Package Leaflet: Information for the User

Sertraline Kern Pharma 50 mg Film-Coated Tablets

Read this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine.

1. What Sertraline Kern Pharma is and what it is used for

2. Before taking Sertraline Kern Pharma

3. How to take Sertraline Kern Pharma

4. Possible side effects

5. Storage of Sertraline Kern Pharma

6. Contents of the pack and additional information

Sertralina Kern Pharma contains sertraline as the active ingredient. Sertraline belongs to a group of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs); these medications are used to treat depression and/or anxiety disorders.

Sertralina Kern Pharma can be used to treat:

- Depression and prevention of depression relapse (in adults).

- Social anxiety disorder (in adults).

- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (in adults).

- Anxiety disorder (in adults).

- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (in adults, and in children and adolescents aged 6-17 years).

Depression is a clinical disease with symptoms such as feelings of sadness, inability to sleep well, or to enjoy life as one used to.

OCD and anxiety disorders are diseases linked to anxiety, with symptoms such as being constantly preoccupied with repeated ideas (obsessions) that lead to repetitive rituals (compulsions).

PTSD is a disorder that may occur after a very emotionally traumatic experience, and has some symptoms similar to depression and anxiety. Social anxiety disorder (social phobia) is an anxiety disorder. It is characterized by feeling intense anxiety or anguish in social situations (for example: speaking to strangers, speaking in public, eating or drinking in front of others, or worrying about behaving in a humiliating way).

Your doctor has considered that this medication is suitable for treating your condition.

If you are unsure why you have been prescribed Sertralina Kern Pharma, you should consult your doctor.

Do not take Sertralina Kern Pharma

• If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to sertraline or any of the other components of Sertralina Kern Pharma.
• If you are taking or have taken medications called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs, such as selegiline, moclobemide) or other similar medications to MAOIs (such as linezolid). If you stop taking sertraline, wait at least one week before starting treatment with an MAOI. After stopping treatment with an MAOI, wait at least two weeks before starting treatment with sertraline.
• If you are taking another medication called pimozide (an antipsychotic medication).

Be cautious with Sertralina Kern Pharma

Medications are not always suitable for everyone. Before starting treatment with Sertralina Kern Pharma, tell your doctor if you have or have had any of the following conditions:

• Serotonin syndrome. In rare cases, this syndrome can occur when taking certain medications at the same time as sertraline. (See section 4. Possible side effects). Your doctor will let you know if you have had this syndrome before.
• If you have low sodium levels in your blood, as this condition may occur as a result of treatment with sertraline. Also, inform your doctor if you are taking any medications for high blood pressure, as these medications can also alter sodium levels in the blood.
• Be cautious if you are elderly, as you may be at a higher risk of having low sodium levels in your blood (see above).
• Liver disease; your doctor may consider that you should take a lower dose of sertraline.
• Diabetes; sertraline may alter your blood sugar levels, so you may need to adjust the dose of your diabetes medications.
• Epilepsy or a history of epilepsy. If you have a seizure (convulsion), call your doctor immediately.
• If you have bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness), or schizophrenia. If you have a manic episode, call your doctor immediately.
• If you have or have had suicidal thoughts (see below, suicidal thoughts and worsening of depression or anxiety).

If you have had bleeding disorders or have taken medications that decrease blood clotting (such as aspirin or warfarin) or that may increase the risk of bleeding, or if you are pregnant (see "Pregnancy").

• If you are a child or adolescent under 18 years old. Sertraline should only be used to treat children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years with obsessive-compulsive disorder. If you are to be treated for this disorder, your doctor will want to monitor you closely (see below, Use in children and adolescents).
• If you are receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Some medications in the same group as Sertralina Kern Pharma (called SSRIs/SNRIs) may cause sexual dysfunction symptoms (see section 4). In some cases, these symptoms persist after stopping treatment.

Restlessness/Acatisia

The use of sertraline has been associated with acatisia (unpleasant restlessness and a need to move, often accompanied by an inability to sit or stand still). This occurs more often during the first few weeks of treatment. Increasing the dose in patients who develop these symptoms may be harmful.

