Prospect: information for the patient

Metamizol Alter 575 mg hard capsules EFG

metamizol magnesium

Read this prospect carefully before starting to take this medicine, because it contains important information for you.

• Keep this prospect, as you may have to read it again.
• If you have any doubts, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
• This medicine has been prescribed only to you and must not be given to other people even if they have the same symptoms as you, as it may harm them.
• If you experience adverse effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist, even if they do not appear in this prospect. See section 4.

Metamizol belongs to the group of medications known as “other analgesics and antipyretics”.

This medication is used for the treatment of moderate to severe acute postoperative or post-traumatic pain, colic pain, or pain of tumor origin. It is also used in cases of high fever that does not respond to other measures or antipyretic medications.

Do not take Metamizol Alter

• If you have had a significant decrease in a type of white blood cells called granulocytes, which was caused by metamizol or other similar medications called pyrazolones or pyrazolidines.
• If you have problems with your bone marrow or have a disorder that affects the way your blood cells are produced or function.
• If you have had previous allergic reactions or hematologic reactions (decrease in white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets in the blood) with medications containing metamizol or other similar compounds or allergic reactions to any of the other components of this medication (listed in section 6).
• If you have experienced symptoms of asthma, rhinitis, or urticaria (red spots or hives on the skin that can cause itching) during treatment with other analgesics such as acetylsalicylic acid, paracetamol, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as in these cases there may also be sensitivity to metamizol (active substance of this medication).
• If you have acute intermittent porphyria (a disorder of the metabolism of blood pigments that form part of hemoglobin).
• If you have a genetic deficiency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase.
• If you have had alterations in bone marrow function (producer of blood cells); for example, during or after receiving chemotherapy (antineoplastic) or if you have diseases related to blood cell formation.
• If you are in the last three months of pregnancy.
• If you have had severe skin reactions (such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis) with the use of metamizol or another medication containing metamizol.

Warnings and precautions

Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting to take Metamizol Alter.

Lower than normal white blood cell count (agranulocytosis)

Metamizol Alter may cause agranulocytosis, a very low level of a type of white blood cells called granulocytes, which are important for fighting infections (see section 4). You should stop taking metamizol and contact a doctor immediately if you experience the following symptoms, as they may indicate possible agranulocytosis: chills, fever, sore throat, and painful sores in the mucous membranes (moist surfaces of the body) especially in the mouth, nose, and throat or in the genital or anal area. Your doctor will perform laboratory tests to check your blood cell count.

If you take metamizol for fever, some symptoms of agranulocytosis may be overlooked. Similarly, symptoms may be masked if you are taking antibiotics.

Agranulocytosis can occur at any time during the use of Metamizol Alter and even after stopping metamizol.

You may develop agranulocytosis even if you have used metamizol without problems in the past.

Be especially careful:

• If you experience general discomfort, infection, persistent fever, sore throat, inflammation in the mouth, nose, or throat, mucosal lesions, bruises, bleeding, or paleness, discontinue treatment and consult your doctor immediately. These disorders may be due to a decrease in the number of white blood cells in the blood (agranulocytosis), platelets (thrombocytopenia), or failure of blood cell production (aplastic anemia).
• If you experience dizziness, difficulty breathing, rhinitis, facial swelling, decreased blood pressure, sudden appearance of red spots on the skin, discontinue treatment and consult your doctor. These symptoms may be due to a severe allergic reaction called anaphylactic shock. This reaction is more likely if you have asthma or allergic disorders (atopy).
• If you have bronchial asthma (especially with nasal mucosa inflammation and nasal polyps), chronic urticaria, or intolerance to dyes and/or preservatives or alcohol, as the risk of severe allergic reactions is higher.
• If you have low blood pressure or hypovolemia (decrease in circulating blood volume or any other body fluid), dehydration, or unstable circulation, as the risk of a sudden drop in blood pressure is higher.
• If a skin rash appears that progresses to the formation of blisters or lesions in the mucous membranes, discontinue treatment and seek medical attention, as this may be due to the development of severe skin disorders, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), associated with metamizol treatment. Stop taking metamizol and seek medical attention immediately if you observe any of the symptoms related to these skin reactions described in section 4. If you have ever had severe skin reactions, do not resume treatment with Metamizol Alter at any time (see section 4).
• If you have decreased liver or kidney function, as you may eliminate the medication with greater difficulty.
• If you are an elderly patient, be especially attentive to the appearance of any of the disorders described above, as they may occur more frequently.

Liver problems

Inflammation of the liver has been reported in patients taking metamizol with symptoms that develop within a few days to several months after starting treatment.

