Thursday, October 13, 2016

Tenif





Tenif 50 mg/20 mg Capsules



atenolol 50 mg, nifedipine 20 mg




Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine.



  • 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. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.

  • If any of the side effects get serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.




In this leaflet:



  • 1. What Tenif is and what it is used for

  • 2. Before you take Tenif

  • 3. How to take Tenif

  • 4. Possible side effects

  • 5. How to store Tenif

  • 6. Further information





What Tenif is and what it is used for



The name of your medicine is Tenif. It contains atenolol and nifedipine. Each of these works in a different way.



  • Atenolol belongs to a group of medicines called beta-blockers. It works by making your heart beat more slowly and with less force. This helps to prevent chest pain.

  • Nifedipine belongs to a group of medicines called dihydropyridines.

    Dihydropyridines are a type of calcium channel blocker. They work by making your blood vessels widen. This helps to prevent chest pain and lowers your blood pressure.

Tenif is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) or to prevent chest pain (angina).





Before you take Tenif




Do not take Tenif if:



  • You are having an angina attack (sudden chest pain). Tenif cannot treat an angina attack, but it can help you get fewer attacks if you take it regularly.

  • You are allergic (hypersensitive) to Tenif, Tenormin, atenolol, nifedipine, or anything else in this medicine (see Section 6: Further information).

  • You are allergic (hypersensitive) to other dihydropyridines such as amlodipine or felodipine.

  • You have any of the following heart problems:

    • heart failure which is not under control (this usually makes you breathless and causes your ankles or legs to swell)

    • second- or third-degree heart block (a condition which may be treated with a pacemaker)

    • a very slow or very uneven heart beat, very low blood pressure or very poor circulation

    • a heart attack within the last month

    • a heart condition called sick sinus syndrome, or unstable angina, or aortic stenosis

    • a condition where the heart is unable to supply enough blood to the body (cardiogenic shock).



  • You have problems with your kidneys.

  • You have a tumour called phaeochromocytoma that is not being treated. This is usually near your kidney and can cause high blood pressure.

  • Your doctor has told you that you have higher than normal levels of acid in your blood (metabolic acidosis).

  • You have not been eating much recently.

  • You are taking a medicine called rifampicin.

  • You are taking a medicine that is a certain type of calcium channel blocker such as verapamil or diltiazem.

  • You are a woman at an age where you could get pregnant, or you are pregnant or breast-feeding (see the section on "Pregnancy and breast-feeding" below).

If you are not sure if any of the above apply to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Tenif.





Take special care with Tenif



Before you take Tenif, tell your doctor if:



  • You have asthma, wheezing or similar breathing problems, or you get allergic reactions, such as to insect stings. If you have ever had asthma or wheezing, do not take this medicine without first checking with your doctor.

  • You have a type of chest pain (angina) called Prinzmetal's angina.

  • You have poor blood circulation or controlled heart failure.

  • You have first-degree heart block (a condition which may be treated by a pacemaker).

  • You have liver problems. Your doctor may need to do tests during your treatment with Tenif to check how well your liver is working.

  • You have diabetes. Your medicine may change how you respond to having low blood sugar. You may feel your heart beating faster.

  • You have thyrotoxicosis (a condition caused by an overactive thyroid gland). Your medicine may hide the symptoms of thyrotoxicosis.

  • You are a man whose female partner is having IVF (in-vitro fertilisation treatment). This is because Tenif can affect your sperm.

If you give a urine sample, it is important to tell your doctor that you are taking Tenif. This is because Tenif may interfere with the urine test results.





Taking other medicines



Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, or have recently taken, any other medicines. This includes herbal medicines and medicines that you buy without a prescription. Tenif can affect the way that some other medicines work and some medicines can have an effect on Tenif.



You must not take Tenif if you are taking any of the following medicines:



  • Rifampicin (for tuberculosis).

  • Other dihydropyridines such as amlodipine or felodipine (for high blood pressure or heart problems).