Withdrawal symptoms

When treatment is stopped, withdrawal symptoms are common, particularly if treatment is stopped abruptly (see section 4 Possible side effects). The risk of withdrawal symptoms depends on the duration of treatment, the dose, and the rate at which the dose is reduced. These symptoms are usually mild or moderate. However, in some patients, they can be severe. These symptoms usually occur during the first few days after stopping treatment. In general, these symptoms resolve on their own and usually resolve within two weeks. In some patients, they may last longer (2-3 months or more). It is recommended that, when stopping treatment with sertraline, the dose be gradually reduced over a period of several weeks or even months, as needed for each patient.

Suicidal thoughts and worsening of depression or anxiety

If you are depressed and/or have anxiety disorders, you may have thoughts of harming yourself or committing suicide. This can increase at the beginning of treatment with antidepressants, as all these medications take time to work, which is usually two weeks, but sometimes longer.

This is more likely to happen

• If you have had suicidal thoughts or self-harm before.
• If you are a young adult. There is information from clinical trials that shows an increased risk of suicidal behavior in adults under 25 years with psychiatric disorders, who were being treated with an antidepressant.

If you have thoughts of harming yourself or committing suicide at any time, contact your doctor or go to the hospital immediately.

It may be helpful for you to explain to a close family member or friend that you are depressed or have anxiety, and ask them to read this leaflet. You can also ask them to tell you if they think your depression or anxiety is getting worse, or if they are concerned about changes in your behavior.

Use in children and adolescents

Normally, sertraline should not be used to treat children and adolescents under 18 years, except in the case of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Children and adolescents under 18 years have a higher risk of adverse effects such as suicidal thoughts, suicidal behavior, and hostility (mainly aggression, confrontational behavior, and irritable reactions) when treated with this class of medications. However, your doctor may decide to prescribe Sertralina Kern Pharma to a patient under 18 years if they consider it to be the best option for the patient. If your doctor has prescribed Sertralina Kern Pharma to a patient under 18 years and wants to discuss this decision, please return to your doctor. You should inform your doctor if any of the symptoms listed above appear or worsen in a patient under 18 years taking sertraline.

At the same time, the long-term effects on safety and related to growth, maturity, and cognitive and behavioral development of sertraline in this age group have not yet been demonstrated.

Use of other medications

Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are using or have recently used other medications, even those purchased without a prescription.

Some medications may affect how Sertralina Kern Pharma works, or Sertralina Kern Pharma itself may reduce the effectiveness of other medications you are taking at the same time.

The use of Sertralina Kern Pharma with the following medications may cause severe side effects

• Medications called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as moclobemide (for depression), selegiline (for Parkinson's disease), and the antibiotic linezolid. Do not use sertraline with MAOIs.
• Medications for mental disorders (pimozide). Do not use sertraline with pimozide.

Inform your doctor if you are taking the following medications

• Herbal products containing St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum). The effects of St. John's Wort may last 1-2 weeks. Inform your doctor.
• Products containing the amino acid tryptophan.
• Medications for severe pain (such as tramadol).
• Medications for migraines (such as sumatriptan).
• Medications that decrease blood clotting (warfarin).
• Medications for pain and arthritis (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, aspirin).
• Sedatives (diazepam).
• Diuretics.
• Medications for epilepsy (phenytoin).
• Medications for diabetes (tolbutamide).
• Medications for stomach acid and ulcers (cimetidine).
• Medications for mania and depression (lithium).
• Other medications for depression (such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline).
• Medications for schizophrenia and other mental disorders (such as perphenazine, levomepromazine, and olanzapine).

Taking Sertralina Kern Pharma with food and drinks

Sertraline tablets can be taken with or without food.

It is recommended to avoid drinking alcohol while being treated with sertraline.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using any medication.

The safety of sertraline in pregnant women has not been fully established. Sertraline should only be administered to pregnant women if, in the doctor's opinion, the benefits for the mother outweigh any possible risk to the fetus. Women of childbearing age who are being treated with sertraline should use an appropriate contraceptive method.