Stop using metamizol and contact a doctor if you experience symptoms of liver problems, such as nausea, vomiting, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, dark urine, light-colored stools, yellowing of the skin or white part of the eyes, itching, rash, or upper abdominal pain. Your doctor will check your liver function.

You should not take metamizol if you have previously taken a medication containing metamizol and had liver problems.

Metamizol Alter with other medications

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

• bupropion, a medication used to treat depression and/or to help quit smoking.
• efavirenz, a medication used to treat HIV/AIDS.
• metadone, a medication used to treat dependence on illicit drugs (opioids).
• valproate, a medication used to treat epilepsy or bipolar disorder.
• tacrolimus, a medication used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients.
• sertraline, a medication used to treat depression.

If administered together with ciclosporin (a medication that prevents organ rejection), it may reduce ciclosporin levels in the blood and therefore these should be measured regularly.

If administered together with chlorpromazine (a medication for the treatment of psychosis), it may cause a decrease in body temperature.

If administered together with methotrexate or other medications for the treatment of tumors (antineoplastic), it may potentiate the toxic effects in the blood of antineoplastic medications, especially in elderly patients.

If administered together with acetylsalicylic acid, it may reduce the effect of acetylsalicylic acid to decrease platelet aggregation (antiplaquetary) and therefore should be used with caution in patients taking it to protect the heart (cardioprotector).

If administered together with bupropion, it may reduce bupropion levels in the blood, so it should be used with caution.

Metamizol may modify the effect of antihypertensive medications (medications that reduce blood pressure) and diuretics (medications that increase the elimination of liquids).

Metamizol Alter with food, drinks, and alcohol

Together with alcohol, the effects of both may be potentiated.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fertility

Pregnancy

The available data on the use of metamizol during the first three months of pregnancy are limited, but do not indicate harmful effects on the embryo. In selected cases where there are no other treatment options, single doses of metamizol during the first and second trimesters may be acceptable after consulting with your doctor or pharmacist and then carefully evaluating the benefits and risks of using metamizol. However, in general, it is not recommended to use metamizol during the first and second trimesters.

During the last three months of pregnancy, you should not take metamizol due to the increased risk of complications for the mother and baby (bleeding, premature closure of a major vessel for the fetus, called the ductus arteriosus, which closes naturally after birth).

Breastfeeding

Metamizol degradation products are excreted in breast milk in significant amounts and it cannot be ruled out that there is a risk to the infant. Therefore, repeated use of metamizol during breastfeeding should be avoided. If a single dose of metamizol is administered, mothers are recommended to express and discard breast milk for 48 hours after its administration.

Driving and using machines

Although no adverse effects on concentration and reaction capacity are expected, at higher doses within the recommended range, you should be aware that these capacities may be affected and you should avoid using machines, driving vehicles, or other hazardous activities.

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

This medication is for short-term use. Your doctor will inform you of the duration of your treatment.

The dose is established based on the intensity of the pain or fever and the sensitivity of each person to treatment with metamizol. Always select the lowest necessary dose to control pain and fever. Your doctor will inform you how to take metamizol.

This medication should be administered orally. The capsules should be swallowed whole, without chewing, with a little liquid.

Adults and adolescents 15 years of age or olderAdults and adolescents 15 years of age or older (who weigh more than 53 kg) can take 1 capsule (575 mg of metamizol) in a single dose, which can be administered up to 6 times a day, in intervals of 4 to 6 hours. The maximum daily dose is 3450 mg (corresponding to 6 capsules).

The effect of the medication usually appears between 30 and 60 minutes after oral administration.

Metamizol Alter should not be used in children under 15 years of age. For smaller children, other presentations and doses of this medication are available; consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Older adults and patients with a poor general health condition/renal insufficiency

The dose should be reduced in older adults, in debilitated patients, and in those with decreased renal function, as the elimination of metamizol degradation products may be delayed.

Patients with renal or hepatic insufficiency

Since in cases of renal or hepatic insufficiency the elimination rate decreases, high repeated doses should be avoided. Only in short-term treatments, a dose reduction is not necessary. There is no experience with prolonged treatments.

If the pain persists or worsens, consult a doctor to investigate the cause of the symptoms.

If you take more Metamizol Alter than you should

You may experience nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, kidney function deterioration, and in rare cases, dizziness, somnolence, coma, seizures, decreased blood pressure, or even shock and increased heart rate (tachycardia).

After administration of very high doses of metamizol, a reddish discoloration of the urine may occur, which disappears upon discontinuation of treatment.

If you have taken more of the medication than you should, consult your doctor or pharmacist, and/or call the Toxicological Information Service, phone 91 562 04 20.

