Phenytoin Sodium Flynn 100mg Hard Capsules
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.
Patient Information Leaflet
Phenytoin Sodium Flynn 100mg Hard Capsules
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine because it contains important information for you.
The name of your medicine is Phenytoin Sodium Flynn 100mg Hard Capsules but will be referred to as Phenytoin Sodium Flynn throughout the remainder of this leaflet.
What is in this leaflet:
1. What Phenytoin Sodium Flynn is and what it is used for
2. What you need to know before you take Phenytoin Sodium Flynn
3. How to take Phenytoin Sodium Flynn
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Phenytoin Sodium Flynn
6. Contents of the pack and other information
1. WHAT PHENYTOIN SODIUM FLYNN IS AND WHAT IT IS USED FOR
Phenytoin Sodium Flynn Hard Capsules are one of a group of medicines called anti-epileptic drugs; these medicines are used to treat epilepsy.
Phenytoin Sodium Flynn can be used to control a variety of epileptic conditions, to control or prevent seizures during or after brain surgery or severe head injury. Phenytoin Sodium Flynn can also be used to treat trigeminal neuralgia (facial nerve pain).
You should ask your doctor if you are unsure why you have been given Phenytoin Sodium Flynn.
2. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU TAKE PHENYTOIN SODIUM FLYNN
Do not take Phenytoin Sodium Flynn
• if you are allergic to Phenytoin, or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in Section 6).
• If you are allergic to other medicines with a similar chemical structure to Phenytoin (e.g. hydantoins).
Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Phenytoin Sodium Flynn.
Medicines are not always suitable for everyone. Your doctor needs to know before you take Phenytoin Sodium Flynn if you suffer from or have suffered in the past from any of the following conditions:
• Liver disease
• Porphyria (an inherited disease that affects haemoglobin biosynthesis).
A small number of people being treated with anti-epileptics such as phenytoin sodium have had thoughts of harming or killing themselves. If at any time you have these thoughts, immediately contact your doctor.
Serious skin side effects can rarely occur during treatment with Phenytoin Sodium Flynn. This risk may be associated with a variant in genes in a subject with Chinese or Thai origin. If you are of such origin and have been tested previously carrying this genetic variant (HLAB*1502), discuss this with your doctor before taking Phenytoin Sodium Flynn.
Other medicines and Phenytoin Sodium Flynn
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines.
Some medicines can affect the way Phenytoin Sodium Flynn Hard Capsules work and Phenytoin Sodium Flynn Hard Capsules themselves can reduce the effectiveness of other medicines taken at the same time. These include:
• Medicines used for heart and circulation problems (amiodarone, digoxin, furosemide, reserpine, warfarin, calcium channel blockers e.g. diltiazem, mexiletine, nicardipine, nifedipine, nimodipine, and verapamil).
• Medicines used to lower blood cholesterol, (e.g. atorvastatin, fluvastatin and simvastatin)
• Medicines used for epilepsy (carbamazepine, lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, sodium valproate, topiramate and valproic acid, succinimides e.g. ethosuximide and vigabatrin).
• Medicines used to treat fungal infections (e.g amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, posaconazole and voriconazole).
Medicines used for tuberculosis and other infections (chloramphenicol, clarithromycin, isoniazid, rifampicin, sulphonamides, sulfadiazine, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, doxycyline, ciprofloxacin, efavirenz, fosamprenavir, indinavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, ritonavir and saquinavir).
Medicines used for stomach ulcers (omeprazole, sucralfate, the medicines known as H2 antagonists e.g. cimetidine and some antacids).
Medicines used for asthma and bronchitis (theophylline).
Medicines used for pain and inflammation (salicylates e.g. aspirin and steroids).
Medicines used for sleeplessness, depression, and psychiatric disorders (chlordiazepoxide, clozapine, diazepam, disulfiram, fluoxetine, methylphenidate, paroxetine, phenothiazines, trazodone, tricyclic antidepressants, fluvoxamine, quetiapine and sertraline). Medicines used for diabetes (tolbutamide).
Some hormone replacement therapies (oestrogens), oral contraceptives (the birth control pill).
Medicines used for organ and tissue transplants, to prevent rejection (ciclosporin and tacrolimus)
Medicines used for cancer (antineoplastic agents, e.g. bleomycin, capecitabine, carboplatin, cisplatin, doxorubicin, fluorouracil and methotrexate).
Muscle relaxants used for surgery (neuromuscular blockers), some anaesthetic drugs (methadone).
Some products available without a prescription (folic acid, theophylline, St. John's Wort, vitamin D).
Your doctor may need to test the amount of Phenytoin in your blood to help decide if any of these medicines are affecting your treatment.
The herbal preparation St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) should not be taken at the same time as this medicine. If you already take St John's Wort, consult your doctor before stopping the St John's Wort preparation.
Phenytoin Sodium Flynn capsules may also interfere with certain laboratory tests that you may be given.
Phenytoin Sodium Flynn with food and drink
Phenytoin Sodium Flynn can be taken before or after food and drinks. Drinking a lot of alcohol can also affect the concentration of Phenytoin in your blood.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you might be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
You should not take Phenytoin Sodium Flynn if you are breast-feeding. Driving and using machines
Phenytoin Sodium Flynn may cause dizziness or drowsiness, especially during the first few weeks of treatment. If you experience these symptoms, do not drive or use any tools or machinery.
Phenytoin Sodium Flynn contains lactose, a type of sugar.
If you have been told that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product.
3. HOW TO TAKE PHENYTOIN SODIUM FLYNN
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
It is best to take Phenytoin Sodium Flynn at the same time each day.