  • Certain calcium channel blockers such as verapamil or diltiazem (for high blood pressure or chest pain).

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following medicines:



  • Clonidine (for high blood pressure or migraine). If you are taking clonidine and Tenif together, do not stop taking clonidine unless your doctor tells you to do so. If you have to stop taking clonidine, your doctor will tell you how to do it.

  • Disopyramide, quinidine or amiodarone (for an uneven heart beat).

  • Digoxin or digitoxin (for heart problems).

  • Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine (a medicine that stimulates the heart).

  • Ibuprofen or indometacin (for pain and inflammation).

  • Insulin or medicines that you take by mouth for diabetes.

  • Medicines to treat nose and sinus congestion or other cold remedies (including those you buy in the pharmacy).

  • Cimetidine (for stomach problems).

If you go into hospital to have an operation, tell the anaesthetist or doctor that you are taking Tenif. This is because you can get low blood pressure (hypotension) if you are given certain anaesthetics while you are taking Tenif.





Pregnancy and breast-feeding



  • Do not take Tenif if you are pregnant or at an age where you could get pregnant. This is because Tenif can harm your unborn baby.

  • Do not take Tenif if you are breast-feeding.




Driving and using machines



  • Your medicine is not likely to affect driving or using tools or machines. However, it is best to wait to see how your medicine affects you before trying these activities.

  • If you feel dizzy or tired when taking this medicine, ask your doctor for advice.




Taking Tenif with food and drink



Do not drink grapefruit juice within 2 hours of taking Tenif. This is because your blood pressure may be reduced too much, which may make you feel dizzy.






How to take Tenif



Always use your medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.



  • Swallow the capsules with a drink of water.

  • Your doctor will tell you how many capsules to take each day and when to take them. Also read the label on the carton.


Adults with high blood pressure (hypertension)



The usual dose is one capsule each day.





Adults with chest pain (angina)



The usual dose is one capsule every 12 hours.





Older people (aged over 65 years)



High blood pressure (hypertension): The dose should not be more than one capsule each day.



Chest pain (angina): The dose should not be more than one capsule every 12 hours.





People with liver problems



The dose should not be more than one capsule each day.





Children



Your medicine must never be given to children.





If you take more Tenif than you should



If you have taken more of your medicine than prescribed by your doctor, tell your doctor or go to the nearest hospital casualty department straight away. Take the medicine packaging with you.





If you forget to take Tenif



If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time to take the next dose, wait until then. Do not take a double dose.





If you stop taking Tenif



Do not stop taking your medicine without first talking to your doctor. In some cases, you may need to stop taking it gradually.






Tenif Side Effects



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




Important side effects to look out for:



If you get any of the following, see a doctor straight away:



  • Raised lumps on your skin (weals) or swelling of your face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat. This means that you are having an allergic reaction.

  • Pain in your chest when you start taking Tenif.




Other possible side effects:



Heart and circulation: swelling of the feet or ankles or other parts of the body; slower, faster, or uneven heart beat; pounding heart beat (palpitations); angina (pain in chest) made worse; feeling faint (especially when standing up); cold hands and feet; feeling numb with spasms in your fingers (Raynaud's disease); heart block (which can cause dizziness or fainting); pain in the muscles of the leg that occurs off and on, usually while walking or exercising; decreased blood pressure in patients on kidney dialysis.


Nervous system: feeling tired or confused; headache; feeling dizzy; mood changes; nightmares; changes in personality; hallucinations; difficulty in sleeping; tingling hands or feet.


Chest: feeling breathless or wheezy.


Blood: a reduced number of platelets in your blood which may make you bleed more easily; a severe reduction in the number of white blood cells which makes infections more likely.


Digestive system: dry mouth; enlarged gums; diarrhoea; feeling sick; liver problems and jaundice (yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes).


Skin and hair: flushing of your skin; bruising more easily or purple marks on your skin; skin rashes; lumpy rash (hives); flaking or peeling skin; being sensitive to sunlight; hair loss; a condition called erythromelalgia, the signs include redness, swelling, and burning pain in the hands and feet.


