Zosa Fast
Therapy Area
Gastrointestinal
1.0 Generic name
Esomeprazole Tablets 40 mg (with Sodium Bicarbonate as buffer)
2.0 Qualitative and quantitative composition
Each fllm coated tablet contains :
Esomeprazole Magnesium Trihydrate IP
equivalent to Esomeprazole 40 mg
Excipients q.s.
Colour : Titanium Dioxide IP
3.0 Dosage form and strength
Tablet 40 mg
4.0 Clinical particulars
4.1 Therapeutic indication
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), erosive reux esophagitis, prevention of relapse of esophagitis and helps in eradication of H.Pylori associated peptic ulcer. It is also indicated for pathological hypersecretory conditions including Zollinger-Ellison syndrome ulcer, risk reduction of NSAID-associated gastric ulcer, and prolonged treatment after I.V. induced prevention of rebleeding of peptic ulcer.
4.2 Posology and method of administration
Adults
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Treatment of erosive reflux esophagitis
40 mg once daily for 4 weeks.
An additional 4 weeks treatment is recommended for patients in whom esophagitis has not healed or who have persistent symptoms.
Long-term management of patients with healed esophagitis to prevent relapse
20 mg once daily
Symptomatic treatment of gastro-oesophageal reux disease (GERD)
20 mg once daily in patients without esophagitis. If symptom control has not been achieved after 4 weeks, the patient should be further investigated. Once symptoms have resolved, subsequent symptom control can be achieved using 20 mg once daily. An on demand regimen taking 20 mg once daily, when needed, can be used. In NSAID treated patients at risk of developing gastric and duodenal ulcers, subsequent symptom control using an on demand regimen is not recommended.
In combination with appropriate antibacterial therapeutic regimens for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori
Healing of Helicobacter pylori associated duodenal ulcer. Prevention of relapse of peptic ulcers in patients with Helicobacter pylori associated ulcers. 20 mg Esomeprazole tablet with 1 g amoxicillin and 500 mg clarithromycin, all twice daily for 7 days.
Patients requiring continued NSAID therapy
Healing of gastric ulcers associated with NSAID therapy : The usual dose is 20 mg once daily. The treatment duration is 4 - 8 weeks. Prevention of gastric and duodenal ulcers associated with NSAID therapy in patients at risk : 20 mg once daily.
Prolonged treatment after I.V. induced prevention of rebleeding of peptic ulcers
40 mg once daily for 4 weeks after I.V. induced prevention of rebleeding of peptic ulcers.
Treatment of Zollinger Ellison syndrome
The recommended initial dosage is Esomeprazole 40 mg twice daily. The dosage should then be individually adjusted and treatment continued as long as clinically indicated. Based on the clinical data available, the majority of patients can be controlled on doses between 80 to 160 mg Esomeprazole daily. With doses above 80 mg daily, the dose should be divided and given twice daily.
Special populations
Renal impairment
Dose adjustment is not required in patients with impaired renal function. Due to limited experience in patients with severe renal insufficiency, such patients should be treated with caution.
Hepatic impairment
Dose adjustment is not required in patients with mild to moderate liver impairment. For patients with severe liver impairment, a maximum dose of 20 mg Esomeprazole tablet should not be exceeded.
Elderly
Dose adjustment is not required in the elderly.
Paediatric population
Adolescents from the age of 12 years
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Treatment of erosive reflux esophagitis
40 mg once daily for 4 weeks.
An additional 4 weeks treatment is recommended for patients in whom esophagitis has not healed or who have persistent symptoms.
Long-term management of patients with healed esophagitis to prevent relapse
20 mg once daily.
Symptomatic treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
20 mg once daily in patients without esophagitis. If symptom control has not been achieved after 4 weeks, the patient should be further investigated. Once symptoms have resolved, subsequent symptom control can be achieved using 20 mg once daily
Treatment of duodenal ulcer caused by Helicobacter pylori
When selecting appropriate combination therapy, consideration should be given to ofcial national, regional and local guidance regarding bacterial resistance, duration of treatment (most commonly 7 days but sometimes up to 14 days), and appropriate use of antibacterial agents. The treatment should be supervised by a specialist.
The posology recommendation is :
Weight | Posology |
30 - 40 kg | Combination with two antibiotics : Esomeprazole Tablet 20 mg, Amoxicillin 750 mg and Clarithromycin 7.5 mg/kg body weight are all administered together twice daily for one week. |
> 40 kg | Combination with two antibiotics : Esomeprazole Tablet 20 mg, Amoxicillin 1 g and Clarithromycin 500 mg are all administered together twice daily for one week. |
Children below the age of 12 years
For posology in patients aged 1 to 11 other pharmaceutical forms e.g. sachet should be used.
Method of administration
The tablets should be swallowed whole with liquid. The tablets should not be chewed or crushed. For patients who have difficulty in swallowing the tablets can also be dispersed in half a glass of non-carbonated water. No other liquids should be used as the enteric coating may be dissolved. Stir until the tablets disintegrate and drink the liquid with the pellets immediately or within 30 minutes. Rinse the glass with half a glass of water and drink. The pellets must not be chewed or crushed.
