Gabapentin Glenmark 100 mg capsules

Patient Leaflet Updated 20-Feb-2023 | Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Europe Ltd

Gabapentin Glenmark 100, 300, 400 mg capsules

Package leaflet: Information for the user

Gabapentin Glenmark 100 mg capsules

Gabapentin Glenmark 300 mg capsules

Gabapentin Glenmark 400 mg capsules

gabapentin

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.

What is in this leaflet

1. What Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules are and what they are used for
2. What you need to know before you take Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules
3. How to take Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules
6. Contents of the pack and other information

1. What Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules are and what they are used for

Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules belongs to a group of medicines used to treat epilepsy and peripheral neuropathic pain (long lasting pain caused by damage to the nerves).

The active substance in Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules is gabapentin.

Gabapentin Glenmark capsules are used to treat:
  • Various forms of epilepsy (seizures that are initially limited to certain parts of the brain, whether the seizure spreads to other parts of the brain or not). The doctor treating you or your child 6 years of age and older will prescribe these capsules to help treat epilepsy when the current treatment is not fully controlling the condition. You or your child 6 years of age and older should take Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules in addition to the current treatment unless told otherwise. Gabapentin can also be used on its own to treat adults and children over 12 years of age.
  • Peripheral neuropathic pain (long lasting pain caused by damage to the nerves). A variety of different diseases can cause peripheral neuropathic pain (primarily occurring in the legs and/or arms), such as diabetes or shingles. Pain sensations may be described as hot, burning, throbbing, shooting, stabbing, sharp, cramping, aching, tingling, numbness, pins and needles etc.

2. What you need to know before you take Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules
Do not take Gabapentin:
  • if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to gabapentin or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).

Warnings and precautions

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules:

  • if you suffer from kidney problems your doctor may prescribe a different dosing schedule
  • if you are on haemodialysis (to remove waste products because of kidney failure), tell your doctor if you develop muscle pain and/or weakness
  • if you develop signs such as persistent stomach pain, feeling sick and being sick contact your doctor immediately as these may be symptoms of acute pancreatitis (an inflamed pancreas)
  • if you have nervous system disorders, respiratory disorders, or you are more than 65 years old, your doctor may prescribe you a different dosing regimen.
  • Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have ever abused or been dependent on alcohol, prescription medicines or illegal drugs; it may mean you have a greater risk of becoming dependent on Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules

Cases of abuse and dependence have been reported for gabapentin from the post-marketing experience. Talk to your doctor if you have a history of abuse or dependence.

A small number of people being treated with antiepileptics such as gabapentin have had thoughts of harming or killing themselves. If at any time you have these thoughts, immediately contact your doctor.

Dependence

Some people may become dependent on Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules (a need to keep taking the medicine).

They may have withdrawal effects when they stop using Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules (see section 3, “How to take Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules” and “If you stop taking Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules”). If you have concerns that you may become dependent on Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules, it is important that you consult your doctor.

If you notice any of the following signs whilst taking Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules, it could be a sign that you have become dependent.

  • You feel you need to take the medicine for longer than advised by your prescriber
  • You feel you need to take more than the recommended dose
  • You are using the medicine for reasons other than prescribed
  • You have made repeated, unsuccessful attempts to quit or control the use of the medicine
  • When you stop taking the medicine you feel unwell, and you feel better once taking the medicine again

If you notice any of these, speak to your doctor to discuss the best treatment pathway for you, including when it is appropriate to stop and how to do this safely.

Important information about potentially serious reactions

Serious skin rashes including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) have been reported in association with gabapentin. Stop using gabapentin and seek medical attention immediately if you notice any of the symptoms related to these serious skin reactions described in section 4.

Read the description of these symptoms in section 4 of this leaflet under ‘Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms after taking this medicine as they can be serious’

Muscle weakness, tenderness or pain and particularly, if at the same time, you feel unwell or have a high temperature it may be caused by an abnormal muscle breakdown which can be life-threatening and lead to kidney problems. You may also experience discoloration of your urine, and a change in blood test results (notably blood creatine phosphokinase increased). If you experience any of these signs or symptoms, please contact your doctor immediately.

Other medicines and Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. In particular, tell your doctor (or pharmacist) if you are taking or have been recently taking any medicines for convulsions, sleeping disorders, depression, anxiety, or any other neurological or psychiatric problems.

