VALSARTAN TARBIS 80 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS

Introduction

PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET

Valsartan Tarbis 80 mg film-coated 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 Valsartan Tarbis and what is it used for.
2. What you need to know before you take Valsartan Tarbis.
3. How to take Valsartan Tarbis.
4. Possible side effects.
5. Storing Valsartan Tarbis.
6. Contents of the pack and other information.

1. What is Valsartan Tarbis and what is it used for

Valsartan Tarbis belongs to a group of medicines known as angiotensin II receptor antagonists, which help to control high blood pressure. Angiotensin II is a substance in the body that causes blood vessels to narrow, leading to an increase in blood pressure. Valsartan Tarbis works by blocking the effect of angiotensin II. As a result, blood vessels relax and blood pressure decreases.

Valsartan Tarbis can be used for three different conditions:

• To treat high blood pressure in adults and in children and adolescents from 6 to 18 years of age. High blood pressure increases the workload of the heart and arteries. If not treated, it can damage blood vessels in the brain, heart, and kidneys, and may lead to a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure increases the risk of heart attacks. Lowering blood pressure to normal levels reduces the risk of developing these disorders.
• To treat adult patients after a recent heart attack (myocardial infarction). "Recent" means here between 12 hours and 10 days.
• To treat symptomatic heart failure in adult patients. Valsartan Tarbis is used when it is not possible to use a group of medicines called Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEIs) (a medication for treating heart failure), or it can be used in addition to ACEIs when it is not possible to use other medications for the treatment of heart failure. Symptoms of heart failure include shortness of breath and swelling of the feet and legs due to fluid retention. This is because the heart muscle cannot pump blood with enough force to provide the body with the blood it needs.

2. What you need to know before you take Valsartan Tarbis

Do not take Valsartan Tarbis

• if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to valsartan or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).
• if you have severe liver disease.
• if you are more than 3 months pregnant (it is also recommended to avoid Valsartan Tarbis during the first months of pregnancy; see section Pregnancy).
• if you have diabetes or kidney problems and are being treated with a medicine to reduce blood pressure that contains aliskiren.

If any of the above applies to you, do not take Valsartan Tarbis.

Warnings and precautions:

Be particularly careful with Valsartan Tarbis:

• if you have liver disease.
• if you have severe kidney disease or are undergoing dialysis.
• if you have narrowing of the kidney artery.
• if you have recently undergone a kidney transplant (received a new kidney).
• if you are being treated for a heart attack or heart failure, your doctor may check your kidney function.
• if you have severe heart disease other than heart failure or heart attack.
• if you have experienced swelling of the tongue and face caused by an allergic reaction called angioedema when taking other medicines (including ACEIs), inform your doctor. If you have these symptoms when taking Valsartan Tarbis, stop treatment with Valsartan Tarbis immediately and never take it again. See also section 4 "Possible side effects".
• if you are using medicines that increase the amount of potassium in the blood. These include potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium, potassium-sparing medicines, and heparin. It may be necessary to regularly check the amount of potassium in the blood.
• if you are under 18 years of age and take Valsartan Tarbis in combination with other medicines that inhibit the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (medicines that lower blood pressure), your doctor may regularly check your kidney function and the amount of potassium in the blood.
• if you have aldosteronism, a disease in which the adrenal glands produce too much aldosterone hormone. In this case, it is not recommended to take Valsartan Tarbis.
• if you have lost a lot of fluid (dehydration) due to diarrhea, vomiting, or high doses of diuretics (medicines to increase urine production).
• you must inform your doctor if you think you are (or might become) pregnant. The use of Valsartan Tarbis is not recommended at the start of pregnancy, and it must not be taken if you are more than 3 months pregnant, as it may cause serious harm to your baby if used during this period (see section Pregnancy).
• if you are taking any of the following medicines used to treat high blood pressure:
• "an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI)" (e.g., enalapril, lisinopril, ramipril), especially if you have kidney problems related to diabetes.
• aliskiren.
• if you are being treated with an ACEI along with other specific medicines for the treatment of your heart failure, known as mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) (e.g., spironolactone, eplerenone) or beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol).

If any of the above applies to you, inform your doctor before taking Valsartan Tarbis.

Your doctor may check your kidney function, blood pressure, and levels of electrolytes (e.g., potassium) in the blood at regular intervals.

See also the information under the heading "Do not take Valsartan Tarbis".

Using Valsartan Tarbis with other medicines

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medicines.