If you take Sertralina in the final stages of pregnancy, there may be an increased risk of postpartum vaginal bleeding, especially if you have a history of bleeding disorders. Your doctor or midwife should know that you are taking this medication to be able to advise you.

There is some indication that sertraline is excreted in breast milk. Therefore, sertraline can only be used in women during breastfeeding if, in the doctor's opinion, the benefits for the mother outweigh any possible risk to the baby.

Driving and operating machinery

Antidepressants like sertraline can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Therefore, do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how this medication affects your ability to perform these activities.

Sertralina Kern Pharma contains lactose

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

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

Sertralina Kern Pharma tablets can be taken with or without food.

Take your medication once a day, either in the morning or at night.

The recommended dose is:

Adults

Depression and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder:

For depression and OCD, the commonly effective dose is 50 mg per day. The daily dose can be increased by 50 mg at intervals of at least one week, and thus over several weeks. The maximum recommended dose is 200 mg per day.

Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

For anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder, treatment should begin with a dose of 25 mg per day, and increased to 50 mg per day after one week.

The daily dose can be increased at intervals of 50 mg over a period of several weeks. The maximum recommended dose is 200 mg per day.

Children and Adolescents

Sertralina Kern Pharma should only be used to treat children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years with OCD.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder:

Children aged 6 to 12 years:The recommended starting dose is 25 mg per day. After one week, your doctor may increase the dose to 50 mg per day. The maximum dose is 200 mg per day.

Adolescents aged 13 to 17 years:The recommended starting dose is 50 mg per day. The maximum dose is 200 mg per day.

If you have liver or kidney problems, inform your doctor and follow their instructions..

Your doctor will indicate the duration of treatment with this medication. The duration will depend on the nature of your illness and your response to treatment. It will take several weeks for your symptoms to start improving.

If you take more Sertralina Kern Pharma than you should

If you accidentally take an excessive amount of sertralina, contact your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Always carry the medication packaging with you, even if it is empty.

You can also call the Toxicology Information Service, phone 91 562 04 20, indicating the medication and the amount ingested.

The symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, rapid heart rate, tremors, agitation, dizziness, and in rare cases, loss of consciousness.

If you forget to take Sertralina Kern Pharma

If you forget to take a dose, do not take it when you remember. Take the next dose when it is due.

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

If you interrupt treatment with Sertralina Kern Pharma

Do not interrupt treatment with Sertralina Kern Pharma unless your doctor tells you to. Your doctor will want to gradually reduce the dose of Sertralina Kern Pharma over several weeks before stopping treatment completely. If you stop treatment abruptly, you may experience adverse effects such as dizziness, numbness, sleep disturbances, agitation or anxiety, headaches, feeling unwell, or feeling dizzy and trembling. If you experience any of these adverse effects, or any other during the interruption of your treatment with Sertralina Kern Pharma, please inform your doctor.

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

Like all medications, Sertralina Kern Pharma may cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them.

If you consider any of the side effects you are experiencing to be severe or if you notice any side effect not mentioned in this leaflet, inform your doctor or pharmacist.

The most common side effect is nausea. Side effects depend on the dose and often disappear as treatment continues.

Inform your doctor immediately

If you experience any of the following symptoms after taking this medication, as these symptoms may be severe.

• If you develop a severe skin rash that causes blisters (erythema multiforme), (which may affect the mouth and tongue). These may be signs of a condition known as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). In these cases, your doctor will discontinue treatment.
• Allergic reaction or allergy, which may present symptoms such as skin rash with itching, breathing problems, ringing, swelling of the eyelids, face, or lips.
• If you experience agitation, confusion, diarrhea, increased temperature, and blood pressure, excessive sweating, and rapid pulse. These are symptoms of serotonin syndrome.

In rare cases, this syndrome may occur when taking certain medications at the same time as sertralina. Your doctor may decide to discontinue treatment.

• If you experience yellowing of the skin and eyes, which may indicate liver damage.
• If you experience depressive symptoms with suicidal thoughts.
• If you start feeling restless and are unable to sit or stand after starting treatment with Sertralina Kern Pharma. Inform your doctor if you start feeling restless.

The following side effects were observed in clinical trials in adults.