Medicines containing opioids such as morphine

If you are taking any medicines containing opioids (such as morphine), please tell your doctor or pharmacist as opioids may increase the effect of Gabapentin. In addition, combination of Gabapentin with opioids may cause sleepiness, sedation, decrease in breathing, or death.

Antacids for indigestion

If Gabapentin and antacids containing aluminium and magnesium are taken at the same time, absorption of Gabapentin from the stomach may be reduced. It is therefore recommended that Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules are taken at the earliest two hours after taking an antacid.

Gabapentin:

  • is not expected to interact with other antiepileptic drugs or the oral contraceptive pill.
  • may interfere with some laboratory tests, if you require a urine test tell your doctor or hospital what you are taking.

Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules with food

Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules can be taken with or without food.

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.

Pregnancy

Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules should not be taken during pregnancy unless you are told otherwise by your doctor. Effective contraception must be used by women of child-bearing potential.

There have been no studies specifically looking at the use of gabapentin in pregnant women, but other medications used to treat seizures have reported an increased risk of harm to the developing baby, particularly when more than one seizure medication is taken at the same time. Therefore, whenever possible, you should try to take only one seizure medication during pregnancy and only under the advice of your doctor.

If used during pregnancy, gabapentin may lead to withdrawal symptoms in newborn infants. This risk might be increased when gabapentin is taken together with opioid analgesics (drugs for treatment of severe pain).

Contact your doctor immediately if you become pregnant, think you might be pregnant or are planning to become pregnant while taking Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules. Do not suddenly discontinue taking this medicine as this may lead to a breakthrough seizure, which could have serious consequences for you and your baby.

Breast-feeding

Gabapentin, the active substance of Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules, is passed on through human milk. Because the effect on the baby is unknown, it is not recommended to breast-feed while using Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules.

Fertility

There is no effect on fertility in animal studies.

Driving and using machines

Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules may produce dizziness, drowsiness and tiredness. You should not drive, operate complex machinery or take part in other potentially hazardous activities until you know whether this medication affects your ability to perform these activities.

Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules contains lactose

Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules contain lactose (a type of sugar). If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product.

3. How to take Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules

Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. Do not take more medicine than prescribed.

Your doctor will determine what dose is appropriate for you.

Epilepsy, the recommended dose is

Adults and adolescents

Take the number of capsules as instructed. Your doctor will usually build up your dose gradually. The starting dose will generally be between 300 mg and 900 mg each day. Thereafter, the dose may be increased as instructed by your doctor, up to a maximum of 3600 mg each day and your doctor will tell you to take this in 3 separate doses, i.e. once in the morning, once in the afternoon and once in the evening.

Children aged 6 years and above

The dose to be given to your child will be decided by your doctor as it is calculated against your child’s weight. The treatment is started with a low initial dose which is gradually increased over a period of approximately 3 days. The usual dose to control epilepsy is 25-35 mg per kg per day. It is usually given in 3 separate doses, by taking the capsule(s) each day, usually once in the morning, once in the afternoon and once in the evening.

Gabapentin Glenmark is not recommended for use in children below 6 years of age.

Peripheral Neuropathic Pain, the recommended dose is

Adults

Take the number of capsules as instructed by your doctor. Your doctor will usually build up your dose gradually. The starting dose will generally be between 300 mg and 900 mg each day. Thereafter, the dose may be increased as instructed by your doctor up to a maximum of 3600 mg each day and your doctor will tell you to take this in 3 separate doses, i.e. once in the morning, once in the afternoon and once in the evening.

If you have kidney problems or are receiving haemodialysis

Your doctor may prescribe a different dosing schedule and/or dose if you have problems with your kidneys or are undergoing haemodialysis.

If you are an elderly patient (over 65 years of age)

You should take the normal dose of Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules unless you have problems with your kidneys. Your doctor may prescribe a different dosing schedule and/or dose if you have problems with your kidneys.

If you have the impression that the effect of Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules is too strong or too weak, talk to your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible.

Method of administration

Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules are for oral use. Always swallow the capsules with plenty of water.

Continue taking Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules until your doctor tells you to stop.

If you take more Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules than you should

Higher than recommended doses may result in an increase in side effects including loss of consciousness, dizziness, double vision, slurred speech, drowsiness and diarrhoea. Call your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency unit immediately if you take more Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules than your doctor prescribed. Take along any capsules that you have not taken, together with the container and the label so that the hospital can easily tell what medicine you have taken.