For patients who cannot swallow, the tablets can be dispersed in non-carbonated water and administered through a gastric tube.
4.3 Contraindications
Zosa FAST must not be used in the following conditions :
Hypersensitivity to the active substance, to substituted Benzimidazole or to any of the excipients.
Esomeprazole should not be used concomitantly with Nelfinavir.
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use
In the presence of any alarm symptom (e.g. signicant unintentional weight loss, recurrent vomiting, dysphagia, haematemesis or melaena) and when gastric ulcer is suspected or present, malignancy should be excluded, as treatment with Esomeprazole may alleviate symptoms and delay diagnosis.
Long term use
Patients on long-term treatment (particularly those treated for more than a year) should be kept under regular surveillance.
On demand treatment
Patients on on-demand treatment should be instructed to contact their physician if their symptoms change in character.
Helicobacter pylori eradication
When prescribing Esomeprazole for eradication of Helicobacter pylori possible drug interactions for all components in the triple therapy should be considered. Clarithromycin is a potent inhibitor of CYP3A4 and hence contraindications and interactions for Clarithromycin should be considered when the triple therapy is used in patients concurrently taking other medicinal products metabolised via CYP3A4 such as Cisapride.
Gastrointestinal infections
Treatment with proton pump inhibitors may lead to slightly increased risk of gastrointestinal infections such as Salmonella and Campylobacter.
Absorption of Vitamin B12
Esomeprazole, as all acid-blocking medicines, may reduce the absorption of Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) due to hypo- or achlorhydria. This should be considered in patients with reduced body stores or risk factors for reduced Vitamin B12 absorption on long-term therapy.
Hypomagnesaemia
Severe hypomagnesaemia has been reported in patients treated with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like Esomeprazole for at least three months, and in most cases for a year. Serious manifestations of hypomagnesaemia such as fatigue, tetany, delirium, convulsions, dizziness and ventricular arrhythmia can occur but they may begin insidiously and be overlooked. In most affected patients, hypomagnesaemia improved after Magnesium replacement and discontinuation of the PPI.
For patients expected to be on prolonged treatment or who take PPIs with Digoxin or medicinal products that may cause hypomagnesaemia (e.g. diuretics), health care professionals should consider measuring magnesium levels before starting PPI treatment and periodically during treatment.
Risk of fracture
Proton pump inhibitors, especially if used in high doses and over long durations (> 1 year), may modestly increase the risk of hip, wrist and spine fracture, predominantly in the elderly or in presence of other recognised risk factors. Observational studies suggest that proton pump inhibitors may increase the overall risk of fracture by 10 - 40%. Some of this increase may be due to other risk factors. Patients at risk of osteoporosis should receive care according to current clinical guidelines and they should have an adequate intake of Vitamin D and Calcium.
Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE)
Proton pump inhibitors are associated with very infrequent cases of SCLE. If lesions occur, especially in sunexposed areas of the skin, and if accompanied by arthralgia, the patient should seek medical help promptly and the health care professional should consider stopping Esomeprazole. SCLE after previous treatment with a proton pump inhibitor may increase the risk of SCLE with other proton pump inhibitors.
Combination with other medicinal products
Co-administration of Esomeprazole with Atazanavir is not recommended. If the combination of Atazanavir with a proton pump inhibitor is judged unavoidable, close clinical monitoring is recommended in combination with an increase in the dose of Atazanavir to 400 mg with 100 mg of Ritonavir; Esomeprazole 20 mg should not be exceeded. Esomeprazole is a CYP2C19 inhibitor. When starting or ending treatment with Esomeprazole, the potential for interactions with medicinal products metabolised through CYP2C19 should be considered. An interaction is observed between Clopidogrel and Esomeprazole. The clinical relevance of this interaction is uncertain. As a precaution, concomitant use of Esomeprazole and Clopidogrel should be discouraged.
When prescribing Esomeprazole for on demand therapy, the implications for interactions with other pharmaceuticals, due to fluctuating plasma concentrations of Esomeprazole should be considered.
Interference with laboratory tests
Increased Chromogranin A (CgA) level may interfere with investigations for neuroendocrine tumours. To avoid this interference, Esomeprazole treatment should be stopped for at least 5 days before CgA measurements. If CgA and gastrin levels have not returned to reference range after initial measurement, measurements should be repeated 14 days after cessation of proton pump inhibitor treatment.
4.6 Drugs interactions
Effects of Esomeprazole on the pharmacokinetics of other medicinal products
Medicinal products with pH dependent absorption
Gastric acid suppression during treatment with Esomeprazole and other PPIs might decrease or increase the absorption of medicinal products with a gastric pH dependent absorption. As with other medicinal products that decrease intra-gastric acidity, the absorption of medicinal products such as Ketoconazole, Itraconazole and Erlotinib can decrease and the absorption of Digoxin can increase during treatment with Esomeprazole. Concomitant treatment with Omeprazole (20 mg daily) and Digoxin in healthy subjects increased the bioavailability of Digoxin by 10% (up to 30% in two out of ten subjects). Digoxin toxicity has been rarely reported. However, caution should be exercised when Esomeprazole is given at high doses in elderly patients. Therapeutic drug monitoring of Digoxin should then be reinforced.