Very common side effects (occur in more than 1 in 10 patients):

Insomnia, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, diarrhea, feeling unwell, dry mouth, ejaculation problems, and fatigue.

Common side effects (occur in 1 to 10 in 100 patients):

Sore throat, loss of appetite, increased appetite, depression, feeling strange, nightmares, anxiety, agitation, nervousness, decreased libido, teeth grinding, numbness and tingling, tremors, muscle tension, abnormal taste, lack of concentration, visual disturbances, ringing in the ears, palpitations, hot flashes, yawning, abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, stomach discomfort, gas, rash, increased sweating, muscle pain, sexual dysfunction, erectile dysfunction, and chest pain.

Uncommon side effects (occur in 1 to 10 in 1,000 patients):

Cold (of the chest), runny nose, hallucinations, excessive happiness, lack of care, abnormal thoughts, seizures, involuntary muscle contractions, abnormal coordination, continuous movements, amnesia, decreased sensitivity, speech disorders, dizziness when standing up, migraines, ear pain, rapid pulse, high blood pressure, hot flashes, possible noisy breathing, shortness of breath, nasal bleeding, esophageal problems, difficulty swallowing, hemorrhoids, increased salivation, altered tongue, belching, eye swelling, purple spots on the skin, hair loss, cold sweat, dry skin, urticaria, arthritis, muscle weakness, back pain, muscle spasms, nocturia, urinary retention, increased urine production, urinary disorders, vaginal bleeding, female sexual dysfunction, discomfort, chills, fever, weakness, thirst, weight loss, and weight gain.

Rare side effects (occur in 1 to 10 in 10,000 patients):

Intestinal problems, ear infection, cancer, lymph node swelling, high cholesterol, elevated blood sugar, physical symptoms due to stress or emotions, medication dependence, psychotic disorders, aggression, paranoia, suicidal thoughts, sleepwalking, premature ejaculation, coma, abnormal movements, difficulty moving, increased sensitivity, sensory disturbances, glaucoma, tear duct problems, appearance of spots in the visual field, double vision, light damage to the eyes, bleeding in the eye, irregular pupils, visual disturbances, speech problems.

Rare:spots in front of the eyes, glaucoma, double vision, photophobia (light sensitivity)

ocular to the eyes, bleeding in the eyes, irregular pupils, visual disturbances, tear duct problems.

Unknown frequency:partial loss of vision, inflammation of the colon (which causes diarrhea),excessive vaginal bleeding shortly after delivery (postpartum hemorrhage), see "Pregnancy" in section 2 for more information.

Side effects in children and adolescents

In clinical trials in children and adolescents, side effects were generally similar to those reported in adults (see above). The most common side effects in children and adolescents were headache, insomnia, diarrhea, and nausea.

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 not mentioned in this leaflet. You can also report them directly through the Spanish System for the Pharmacovigilance of Medicines for Human Use:www.notificaRAM.es. By reporting side effects, you can contribute to providing more information on the safety of this medication.

Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

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

Store below 30°C.

Do not dispose of medications through drains or trash. Dispose of packaging and unused medications at the SIGRE collection point at the pharmacy. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of unused packaging and medications. This will help protect the environment.

Composition of Sertralina Kern Pharma

• The active ingredient is sertraline (hydrochloride). Each tablet contains 50 mg of sertraline.
• The other components are:

Tablet core: anhydrous colloidal silica, microcrystalline cellulose (E-460i), sodium croscarmellose, copovidone, monohydrate lactose, and magnesium stearate (E-470b). Coating: hypromellose (E-464), hydroxypropylcellulose (E-463), titanium dioxide (E-171), and macrogol.

Appearance of the product and content of the packaging

Sertralina Kern Pharma 50 mg are film-coated tablets, white or almost white, in capsule shape and scored. The tablets are presented in PVC/Aluminum blisters in packs containing 30 tablets.

Holder of the marketing authorization and responsible for manufacturing

Kern Pharma, S.L.

Venus, 72 - Pol. Ind.Colón II

08228 Terrassa - Barcelona

Spain

This leaflet was revised in January 2021.

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.es/.