Swallow the capsules whole, with plenty of water.
Adults
The amount of Phenytoin Sodium Flynn needed varies from one person to another. Most adults need between 200mg and 500mg a day either as a single or divided dose. Occasionally higher doses are needed.
Use in children and adolescents
Infants and children usually start on a dose that depends on their weight (5mg per day for every kg they weigh) and is given as a divided dose, twice a day. The dose is then adjusted up to a maximum of 300mg a day.
Elderly
The dose of Phenytoin Sodium Flynn for elderly patients who may be taking other medicines may also need careful consideration and adjustment by their doctor.
If you take more Phenytoin Sodium Flynn than you should
Phenytoin Sodium Flynn Hard Capsules are dangerous in overdose. If you accidentally take too much Phenytoin Sodium Flynn contact your doctor at once or go to the nearest hospital casualty department. Always take the labelled medicine package with you, whether there are any Phenytoin Sodium Flynn Hard Capsules left or not.
If you forget to take Phenytoin Sodium Flynn
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 missed dose.
If you stop taking Phenytoin Sodium Flynn
Do not stop taking Phenytoin Sodium Flynn unless your doctor tells you to. If you suddenly stop taking this medicine you may have a seizure. Should you need to stop taking Phenytoin Sodium Flynn, your doctor will have decided which is the best method for you.
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.
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms after taking this medicine. Although they are very rare, these symptoms can be serious.
• Sudden wheeziness, difficulty in breathing, swelling of eyelids, face or lips, rash or itching (especially affecting the whole body).
• If you develop a severe skin rash that causes blistering, (this can also affect the mouth and tongue). These may be signs of a condition known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome, or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Your doctor will stop your treatment in these cases.
• If you notice bruising, fever, you are looking pale or you have a severe sore throat. These may be the first signs of an abnormality of the blood, including decreases in the number of red cells, white cells or platelets. Your doctor may take regular blood samples to test for these effects.
• Skin rash and fever with swollen glands, particularly in the first two months of treatment, as these may be signs of a hypersensitivity reaction. If these are severe and you also experience pain and inflammation of the joints this could be related to a condition called systemic lupus erythematosus.
• If you experience confusion or have a severe mental illness, as this may be a sign that you have high amounts of phenytoin in your blood. On rare occasions, when the amount of phenytoin in the blood remains high, irreversible brain injury has occurred. Your doctor may test your blood to see how much phenytoin is in the blood and may change your dose.
Other side-effects that may occur are:
• Effects on your nervous system: Unusual eye movements, unsteadiness, difficulty in controlling movements, shaking, abnormal or uncoordinated movements, slurred speech, confusion, pins and needles or numbness, drowsiness, dizziness, vertigo, sleeplessness, nervousness, twitching muscles, headaches and taste change.
• Effects on your skin: skin rash including measles-like reactions which are mild.
• Effects on your stomach and intestines: feeling sick, being sick and constipation.
• Effects on your blood and lymph system: swelling of the lymph glands.
• Effects on your liver and kidney: inflammation of the kidneys and liver, liver damage (seen as yellowing of the skin and whites of the eye).
• Effects on your reproductive system: changes in the shape of the penis, painful erection.
• Effects on your hands, face and body: changes in the hands with difficulty in straightening the fingers, changes in facial features, enlarged lips or gums, increased or abnormal body or facial hair.
• Effects on medical tests: increased levels of blood sugar, or decreased levels of blood calcium, folic acid and vitamin D. If you also do not get enough vitamin D in your diet or from exposure to sunlight, you may suffer from bone pain or fractures.
• Effects on your respiratory system: problems breathing, inflammation of the lining of the lung.
• Effects on your immune system: problems with the body's defence against infection, inflammation of the wall of the arteries.
• Effects on your bones: There have been reports of bone disorders including osteopenia and osteoporosis (thinning of the bone) and fractures. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are on long term anti-epileptic medication, have a history of osteoporosis, or take steroids.
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 www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5. HOW TO STORE PHENYTOIN SODIUM FLYNN
KEEP OUT OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN
Do not store above 25°C. Store in the original package in order to protect from light.
Do not use Phenytoin Sodium Flynn after the expiry date which is stamped on the pack. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.
If the capsules becomes discoloured or show any other signs of deterioration, you should seek the advice of your doctor or pharmacist who will advise you what to do.
6. CONTENTS OF THE PACK AND OTHER INFORMATION
What Phenytoin Sodium Flynn contains
Each hard capsule contains 100mg of the active ingredient, phenytoin sodium.
The other ingredients are lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, erythrosine (E127), quinolone yellow (E104), gelatin, sodium lauryl sulphate, titanium dioxide (E171) and black printing ink.
What Phenytoin Sodium Flynn looks like and the contents of the pack
Phenytoin Sodium Flynn 100mg capsules are half white and half orange marked with 'Phenytoin Sodium Flynn 100' in black printing ink containing white powder.
Phenytoin Sodium Flynn is available in packs containing 100 capsules
PL No: 20507/0175 - Phenytoin Sodium Flynn 100mg Hard Capsules
Manufactured by : Pfizer manufacturing Deutschland GmbH , Freiburg, Germany and procured from within the EU by the product Licence Holder Central Pharmaceuticals (UK) Limited, 37 Chestnut Drive, Harrow, HA3 7DL, United Kingdom.
Phenytoin Sodium Flynn is a registered trademark of Flynn Pharma Ltd. Revision date: 1st October 2014
CPL/0175/3