Protease inhibitors
Omeprazole has been reported to interact with some protease inhibitors. The clinical importance and the mechanisms behind these reported interactions are not always known. Increased gastric pH during Omeprazole treatment may change the absorption of the protease inhibitors. Other possible interaction mechanisms are via inhibition of CYP 2C19.
For Atazanavir and Nelfinavir, decreased serum levels have been reported when given together with Omeprazole and concomitant administration is not recommended. Co-administration of Omeprazole (40 mg once daily) with Atazanavir 300 mg / Ritonavir 100 mg to healthy volunteers resulted in a substantial reduction in Atazanavir exposure (approximately 75% decrease in AUC, Cmax and Cmin). Increasing the Atazanavir dose to 400 mg did not compensate for the impact of Omeprazole on Atazanavir exposure. The co-administration of Omeprazole (20 mg qd) with Atazanavir 400 mg / Ritonavir 100 mg to healthy volunteers resulted in a decrease of approximately 30% in the Atazanavir exposure as compared with the exposure observed with Atazanavir 300 mg / Ritonavir 100 mg qd without Omeprazole 20 mg qd. Co-administration of Omeprazole (40 mg qd) reduced mean Nelnavir AUC, Cmax and Cmin by 36 - 39% and mean AUC, Cmax and Cmin for the pharmacologically active metabolite M8 was reduced by 75 - 92%. Due to the similar pharmacodynamic effects and pharmacokinetic properties of Omeprazole and Esomeprazole, concomitant administration with Esomeprazole and Atazanavir is not recommended and concomitant administration with Esomeprazole and Nelnavir is contraindicated.
For Saquinavir (with concomitant Ritonavir), increased serum levels (80 - 100%) have been reported during concomitant Omeprazole treatment (40 mg qd). Treatment with Omeprazole 20 mg qd had no effect on the exposure of Darunavir (with concomitant Ritonavir) and Amprenavir (with concomitant Ritonavir). Treatment with Esomeprazole 20 mg qd had no effect on the exposure of Amprenavir (with and without concomitant Ritonavir). Treatment with Omeprazole 40 mg qd had no effect on the exposure of Lopinavir (with concomitant Ritonavir).
Methotrexate
When given together with PPIs, Methotrexate levels have been reported to increase in some patients. In high-dose Methotrexate administration, a temporary withdrawal of Esomeprazole may need to be considered.
Tacrolimus
Concomitant administration of Esomeprazole has been reported to increase the serum levels of Tacrolimus. A reinforced monitoring of tacrolimus concentrations as well as renal function (creatinine clearance) should be performed, and dosage of tacrolimus adjusted, if needed.
Medicinal products metabolised by CYP2C19
Esomeprazole inhibits CYP2C19, the major Esomeprazole-metabolising enzyme. Thus, when Esomeprazole is combined with medicinal products metabolised by CYP2C19, such as Diazepam, Citalopram, Imipramine, Clomipramine, Phenytoin, etc., the plasma concentrations of these medicinal products may be increased and a dose reduction could be needed. This should be considered especially when prescribing Esomeprazole for on-demand therapy.
Diazepam
Concomitant administration of 30 mg Esomeprazole resulted in a 45% decrease in clearance of the CYP2C19 substrate Diazepam.
Phenytoin
Concomitant administration of 40 mg Esomeprazole resulted in a 13% increase in trough plasma levels of Phenytoin in epileptic patients. It is recommended to monitor the plasma concentrations of phenytoin when treatment with Esomeprazole is introduced or withdrawn.
Voriconazole
Omeprazole (40 mg once daily) increased Voriconazole (a CYP2C19 substrate) Cmax and AUC by 15% and 41% respectively.
Warfarin
Concomitant administration of 40 mg Esomeprazole to Warfarin-treated patients in a clinical trial showed that coagulation times were within the accepted range. However, post-marketing, a few isolated cases of elevated INR of clinical significance have been reported during concomitant treatment. Monitoring is recommended when initiating and ending concomitant Esomeprazole treatment during treatment with warfarin or other Coumarine derivatives.
Cilostazol
Omeprazole as well as Esomeprazole act as inhibitors of CYP2C19. Omeprazole, given in doses of 40 mg to healthy subjects in a cross-over study, increased Cmax and AUC for Cilostazol by 18% and 26% respectively and one of its active metabolites by 29% and 69% respectively.
Cisapride
In healthy volunteers, concomitant administration of 40 mg Esomeprazole resulted in a 32% increase in area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) and a 31% prolongation of elimination half-life (t½) but no significant increase in peak plasma levels of Cisapride. The slightly prolonged QTc interval observed after administration of Cisapride alone, was not further prolonged when Cisapride was given in combination with Esomeprazole.
Clopidogrel
Results from studies in healthy subjects have shown a pharmacokinetic (PK) / pharmacodynamic (PD) interaction between Clopidogrel (300 mg loading dose / 75 mg daily maintenance dose) and Esomeprazole (40 mg p.o. daily) resulting in decreased exposure to the active metabolite of Clopidogrel by an average of 40% and resulting in decreased maximum inhibition of (ADP induced) platelet aggregation by an average of 14%.