If you forget to take Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is time for your next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you stop taking Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules

Do not suddenly stop taking Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules. If you want to stop taking Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules, discuss this with your doctor first. They will tell you how to do this. If your treatment is stopped it should be done gradually over a minimum of 1 week. After stopping a short or long-term treatment with Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules, you need to know that you may experience certain side effects, so-called withdrawal effects. These effects can include seizures, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, feeling sick (nausea), pain, sweating, shaking, headache, depression, feeling abnormal, dizziness, and feeling generally unwell. These effects usually occur within 48 hours after stopping Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules. If you experience withdrawal effects, you should contact your doctor.

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

4. Possible side effects

Stop using Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules and seek medical attention immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms:

  • reddish non-elevated, target-like or circular patches on the trunk, often with central blisters, skin peeling, ulcers of mouth, throat, nose, genitals and eyes. These serious skin rashes can be preceded by fever and flu-like symptoms (Stevens-Johnson-syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis).
  • widespread rash, high body temperature and enlarged lymph nodes (DRESS syndrome or drug hypersensitivity syndrome).

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

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms after taking this medicine as they can be serious:

  • severe skin reactions that require immediate attention, swelling of the lips and face, skin rash and redness, and/or hair loss (these may be symptoms of a serious allergic reaction)
  • persistent stomach pain, feeling sick and being sick as these may be symptoms of acute pancreatitis (an inflamed pancreas)
  • Breathing problems, which if severe you may need emergency and intensive care to continue breathing normally
  • May cause a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction that may affect your skin or other parts of your body such as your liver or blood cells. You may or may not have rash when you get this type of reaction. It may cause you to be hospitalized or to stop Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms:
    • skin rash
    • hives
    • fever
    • swollen glands that do not go away
    • swelling of your lip and tongue
    • yellowing of your skin or of the whites of the eyes
    • unusual bruising or bleeding
    • severe fatigue or weakness
    • unexpected muscle pain
    • frequent infections

These symptoms may be the first signs of a serious reaction. A doctor should examine you to decide if you should continue taking Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules.

  • If you are on haemodialysis, tell your doctor if you develop muscle pain and/or weakness.

Other side effects include:

Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)

  • Viral infection
  • Feeling drowsy, dizziness, lack of coordination
  • Feeling tired, fever

Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

  • Pneumonia, respiratory infections, urinary tract infection, inflammation of the ear or other infections
  • Low white blood cell counts
  • Anorexia, increased appetite
  • Anger towards others, confusion, mood changes, depression, anxiety, nervousness, difficulty with thinking
  • Convulsions, jerky movements, difficulty with speaking, loss of memory, tremor, difficulty sleeping, headache, sensitive skin, decreased sensation (numbness), difficulty with coordination, unusual eye movement, increased, decreased or absent reflexes
  • Blurred vision, double vision
  • Vertigo
  • High blood pressure, flushing or dilation of blood vessels
  • Difficulty breathing, bronchitis, sore throat, cough, dry nose
  • Vomiting (being sick), nausea (feeling sick), problems with teeth, inflamed gums, diarrhoea, stomach pain, indigestion, constipation, dry mouth or throat, flatulence
  • Facial swelling, bruises, rash, itch, acne
  • Joint pain, muscle pain, back pain, twitching
  • Difficulties with erection (impotence)
  • Swelling in the legs and arms, difficulty with walking, weakness, pain, feeling unwell, flu-like symptoms
  • Decrease in white blood cells, increase in weight
  • Accidental injury, fracture, abrasion

Additionally in clinical studies in children, aggressive behaviour and jerky movements were reported commonly.

Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

  • Agitation (a state of chronic restlessness and unintentional and purposeless motions)
  • Allergic reaction such as hives
  • Decreased movement
  • Racing heartbeat
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Swelling that may involve the face, trunk and limbs
  • Abnormal blood test results suggesting problems with the liver
  • Mental impairment
  • Fall
  • Increase in blood glucose levels (most often observed in patients with diabetes)

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

  • Decrease in blood glucose levels (most often observed in patients with diabetes)
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Trouble breathing, shallow breaths (respiratory depression)

Not known: frequency cannot be estimated from the available data

  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Becoming dependent on Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules (‘drug dependence’)

After stopping a short or long-term treatment with Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules, you need to know that you may experience certain side effects, so-called withdrawal effects (see “If you stop taking Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules”).

