Download Sandoz® Fluoxetine

PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET
Sandoz® Fluoxetine
Fluoxetine Hydrochloride
10 mg and 20 mg capsules
Antidepressant
INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR
SANDOZ FLUOXETINE
Please read this information carefully before you
start to take your medicine, even if you have taken
this drug before. Keep this leaflet until you have
finished all your capsules, as you may need to read
it again. For further information or advice, please
see your doctor or pharmacist.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
SANDOZ FLUOXETINE
• Sandoz Fluoxetine (fluoxetine hydrochloride)
belongs to a group of medications called selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
• Sandoz Fluoxetine has been prescribed by your
doctor to relieve your symptoms of depression,
bulimia, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
WHAT YOU SHOULD TELL YOUR DOCTOR
BEFORE TAKING SANDOZ FLUOXETINE
• All your medical conditions, including a history of
liver or kidney problems, seizure, blackouts, or
diabetes.
• Any medication (prescription or non prescription)
you are taking or have recently taken, especially
monoamine oxidase inhibitors (eg: phenelzine
sulfate, tranylcypromine sulfate moclobemide or
selegeline), any other antidepressants, drugs
used to treat diabetes, drugs used to thin the
blood (anticoagulants) or drugs containing
tryptophan.
• If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming
pregnant or if you are breast-feeding.
• Your habits of alcohol and/or street drug
consumption.
• If you have had an allergic reaction to medication
used to treat your current condition.
• If you drive a vehicle or perform hazardous tasks
during your work.
PRECAUTIONS WHILE TAKING THIS MEDICATION
• You may experience side effects such as nausea,
dizziness, headaches, anxiety, nervousness,
drowsiness, insomnia or sexual problems. Consult
your doctor if you experience these or other side
effects, as the dose may have to be adjusted.
• Although Sandoz Fluoxetine seldom produces
severe drowsiness, you should avoid driving a car,
or operating hazardous machinery until you are
reasonably certain your ability to do so is not
affected.
WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF OVERDOSAGE
• If you have taken a large number of capsules all
at once, contact your doctor immediately or the
hospital emergency service nearest you even
though you may not feel sick. Show the doctor
your prescription bottle.
HOW TO STORE SANDOZ FLUOXETINE
• Keep all medication out of reach of children.
• Keep all medication in its original container at
room temperature, in a dry place and away from
the rays of the sun.
• Do not use the medication after the expiry date
printed on the label of the container.
SANDOZ FLUOXETINE CONTAINS THE
FOLLOWING:
• As medicinal ingredients, Sandoz Fluoxetine
contains fluoxetine hydrochloride.
• As non-medicinal ingredients: pregelatinized
maize starch and dimethicone 350. The capsule
shell contains indigo carmine (FD & C Blue No. 2),
quinoline yellow (D&C Yellow No. 10), titanium
dioxide, gelatin, and yellow and black ferric oxide.
HOW TO TAKE YOUR SANDOZ FLUOXETINE
• Always take the exact amount of Sandoz
Fluoxetine that has been prescribed by your
doctor. The usual dosage for depression and
obsessive-compulsive disorder is between 20 and
80 mg per day and 20 and 60 mg per day to treat
bulimia. Your doctor will be able to adjust your
dosage during the evolution of your treatment.
• Do not take additional capsules of Sandoz
Fluoxetine unless otherwise specified by your
doctor.
• You must continue your medication every day
even if you do not feel immediate improvement.
Your medication may need a few weeks before
you feel any improvement.
• Sandoz Fluoxetine is usually taken once a day.
It can be taken with or without food. This
medication is prescribed in capsule form; you
must swallow them whole, without chewing.
• You must continue your medication every day
until the doctor advises you to stop. You may have
to take it for a few months. Always follow the
doctor’s advice when taking this medication.
• If you forget a dose of Sandoz Fluoxetine, it is not
necessary to make up the missed dose. Take the
next dose as scheduled, never double dose.
Remember: This medication has been prescribed
for you specifically and your medical condition.
Do not give it to anybody else.
WHEN NOT TO TAKE SANDOZ FLUOXETINE
• Do not take Sandoz Fluoxetine if you are allergic
to this medication or to the non-medicinal
ingredients (see list at the end of this section).
Stop taking the medication and call your doctor if
you have an allergic reaction, (example: rash or
urticaria) or any other harmful or unusual side
effects.
® Registered trademark used under license by
Sandoz Canada Inc.
Sandoz Canada Inc.
QC, Canada J4B 7K8
[email protected]
?
1-800-361-3062
Revised: March 2006
OUT1004962