Investigated medicinal products with no clinically relevant interaction
Amoxicillin and Quinidine
Esomeprazole has been shown to have no clinically relevant effects on the pharmacokinetics of amoxicillin or Quinidine.
Naproxen or Rofecoxib
Studies evaluating concomitant administration of Esomeprazole and either naproxen or Rofecoxib did not identify any clinically relevant pharmacokinetic interactions during short-term studies.
Effects of other medicinal products on the pharmacokinetics of Esomeprazole
Medicinal products which inhibit CYP2C19 and/or CYP3A4
Esomeprazole is metabolised by CYP2C19 and CYP3A4. Concomitant administration of Esomeprazole and a CYP3A4 inhibitor, Clarithromycin (500 mg b.i.d.), resulted in a doubling of the exposure (AUC) to Esomeprazole. Concomitant administration of Esomeprazole and a combined inhibitor of CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 may result in more than doubling of the Esomeprazole exposure. The CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 inhibitor Voriconazole increased
Omeprazole AUC by 280 %. A dose adjustment of Esomeprazole is not regularly required in either of these situations. However, dose adjustment should be considered in patients with severe hepatic impairment and if long-term treatment is indicated.
Medicinal products which induce CYP2C19 and/or CYP3A4
Medicinal products known to induce CYP2C19 or CYP3A4 or both (such as Rifampicin and St John's wort) may lead to decreased Esomeprazole serum levels by increasing the Esomeprazole metabolism.
Paediatric population
Interaction studies have only been performed in adults.
4.7 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Fertility
Animal studies with the racemic mixture Omeprazole, given by oral administration do not indicate effects with respect to fertility.
Pregnancy
Clinical data on exposed pregnancies with Esomeprazole are insufficient. With the racemic mixture, Omeprazole, data on a larger number of exposed pregnancies stemmed from epidemiological studies indicate no malformative nor foeto-toxic effects. Animal studies with Esomeprazole do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to embryonal / foetal development. Animal studies with the racemic mixture do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to pregnancy, parturition or postnatal development. Caution should be exercised when prescribing to pregnant women.
A moderate amount of data on pregnant women (between 300 - 1000 pregnancy outcomes) indicates no malformative or foeto/neonatal toxicity of Esomeprazole.
Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to reproductive toxicity.
Breast-feeding
It is not known whether Esomeprazole is excreted in human breast milk. There is insufficient information on the effects of Esomeprazole in new-borns / infants. Esomeprazole should not be used during breast-feeding.
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines
(uncommon) and blurred vision (rare) has been reported. If affected patients should not drive or use machines. Undesirable effects
Summary of the safety profile
Headache, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and nausea are among those adverse reactions that have been most commonly reported in clinical trials (and also from post-marketing use). In addition, the safety profile is similar for different formulations, treatment indications, age groups and patient populations. No dose-related adverse reactions have been identified.
Tabulated list of adverse reactions
The following adverse drug reactions have been identified or suspected in the clinical trials programme for Esomeprazole and post-marketing. None was found to be dose-related. The reactions are classified according to frequency Very common ≥ 1/10; Common ≥ 1/100 to < 1/10; Uncommon ≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100; Rare ≥ 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000; Very rare < 1/10,000; Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit / risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via email to :medico@zuventus.com
Website : http://www.zuventus.co.in/safety.aspx
By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
4.9 Overdose
There is very limited experience to date with deliberate overdose.
Symptoms
The symptoms described in connection with 280 mg were gastrointestinal symptoms and weakness. Single doses of 80 mg Esomeprazole were uneventful.
Management
No specific antidote is known. Esomeprazole is extensively plasma protein bound and is therefore not readily dialyzable. As in any case of overdose, treatment should be symptomatic and general supportive measures should be utilised.
5.0 Pharmacological properties
5.1 Mechanism of action
Esomeprazole is a weak base and is concentrated and converted to the active form in the highly acidic environment of the secretory canaliculi of the parietal cell, where it inhibits the enzyme H+/K+-ATPase – the acid pump and inhibits both basal and stimulated acid secretion.
5.2 Pharmacodynamic properties
Esomeprazole is the S-isomer of Omeprazole and reduces gastric acid secretion through a specific targeted mechanism of action. It is a specific inhibitor of the acid pump in the parietal cell. Both the R- and S-isomer of Omeprazole have similar pharmacodynamic activity.
Pharmacodynamic effects
After oral dosing with Esomeprazole 20 mg and 40 mg the onset of effect occurs within one hour. After repeated administration with 20 mg Esomeprazole once daily for five days, mean peak acid output after pentagastrin stimulation is decreased 90% when measured 6 - 7 hours after dosing on day five. After five days of oral dosing with 20 mg and 40 mg of Esomeprazole, intragastric pH above 4 was maintained for a mean time of 13 hours and 17 hours, respectively over 24 hours in symptomatic GERD patients. The proportion of patients maintaining an intragastric pH above 4 for at least 8, 12 and 16 hours respectively were for Esomeprazole 20 mg 76%, 54% and 24%. Corresponding proportions for Esomeprazole 40 mg were 97%, 92% and 56%. Using AUC as a surrogate parameter for plasma concentration, a relationship between inhibition of acid secretion and exposure has been shown.