After marketing Gabapentin the following side effects have been reported:
  • Decreased platelets (blood clotting cells)
  • Hallucinations
  • Problems with abnormal movements such as writhing, jerking movements and stiffness
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), inflammation of the liver
  • Acute kidney failure, incontinence
  • Increased breast tissue, breast enlargement
  • Adverse events following the abrupt discontinuation of gabapentin (anxiety, difficulty sleeping, feeling sick, pain, sweating), chest pain
  • Breakdown of muscle fibers (rhabdomyolysis)
  • Change in blood test results (creatine phosphokinase increased)
  • Problems with sexual functioning including inability to achieve a sexual climax, delayed ejaculation
  • Low blood sodium level
  • Anaphylaxis (serious, potentially life threatening allergic reaction including difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, throat, and tongue, and hypotension requiring emergency treatment)

Reporting of side effects

If you get 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 Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.co.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App. Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

5. How to store Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules

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 carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

Do not store above 30°C.

Do not throw away any 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
What Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules contains

The active substance in Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules is gabapentin

Gabapentin Glenmark 100 mg capsules contain 100 mg of gabapentin.

Gabapentin Glenmark 300 mg capsules contain 300 mg gabapentin.

Gabapentin Glenmark 400 mg capsules contain 400 mg gabapentin.

The other ingredients that are present in the capsule contents are: lactose monohydrate, maize starch and talc.

The capsule shell contains: gelatin, titanium dioxide (E171) and sodium lauryl sulphate.

Additionally the 300 mg capsule shell contains iron oxide yellow (E172) and the 400 mg capsules shell contains iron oxide yellow (E172) and iron oxide red (E172).

The printing ink contains Shellac and Black iron oxide (E172).

What Gabapentin Glenmark Capsules looks like and contents of the pack
  • Gabapentin Glenmark 100 mg capsules are Size ‘3’ hard gelatin capsules with white opaque cap and white opaque body, imprinted with a 'G' on cap and '456' on body with black ink, filled with white to off-white powder.
  • Gabapentin Glenmark 300 mg capsules are Size ‘1’ hard gelatin capsules with light yellow to yellow cap and light yellow to yellow body, imprinted with a 'G' on cap and '457' on body with black ink, filled with white to off-white powder.
  • Gabapentin Glenmark 400 mg capsules are Size ‘0’ hard gelatin capsules with light orange to orange cap and light orange to orange body, imprinted with a 'G' on cap and '458' on body with black ink filled with white to off-white powder.

Gabapentin Glenmark 100 mg Capsules are packaged in blisters supplied in boxes containing: 1, 10, 30, 45, 50, 60, 84, 90, 100, 120, 180 and 200 and containers with 20, 50, 100, 200, 200 (multi-pack containing 2 bottles of 100 capsules), 300, 500 and 1000 hard capsules.

Gabapentin Glenmark 300 mg Capsules are packaged in blisters supplied in boxes containing: 1, 10, 30, 45, 50, 60, 84, 90, 100, 120, 180 and 200 and containers with 50, 100, 200, 200 (multi-pack containing 2 bottles of 100 capsules), 300, 500 and 1000 hard capsules.

Gabapentin Glenmark 400 mg Capsules are packaged in blisters supplied in boxes containing: 1, 10, 30, 45, 50, 60, 84, 90, 100, 120, 180 and 200 and containers with 50, 100, 200, 200 (multi-pack containing 2 bottles of 100 capsules), 300, 500 and 1000 hard capsules.

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer

Marketing Authorisation Holder

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Europe Limited
Laxmi House
2-B Draycott Avenue
Kenton
Middlesex
HA3 0BU
United Kingdom

Manufacturer

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Europe Limited
Building 2
Croxley Green Business Park
Croxley Green
Hertfordshire
WD18 8YA
United Kingdom

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals s.r.o.
Fibichova 143
56617 Vysoké Mýto
Czech Republic

Other sources of information:

To listen to or request a copy of this leaflet in Braille, large print or audio please call, free of charge: 0800 198 5000 (UK only).

Please be ready to give the following information:

Product Name Reference Number

Gabapentin Glenmark 100 mg Capsules PL 25258/0256

Gabapentin Glenmark 300 mg Capsules PL 25258/0257

Gabapentin Glenmark 400 mg Capsules PL 25258/0258

This is a service provided by the Royal National Institute of Blind People.

This leaflet was last revised in 01/2023

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Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Europe Ltd
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Telephone

+44 (0)1923 202 950

E-mail
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