the patch starting from the tab and discard it. Do not touch the adhesive.
Press the adhesive surface of the patch firmly onto the chosen area of the body (torso or upper arm) using the palm of your hand. Hold it in place for 10-20 seconds. Make sure it is well attached, especially around the edges. However, do not try to secure it by removing it once it is attached to the skin.
Nitroderm TTS should be removed when your doctor tells you to. When changing the patch, fold it in half, pressing the ends together and joining the adhesive surface before discarding it as it still contains nitroglycerin. Never cut or tear the patch. Any remaining adhesive on the skin can be easily removed with alcohol. To apply the next patch, choose a different area of the skin.
Nitroderm TTS adheres well to the skin and its action is not affected by bathing, showering, or physical activity if it is properly placed. If the patch does come off, discard it and apply a new one to a different area of the skin. If you forget to remove the patch at the right time, remove it as soon as possible and apply the next one without altering the established schedule.
If you use more Nitroderm TTS 10 than you should
If you accidentally use more patches than your doctor has indicated, contact your doctor immediately. You may require medical attention.
High doses of nitroglycerin can cause a rapid drop in blood pressure. The effect of Nitroderm TTS can be quickly eliminated by removing the patch.
The drop in blood pressure can be treated by elevating your legs and, if necessary, bandaging them.
In case of overdose or accidental ingestion, consult the Toxicology Information Service. Phone 91.562.04.20.
If you forget to use Nitroderm TTS 10
If you forget to change the Nitroderm TTS patch at the right time, do not worry. Change it as soon as you remember, apply a new patch, and follow the established schedule. Do not use a double dose to compensate for the missed doses.
If you interrupt treatment with Nitroderm TTS 10
If you have been using Nitroderm TTS regularly for weeks, do not stop treatment abruptly as it may cause angina attacks. Your doctor will tell you the best way to do it.
If you have any other doubts about using this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Like all medications, Nitroderm TTS may produce adverse effects, although not everyone will experience them. The following adverse effects may appear and disappear during treatment. Normally, they do not require medical attention, but consult your doctor if they persist or are severe.
Very Common(may affect more than 1 in 10 people):
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):
Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1000 people):
Very Rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people):
Unknown (the number of affected patients cannot be calculated with the available information):
Ifyou experience adverse effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist, even if they are adverse effects not listed in this prospectus.
Keepoutof the reach and sight of children.
Nitroderm TTS should be stored in the original packaging in a dry and cool place. Do not store at a temperature above25°C.
Do not use Nitroderm TTS after the expiration date that appears on the packaging or on the overwrap. The expiration date is the last day of the month indicated.
Medicines should not be disposed of through drains or in the trash. Dispose of the packaging and unused medicines at the Pharmacy Take-BackPoint. If in doubt, ask your pharmacist how to dispose of unused packaging and medicines. This will help protect the environment
Composition of Nitroderm TTS 10
The active ingredient is nitroglycerin. Each patch of 20 cm2contains 50 mg of nitroglycerin, releasing approximately 10 mg of nitroglycerin every 24 hours.
The other components are: lactose, dimethicone, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, medical adhesive CH 15, and aluminum foil.
Nitroderm TTS 10 is available in packs of 7 and 30 patches.
BEXAL FARMACÉUTICA, S.A.
Centro Empresarial Parque Norte
Edificio Roble
C/ Serrano Galvache, 56
28033 Madrid
Spain
Novartis Farmacéutica, S.A.
Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 764
08013 Barcelona
Spain
or
Novartis Pharma GmbH,
Roonstrasse 25,
90429 Nürnberg,
Germany
or
LTS Lohmann Therapie-Systeme AG,
Lohmannstr.2
56626 Andernach
Germany
Last review date of this leaflet:October2013
The detailed and updated information on this medication is available on the website of the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS)http://www.aemps.gob.es/
Have questions about this medication or your symptoms? Connect with a licensed doctor for guidance and personalized care.