Information for the doctor:No specific antidote is known. After oral overdose, gastric lavage and forced vomiting may be performed. Forced diuresis or dialysis may be considered, as metamizol is dialyzable.

In case of severe allergic reactions, additional emergency measures should be applied, such as placing the patient on their side, maintaining airways free of obstruction, or administering oxygen. Pharmacological emergency measures include administering adrenaline, fluid therapy, and glucocorticoids.

Careful monitoring of vital functions, as well as taking general necessary measures, is recommended.

If you forgot to take Metamizol Alter

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

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

Like all medicines, this medicine may cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them.

Stop usingmetamizoland contact a doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Nausea or vomiting, fever, feeling tired, loss of appetite, dark urine, light-colored stools, yellow discoloration of the skin or the white part of the eyes, itching, rash, or pain in the upper stomach area. These symptoms may be signs of liver damage. See also section 2 Warnings and precautions.

Stop taking metamizol and seek medical attention immediately if you observe any of the following severe side effects:

- Flat, reddish patches, or circular or target-shaped patches on the chest, often with central blisters, skin peeling, mouth ulcers, throat ulcers, nasal ulcers, genital ulcers, and eye ulcers. These severe skin eruptions may be preceded by fever and flu-like symptoms (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis).

- Generalized erythema, elevated body temperature, and enlarged lymph nodes (DRESS syndrome or drug hypersensitivity syndrome).

Mild allergic reactions (e.g., skin and mucous membrane reactions such as itching, burning, redness, swelling) as well as difficulty breathing and gastrointestinal discomfort may progress to more severe forms, such as generalized urticaria, swelling of the feet, hands, lips, throat, and airways (angioedema), severe bronchospasm (narrowing of the bronchial walls), heart rhythm disturbances, and decreased blood pressure (sometimes preceded by increased blood pressure).

Other side effects that may occur with the following frequencies are:

Frequent (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

• hypotension (decreased blood pressure).

Infrequent (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

• skin eruptions and reactions.

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

• allergic reactions that usually occur during or shortly after administration but also hours later.
• skin eruptions and appearance of blisters on the skin.
• decreased white blood cell count in the blood (leucopenia).
• asthma.

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

• skin reactions with vesicles or blisters (toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome).
• kidney problems with decreased or suppressed urine output.
• increased protein excretion in the urine.
• interstitial nephritis (inflammation of the kidneys).
• severe decrease in white blood cells (agranulocytosis) that may cause death due to severe infections.
• decreased platelet count in the blood (thrombocytopenia), in this case, may cause inflammatory lesions on mucous membranes, throat pain, and fever.
• shock (drastic drop in blood pressure).

Frequency unknown (cannot be estimated from available data)

• sepsis (severe infection that involves a systemic inflammatory reaction and may cause death).
• aplastic anemia (failure in the production of bone marrow and blood cells).
• pancytopenia (low count of red and white blood cells and platelets simultaneously).
• anaphylactic shock (severe allergic reaction that may cause death).
• Kounis syndrome (a type of cardiac disorder).
• gastrointestinal bleeding.
• inflammation of the liver, yellow discoloration of the skin and the white part of the eyes, elevated liver enzyme levels.
• chromaturia (abnormal urine coloration).
• severe skin reactions.

Reporting of side effects

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

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

Do not store at a temperature above 30°C.

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

Medications should not be disposed of through drains or in the trash. Dispose of packaging and medications you no longer need at the SIGRE collection point at the pharmacy. If in doubt, ask your pharmacist how to dispose of packaging and medications you no longer need. By doing so, you will help protect the environment.

Composition of Metamizol Alter

The active ingredient is metamizol magnesium hexahydrate. Each capsule contains 575 mg of metamizol magnesium hexahydrate.

The other components are:

• Capule content: magnesium stearate (E470b).

• Durable gelatin capsule: erythrosine (E127), indigotin (E132), titanium dioxide (E171) and gelatin.

Appearance of the product and contents of the packaging

Metamizol Alter is presented in the form of granate-colored capsules containing white powder. Each package contains 10, 20 or 500 hard capsules.

Only some package sizes may be marketed.

Marketing Authorization Holder

Laboratorios Alter, S.A.

C/ Mateo Inurria, 30

28036 Madrid

Spain

Responsible for Manufacturing

Laboratorios Cinfa, S.A.

C/ Olaz-Chipi, 10

Polígono Industrial Areta

31620 Huarte, Navarra

Spain

Last review date of this leaflet: November 2024.

The detailed and updated information on this medicine is available on the website of the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS)https://www.aemps.gob.es.