Healing of reflux esophagitis with Esomeprazole 40 mg occurs in approximately 78% of patients after four weeks, and in 93% after eight weeks. One-week treatment with Esomeprazole 20 mg b.i.d. and appropriate antibiotics, results in successful eradication of H. pylori in approximately 90% of patients. After eradication treatment for one week there is no need for subsequent monotherapy with antisecretory medicinal products for effective ulcer healing and symptom resolution in uncomplicated duodenal ulcers. During treatment with antisecretory medicinal products serum gastrin increases in response to the decreased acid secretion. Also CgA increases due to decreased gastric acidity. The increased CgA level may interfere with investigations for neuroendocrine tumours. Available published evidence suggests that proton pump inhibitors should be discontinued between 5 days and 2 weeks prior to CgA measurements. This is to allow CgA levels that might be spuriously elevated following PPI treatment to return to reference range. An increased number of ECL cells possibly related to the increased serum gastrin levels, have been observed in both children and adults during long term treatment with Esomeprazole. The findings are considered to be of no clinical significance.
5.3 Pharmacokinetic properties
Absorption
Esomeprazole is acid labile and is administered orally as gastro-resistant granules. In vivo conversion to the R-isomer is negligible. Absorption of Esomeprazole is rapid, with peak plasma levels occurring approximately 1 - 2 hours after dose. The absolute bioavailability is 64% after a single dose of 40 mg and increases to 89% after repeated once daily administration. For 20 mg Esomeprazole, the corresponding values are 50% and 68%, respectively
Food intake both delays and decreases the absorption of Esomeprazole although this has no significant influence on the effect of Esomeprazole on intragastric acidity.
Distribution
The apparent volume of distribution at steady state in healthy subjects is approximately 0.22 l/kg body weight. Esomeprazole is 97% plasma protein bound.
Biotransformation
Esomeprazole is completely metabolised by the cytochrome P450 system (CYP). The major part of the metabolism of Esomeprazole is dependent on the polymorphic CYP2C19, responsible for the formation of the hydroxy- and desmethyl metabolites of Esomeprazole. The remaining part is dependent on another specific isoform, CYP3A4, responsible for the formation of Esomeprazole sulphone, the main metabolite in plasma.
Elimination
The parameters below reflect mainly the pharmacokinetics in individuals with a functional CYP2C19 enzyme, extensive metabolisers.
Total plasma clearance is about 17 l/h after a single dose and about 9 l/h after repeated administration. The plasma elimination half-life is about 1.3 hours after repeated once daily dosing. Esomeprazole is completely eliminated from plasma between doses with no tendency for accumulation during once-daily administration. The major metabolites of Esomeprazole have no effect on gastric acid secretion. Almost 80% of an oral dose of Esomeprazole is excreted as metabolites in the urine, the remainder in the faeces. Less than 1% of the parent drug is found in urine.
6.0 Nonclinical properties
6.1 Animal toxicology or pharmacology
Non-clinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of safety pharmacology, repeated dose toxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenic potential, toxicity to reproduction and development. Adverse reactions not observed in clinical studies, but seen in animals at exposure levels similar to clinical exposure levels and with possible relevance to clinical use were as follows : No new or unexpected toxicity findings were observed in juvenile rats and dogs, after administration of Esomeprazole for up to 3 months, as compared to adult animals. Carcinogenicity studies in the rat with the racemic mixture have shown gastric ECL-cell hyperplasia and carcinoids. These gastric effects in the rat are the result of sustained, pronounced hypergastrinaemia secondary to reduced production of gastric acid and are observed after long-term treatment in the rat with inhibitors of gastric acid secretion.
No new or unexpected toxicity ndings were observed in juvenile rats and dogs, after administration of Esomeprazole for up to 3 months, as compared to adult animals.
7.0 Description
Zosa FAST contains Esomeprazole Magnesium Trihydrate (with Sodium Bicarbonate as buffer). It is a proton pump inhibitor and decreases gastric acid secretion.
8.0 Pharmaceutical particulars
8.1 Incompatibilities
Not applicable
8.2 Shelf-life
Refer on the pack.
8.3 Packaging information
Alu-Alu blister strip of 10 tablets.
8.4 Storage and handing instructions Store protected from moisture, at a temperature not exceeding 30°C.
Keep out of reach of children.
9.0 Patient Counselling Information
Acute tubulointerstitial nephritis
Advise the patient or caregiver to call the patient’s healthcare provider immediately if they experience signs and/or symptoms associated with suspected acute TIN.
Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea
Advise the patient or caregiver to immediately call the patient’s healthcare provider if they experience diarrhea that does not improve.
Bone fracture
Advise the patient or caregiver to report any fractures, especially of the hip, wrist or spine, to the patient’s healthcare provider.