The effect of treatment with Valsartan Tarbis may be altered if taken with certain medicines. It may be necessary to change the dose, take other precautions, or, in some cases, stop treatment with one of the medicines. This applies to both prescription and non-prescription medicines, especially:

• other medicines that lower blood pressure, especially diuretics (medicines to increase urine production), ACEIs (such as enalapril, lisinopril, etc.), or aliskiren.
• medicines that increase the amount of potassium in the blood. These include potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium, potassium-sparing medicines, and heparin.
• certain pain-relieving medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• certain antibiotics (of the rifampicin group), a medicine used to protect against rejection in a transplant (cyclosporin), or an antiretroviral medicine used to treat HIV/AIDS (ritonavir). These medicines may increase the effect of Valsartan Tarbis.
• lithium, a medicine used to treat certain types of psychiatric diseases.
• if you are taking an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or aliskiren (see also the information under the headings "Do not take Valsartan Tarbis" and "Warnings and precautions").
• if you are being treated with an ACEI along with other specific medicines for the treatment of your heart failure, known as mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) (e.g., spironolactone, eplerenone) or beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol).

In addition:

• if you are being treated after a heart attack, it is not recommended to combine with ACEIs (a medication for treating a heart attack).
• if you are being treated for heart failure, it is not recommended to combine with ACEIs and beta-blockers (a medication for treating a heart attack).

Taking Valsartan Tarbis with food and drink

You can take Valsartan Tarbis with or without food.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

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.

• You must tell your doctor if you think you are pregnant or might become pregnant. Your doctor will normally advise you to stop taking Valsartan Tarbis before you become pregnant or as soon as you know you are pregnant, and will advise you to take another medicine instead of Valsartan Tarbis. The use of Valsartan Tarbis is not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy, and it must not be taken if you are more than 3 months pregnant, as it may cause serious harm to your baby if used during this period.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding or about to start breast-feeding. It is not recommended to take Valsartan Tarbis while breast-feeding, and your doctor may choose another treatment for you if you want to breast-feed, especially if your baby is newborn or was born prematurely.

Driving and using machines

Before driving a vehicle, using tools, or operating machinery, or carrying out other activities that require concentration, make sure you know how Valsartan Tarbis affects you. Like many other medicines used to treat high blood pressure, Valsartan Tarbis can cause dizziness and affect your ability to concentrate.

3. How to take Valsartan Tarbis

To get the best results and reduce the risk of side effects, always take Valsartan Tarbis exactly as your doctor tells you. If you are unsure, ask your doctor or pharmacist. People with high blood pressure often do not notice any symptoms, and many feel normal. This makes it very important to keep your appointments with your doctor, even if you feel well.

Adult patients with high blood pressure:

The usual dose is 80 mg once daily. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe higher doses (e.g., 160 mg or 320 mg). Valsartan Tarbis can also be taken in combination with another medicine (e.g., a diuretic).

Use in children and adolescents (6 to 18 years of age) with high blood pressure:

In patients who weigh less than 35 kg, the recommended dose is 40 mg of valsartan once daily.

In patients who weigh 35 kg or more, the recommended starting dose is 80 mg of valsartan once daily.

In some cases, your doctor may prescribe higher doses (the dose can be increased to 160 mg and up to a maximum of 320 mg).

Adult patients after a recent heart attack:

Treatment is usually started at 12 hours, normally with a low dose of 20 mg, given twice daily. The 20 mg dose is obtained by dividing the 40 mg tablet. Your doctor will gradually increase this dose over several weeks to a maximum of 160 mg twice daily. The final dose will depend on your individual tolerance.

Valsartan Tarbis can be given with other treatments for heart attack, and your doctor will decide which treatment is suitable for you.

Adult patients with heart failure:

Treatment is usually started with 40 mg twice daily. Your doctor will gradually increase the dose over several weeks to a maximum of 160 mg twice daily. The final dose will depend on your individual tolerance.

Valsartan Tarbis can be taken with other treatments for heart failure, and your doctor will decide which treatment is suitable for you.

You can take Valsartan Tarbis with or without food. Swallow Valsartan Tarbis with a glass of water.

Take Valsartan Tarbis at approximately the same time each day.

If you take more Valsartan Tarbis than you should

If you notice severe dizziness and/or fainting, contact your doctor immediately and lie down. If you have accidentally taken too many tablets, contact your doctor, pharmacist, or call the Toxicology Information Service, telephone 91-562 04 20, stating the medicine and the amount taken.

If you forget to take Valsartan Tarbis

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.

Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you stop taking Valsartan Tarbis

If you stop taking Valsartan Tarbis, your condition may worsen. Do not stop taking the medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

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

4. Possible side effects

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

These side effects may occur with certain frequencies, which are defined below:

• 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 1,000 people.
• very rare: may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people.
• frequency not known: frequency cannot be estimated from the available data.

Some symptoms that require immediate medical attention:

You may experience symptoms of angioedema (a specific allergic reaction), such as

• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• difficulty breathing or swallowing.
• hives, itching.

If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking Valsartan Tarbis and contact your doctor immediately (see also section 2 "Warnings and precautions").

Side effects include:

Common

• dizziness.
• low blood pressure with or without symptoms such as dizziness and fainting when standing up.
• reduced kidney function (signs of kidney impairment).

Uncommon

• angioedema (see section "Some symptoms that require immediate medical attention").
• sudden loss of consciousness (syncope).
• feeling of spinning (vertigo).
• marked reduction in kidney function (signs of acute kidney failure).
• muscle spasms, abnormal heart rhythm (signs of hyperkalemia).
• shortness of breath, difficulty breathing when lying down, swelling of the feet or legs (signs of heart failure).
• headache.
• cough.
• abdominal pain.
• nausea.
• diarrhea.
• fatigue.
• weakness.

Frequency not known

• blistering of the skin (sign of bullous dermatitis).
• allergic reactions with skin rash, itching, and hives; symptoms of fever, swelling, and pain in the joints, muscle pain, swelling of the lymph nodes, and/or symptoms similar to those of the flu (signs of serum sickness).
• red purple spots, fever, itching (signs of vasculitis).
• bleeding or bruising more often than usual (signs of thrombocytopenia).
• muscle pain (myalgia).
• fever, sore throat, or mouth ulcers due to infections (symptoms of low white blood cell count, also called neutropenia).
• reduction in hemoglobin and reduction in the percentage of red blood cells in the blood (which, in severe cases, can cause anemia).
• increase in potassium levels in the blood (which, in severe cases, can cause muscle spasms and an abnormal heart rhythm).
• elevation of liver function values (which may indicate liver damage), including an increase in bilirubin levels in the blood (which, in severe cases, can cause the skin and eyes to turn yellow).
• increase in blood urea nitrogen and increase in serum creatinine levels (which may indicate kidney function disorders).
• low sodium levels in the blood (which, in severe cases, can cause fatigue, confusion, muscle twitching, and/or convulsions).

The frequency of some side effects may vary depending on your condition. For example, certain side effects such as dizziness and reduced kidney function are observed less frequently in adult patients treated for high blood pressure than in adult patients treated for heart failure and after a recent heart attack.

Side effects in children and adolescents are similar to those observed in adults.

If you experience any side effect that you think is serious or if you notice any side effect not listed in this leaflet, tell your doctor or pharmacist.

Reporting of side effects

If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Spanish Medicines Monitoring System for Human Use: https://www.notificaram.es By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

5. Storage of Valsartan Tarbis

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 after Exp. The expiration date is the last day of the month indicated.

Do not store at a temperature above 30°C. Store in the original packaging to protect it from light.

Do not use this medicine if you notice that the packaging is damaged or shows signs of tampering.

Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Deposit the packaging and any unused medicines at the pharmacy's SIGRE Point. If in doubt, ask your pharmacist how to dispose of the packaging and any unused medicines. This will help protect the environment.

6. Content and Additional Information

Composition of Valsartan Tarbis

The active ingredient is valsartan. Each film-coated tablet contains 80 mg of valsartan.

The other ingredients are: microcrystalline cellulose, powdered cellulose, crospovidone, and magnesium stearate.

The tablet coating contains hypromellose, titanium dioxide (E171), Macrogol 8000, red iron oxide (E172), and yellow iron oxide (E172).

Appearance of the Product and Packaging Content

Valsartan Tarbis 80 mg film-coated tablets are pink, round, and scored on one side.

They are available in packs of 14, 28, 30, 56, and 90 film-coated tablets.

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

Marketing Authorization Holder and Manufacturer

Marketing Authorization Holder:

Tarbis Farma, S.L.

Gran Vía Carlos III, 94

08028 Barcelona (Spain)

Manufacturer:

Laboratorios Lesvi, S.L.

Avda. Barcelona, 69

08970 Sant Joan Despí

Barcelona - Spain

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

Portugal: Valsartan Qualigen

Spain: Valsartán Tarbis 80 mg film-coated tablets EFG

Date of the Last Revision of this Leaflet: November 2015

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/.