Severe cutaneous adverse reactions
Advise the patient or caregiver to discontinue Zosa FAST and immediately call the patient’s healthcare provider for at first appearance of a severe cutaneous adverse reaction or other sign of hypersensitivity signs or symptoms associated with Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions.
Cutaneous and systemic lupus erythematosus
Advise the patient or caregiver to immediately call the patient’s healthcare provider for any new or worsening of symptoms associated with cutaneous or systemic lupus erythematosus.
Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) deficiency
Advise the patient or caregiver to report any clinical symptoms that may be associated with Cyanocobalamin deficiency to the patient’s healthcare provider if they have been receiving Zosa FAST for longer than 3 years.
Hypomagnesemia and mineral metabolism
Advise the patient or caregiver to report any clinical symptoms that may be associated with hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, and/or hypokalemia to the patient’s healthcare provider, if they have been receiving Zosa FAST for at least 3 months.
Drug interactions
Advise the patient or caregiver to report to their healthcare provider if starting treatment with Rilpivirine-containing products, Clopidogrel, St. John’s Wort or Rifampin or if they take high-dose Methotrexate.
Administration
- Take Zosa FAST tablet at least one hour before meals.
- Antacids may be used concomitantly with Zosa FAST.
- Swallow Zosa FAST tablet whole; do not chew or crush the tablet.
12.0 Date of issue
16 November 2023
About Leaflet
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.
What is in this leaflet
1. What Esomeprazole is and what it is used for
2. What you need to know before you take Esomeprazole
3. How to take Esomeprazole
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Esomeprazole
6. Contents of the pack and other information
1. What Esomeprazole is and what it is used for
Esomeprazole contains a medicine called esomeprazole. This belongs to a group of medicines called ‘proton pump inhibitors’. They work by reducing the amount of acid that your stomach produces.
Esomeprazole is used to treat the following conditions:
Adults
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease’ (GERD). This is where acid from the stomach escapes into the gullet (the tube which connects your throat to your stomach) causing pain, inflammation and heartburn.
- Ulcers in the stomach or upper part of the gut (intestine) that are infected with bacteria called ‘Helicobacter pylori’. If you have this condition, your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection and allow the ulcer to heal. Stomach ulcers caused by medicines called NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs). Esomeprazole can also be used to stop stomach ulcers or ulcers in the upper part of the gut (intestine) from forming if you are taking NSAIDs.
- Too much acid in the stomach caused by a growth in the pancreas (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome).
- Prolonged treatment after prevention of rebleeding of ulcers with intravenous esomeprazole.
Adolescents aged 12 years and above
- ‘Gastroesophageal reflux disease’ (GERD). This is where acid from the stomach escapes into the gullet (the tube which connects your throat to your stomach) causing pain, inflammation and heartburn.
- Ulcers in the stomach or upper part of the gut (intestine) that are infected with bacteria called ‘Helicobacter pylori’. If you have this condition, your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection and allow the ulcer to heal.
2. What you need to know before you take Esomeprazole
Do not take Esomeprazole
- If you are allergic to esomeprazole or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.
- If you are allergic to other proton pump inhibitor medicines (e.g. pantoprazole, lansoprazole, rabeprazole, omeprazole).
- If you are taking a medicine containing nelfinavir (used to treat HIV infection).
Do not take Esomeprazole if any of the above applies to you. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Esomeprazole.
Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Esomeprazole:
- If you have severe liver problems.
- If you have severe kidney problems.
- If you have a vitamin B12 deficiency or there is a risk of a vitamin B12 deficiency.
- If you have ever had a skin reaction after treatment with a medicine similar to Esomeprazole that reduces stomach acid.
- If you are due to have a specific blood test (Chromogranin A).
Esomeprazole may hide the symptoms of other diseases. Therefore, if any of the following happen to you before you start taking Esomeprazole or while you are taking it, talk to your doctor straight away:
- You lose a lot of weight for no reason and have problems swallowing.
- You get stomach pain or indigestion.
- You begin to vomit food or blood.
- You pass black stools (blood-stained faeces).
If you have been prescribed Esomeprazole “on demand” you should contact your doctor if your symptoms continue or change in character.
Taking a proton pump inhibitor like Esomeprazole, especially over a period of more than one year, may slightly increase your risk of fracture in the hip, wrist or spine. Tell your doctor if you have osteoporosis or if you are taking corticosteroids (which can increase the risk of osteoporosis).
Rash and skin symptoms
If you get a rash on your skin, especially in areas exposed to the sun tell your doctor as soon as you can, as you may need to stop your treatment with Esomeprazole. Remember to also mention any other ill-effects like pain in your joints.
Serious skin rashes have occurred in patients taking esomeprazole. The rash can involve ulcers of the mouth, throat, nose, genitals and conjunctivitis (red and swollen eyes). These serious skin rashes often come after flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, body ache. The rash may cover large parts of the body with blistering and peeling of the skin. If at any time during the treatment (even after several weeks) you develop a rash or any of these skin symptoms, stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately.
Children under the age of 12 years
Information on dosing for children aged 1 to 11 years is provided in the product information of other dosage forms e.g. sachet (ask your doctor or pharmacist if you require further information).
Other medicines and Esomeprazole
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. This is because Esomeprazole can affect the way some medicines work and some medicines can have an effect on Esomeprazole.
Do not take Esomeprazole if you are taking a medicine containing nelfinavir (used to treat HIV infection).
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- Atazanavir (used to treat HIV infection).
- Clopidogrel (used to prevent blood clots).
- Ketoconazole, itraconazole or voriconazole (used to treat infections caused by a fungus).
- Erlotinib (used to treat cancer).
- Citalopram, imipramine or clomipramine (used to treat depression).
- Diazepam (used to treat anxiety, relax muscles or in epilepsy).
- Phenytoin (used in epilepsy). If you are taking phenytoin, your doctor will need to monitor you when you start or stop taking Esomeprazole.
- Medicines that are used to thin your blood, such as warfarin. Your doctor may need to monitor you when you start or stop taking Esomeprazole.
- Cilostazol (used to treat intermittent claudication – a pain in your legs when you walk which is caused by an insufficient blood supply).
- Cisapride (used for indigestion and heartburn).
- Digoxin (used for heart problems).
- Methotrexate (a chemotherapy medicine used in high doses to treat cancer) – if you are taking a high dose of methotrexate, your doctor may temporarily stop your Esomeprazole treatment.
- Tacrolimus (organ transplantation).
- Rifampicin (used for treatment of tuberculosis).
- St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) (used to treat depression).
If your doctor has prescribed the antibiotics amoxicillin and clarithromycin as well as Esomeprazole to treat ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori infection, it is very important that you tell your doctor about any other medicines you are taking.
Esomeprazole with food and drink
You can take the tablets with food or on an empty stomach.
Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility
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.
Your doctor will decide whether you can take Esomeprazole during this time. It is not known if Esomeprazole passes into breast milk.
Therefore, you should not take Esomeprazole if you are breast-feeding. Driving and using machines Esomeprazole is not likely to affect you being able to drive or use any tools or machines.
However, side effects such as dizziness and blurred vision may uncommonly or rarely occur. If affected, you should not drive or use machines.
3. How to take Esomeprazole
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
- If you are taking this medicine for a long time, your doctor will want to monitor you (particularly if you are taking it for more than a year).
- If your doctor has told you to take this medicine as and when you need it, tell your doctor if your symptoms change.
How much to take
- Your doctor will tell you how many tablets to take and how long to take them for. This will depend on your condition, how old you are and how well your liver works.
- The usual doses are given below.
Use in adults aged 18 and above
To treat heartburn caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD):
- If your doctor has found that your food pipe (gullet) has been slightly damaged, the recommended dose is one Esomeprazole 40 mg tablet once a day for 4 weeks. Your doctor may tell you to take the same dose for a further 4 weeks if your gullet has not yet healed.
- The recommended dose once the gullet has healed is one Esomeprazole 20 mg tablet once a day.
- If your gullet has not been damaged, the recommended dose is one Esomeprazole 20 mg tablet each day. Once the condition has been controlled, your doctor may tell you to take your medicine as and when you need it, up to a maximum of one Esomeprazole 20 mg tablet each day.
- If you have severe liver problems, your doctor may give you a lower dose.
To treat ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori infection and to stop them coming back
- The recommended dose is one Esomeprazole 20 mg tablet twice a day for one week.
- Your doctor will also tell you to take antibiotics for example amoxicillin and clarithromycin. To treat stomach ulcers caused by NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
- The recommended dose is one Esomeprazole 20 mg tablet once a day for 4 to 8 weeks. To prevent stomach ulcers if you are taking NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
- The recommended dose is one Esomeprazole 20 mg tablet once a day. To treat too much acid in the stomach caused by a growth in the pancreas (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)
- The recommended dose is Esomeprazole 40 mg twice a day.
- Your doctor will adjust the dose depending on your needs and will also decide how long you need to take the medicine for. The maximum dose is 80 mg twice a day.
Prolonged treatment after prevention of rebleeding of ulcers with intravenous esomeprazole
The recommended dose is one Esomeprazole 40 mg tablet once a day for 4 weeks.
Use in adolescents aged 12 or above
To treat heartburn caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- If your doctor has found that your food pipe (gullet) has been slightly damaged, the recommended dose is one Esomeprazole 40 mg gastro-resistant tablet once a day for 4 weeks. Your doctor may tell you to take the same dose for a further 4 weeks if your gullet has not yet healed.
- The recommended dose once the gullet has healed is one Esomeprazole 20 mg gastro-resistant tablet once a day.
- If your gullet has not been damaged, the recommended dose is one Esomeprazole 20 mg gastro-resistant tablet each day.
- If you have severe liver problems, your doctor may give you a lower dose.
- Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water. Do not chew or crush the tablets. This is because the tablets contain coated pellets which stop the medicine from being broken down by the acid in your stomach. It is important not to damage the pellets.
What to do if you have trouble swallowing the tablets
- If you have trouble swallowing the tablets:
- Put them into a glass of still (non-fizzy) water. Do not use any other liquids.
- Stir until the tablets break up (the mixture will not be clear). Then drink the mixture straight away or within 30 minutes. Always stir the mixture just before drinking it.
- To make sure that you have drunk all of the medicine, rinse the glass very well with half a glass of water and drink it. The solid pieces contain the medicine - do not chew or crush them.
- If you cannot swallow at all, the tablet can be mixed with some water and put into a syringe. It can then be given to you through a tube directly into your stomach (‘gastric tube’).
Use in children under the age of 12 years
Esomeprazole gastro-resistant tablets are not recommended for children less than 12 years old.
Elderly
Dose adjustment is not required in the elderly. If you take more Esomeprazole than you should If you take more Esomeprazole than prescribed by your doctor, talk to your doctor or pharmacist straight away.
If you forget to take Esomeprazole
- If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.
- Do not take a double dose (two doses at the same time) to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
If you notice any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Esomeprazole and contact a doctor immediately:
- Yellow skin, dark urine and tiredness which can be symptoms of liver problems. These effects are rare and may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people.
- Sudden wheezing, swelling of your lips, tongue and throat or body, rash, fainting or difficulties in swallowing (severe allergic reaction). These effects are rare and may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people.
- Sudden onset of a severe rash or reddening of the skin with blisters or peeling may occur even after several weeks of treatment. There may also be severe blisters and bleeding in the lips, eyes, mouth, nose and genitals. The skin rashes may develop into serious widespread skin damage (peeling of the epidermis and superficial mucous membranes) with life threatening consequences. This could be ‘erythema multiforme’, ‘Stevens-Johnson syndrome’, ‘toxic epidermal necrolysis’ or ‘drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms’. These effects are very rare and might affect up to 1 in 10,000 people.
Other side effects include:
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
- Headache.
- Effects on your stomach or gut: diarrhoea, stomach pain, constipation, wind (flatulence).
- Feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting).
- Benign polyps in the stomach.
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
- Swelling of the feet and ankles.
- Disturbed sleep (insomnia).
- Dizziness, tingling feelings such as “pins and needles”, feeling sleepy.
- Spinning feeling (vertigo).
- Dry mouth.
- Changes in blood tests that check how the liver is working.
- Skin rash, lumpy rash (hives) and itchy skin.
- Fracture of the hip, wrist or spine (if Esomeprazole is used in high doses and over long duration).
Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)
- Blood problems such as a reduced number of white cells or platelets. This can cause weakness, bruising or make infections more likely.
- Low levels of sodium in the blood. This may cause weakness, being sick (vomiting) and cramps.
- Feeling agitated, confused or depressed.
- Taste changes.
- Eyesight problems such as blurred vision.
- Suddenly feeling wheezy or short of breath (bronchospasm).
- An inflammation of the inside of the mouth.
- An infection called “thrush” which can affect the gut and is caused by a fungus.
- Liver problems, including jaundice which can cause yellow skin, dark urine, and tiredness.
- Hair loss (alopecia).
- Skin rash on exposure to sunshine.
- Joint pains (arthralgia) or muscle pains (myalgia).
- Generally feeling unwell and lacking energy.
- Increased sweating.
Very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people)
- Changes in blood count including agranulocytosis (lack of white blood cells).
- Aggression.
- Seeing, feeling or hearing things that are not there (hallucinations).
- Severe liver problems leading to liver failure and inflammation of the brain.
- Sudden onset of a severe rash or blistering or peeling skin. This may be associated with a high fever and joint pains (Erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms).
- Muscle weakness.
- Severe kidney problems.
- Enlarged breasts in men.
Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data)
- If you are on esomeprazole for more than three months it is possible that the levels of magnesium in your blood may fall. Low levels of magnesium can be seen as fatigue, involuntary muscle contractions, disorientation, convulsions, dizziness or increased heart rate. If you get any of these symptoms, please tell your doctor promptly. Low levels of magnesium can also lead to a reduction in potassium or calcium levels in the blood. Your doctor may decide to perform regular blood tests to monitor your levels of magnesium.
- Inflammation in the gut (leading to diarrhoea).
- Rash, possibly with pain in the joints.
Esomeprazole may in very rare cases affect the white blood cells leading to immune deficiency. If you have an infection with symptoms such as fever with a severely reduced general condition or fever with symptoms of a local infection such as pain in the neck, throat or mouth or difficulties in urinating, you must consult your doctor as soon as possible so that a lack of white blood cells (agranulocytosis) can be ruled out by a blood test. It is important for you to give information about your medication at this time.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly: Website: www.zuventus.co.in and click the tab “Safety Reporting” located on the top of the home page. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. You can also report the side effect with the help of your treating physician.
5. How to store Esomeprazole
- 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 blister and the carton after [Exp]. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
- Store below 30°C.
- Store in the original package in order to protect from moisture.
- Do not throw away medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.
6. Contents of the pack and other information
Each film coated tablet contains:
Esomeprazole Magnesium Trihydrate IP equivalent to Esomeprazole 40 mg
(with Sodium Bicarbonate as buffer)
Revised on 09/24