Sexual: being unable to get an erection (impotence); enlarged breasts in older men.


Eyes: problems with your sight; dry eyes.


Urinary: passing water (urine) more often.


Muscles: muscle pain; shaking (tremor); burning pain in your legs.





Conditions that may get worse



If you have any of the following conditions, they may get worse when you start to take your medicine:



  • Psoriasis (a skin condition).

  • Being short of breath or having swollen ankles (if you have heart failure).

  • Asthma or breathing problems.

  • Poor blood circulation.



Do not be concerned by this list of possible side effects. You may not get any of them. If any of the side effects get serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.





How to store Tenif



  • Keep out of the reach and sight of children.

  • Do not store this medicine above 30°C.

  • Store in the original package. Keep the blister pack in the outer carton. This will protect your medicine from light and moisture.

  • Do not use your medicine after the expiry date that is stated on the packaging.

    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.





Further information




What Tenif Capsules contain



  • The active ingredients are 50 mg atenolol and 20 mg nifedipine per capsule.

  • The other ingredients are gelatin, iron oxide (E172), lactose, macrogol, magnesium carbonate, magnesium stearate, maize starch, methylhydroxypropylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, polysorbate, sodium laurilsulfate and titanium dioxide (E171).




What Tenif Capsules look like and contents of the pack



Tenif Capsules are a reddish-brown colour. They come in a blister pack containing 28 capsules.





Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer



The Marketing Authorisation for Tenif Capsules is held by




AstraZeneca UK Ltd.

600 Capability Green

Luton

LU1 3LU

UK



Tenif Capsules are manufactured by




AstraZeneca UK Ltd.

Silk Road Business Park

Macclesfield

Cheshire

SK10 2NA

UK




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 Tenif Capsules

Reference number 17901/0047



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




Leaflet prepared: October 2009.



© AstraZeneca 2009



Tenif is a trade mark of the AstraZeneca group of companies.



CV 09 0089a





P026068






Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Taxotere 80 mg






Taxotere

80 mg concentrate and solvent for solution for infusion



docetaxel





TAXOTERE 80 mg concentrate and solvent for solution for infusion



docetaxel



Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine.


  • Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.

  • If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or your hospital pharmacist.

  • If any of the side effects gets serious or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or hospital pharmacist.



In this leaflet:


  • 1. What Taxotere is and what it is used for

  • 2. Before you use Taxotere

  • 3. How to use Taxotere

  • 4. Possible side-effects

  • 5. How to store Taxotere

  • 6. Further information




What Taxotere Is And What It Is Used For


The name of this medicine is TAXOTERE. Its common name is docetaxel. Docetaxel is a substance derived from the needles of yew trees.


Docetaxel belongs to the group of anti-cancer medicines called taxoids.


TAXOTERE has been prescribed by your doctor for the treatment of breast cancer, special forms of lung cancer (non-small cell lung cancer), prostate cancer, gastric cancer or head and neck cancer:


  • For the treatment of advanced breast cancer, TAXOTERE could be administered either alone or in combination with doxorubicin, or trastuzumab, or capecitabine.

  • For the treatment of early breast cancer with lymph node involvement, TAXOTERE could be administered in combination with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide.

  • For the treatment of lung cancer, TAXOTERE could be administered either alone or in combination with cisplatin.

  • For the treatment of prostate cancer, TAXOTERE is administered in combination with prednisone or prednisolone.

  • For the treatment of metastatic gastric cancer, TAXOTERE is administered in combination with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil.

  • For the treatment of head and neck cancer, TAXOTERE is administered in combination with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil.



Before You Use Taxotere


You should not be given TAXOTERE if:


  • you experienced in the past a severe allergic reaction to it or to polysorbate 80 which is contained in the product.

  • the number of white blood cells is too low.

  • you have a severe liver disease.

  • you are pregnant or breast feeding.


Take special care with TAXOTERE:


Before each treatment with TAXOTERE, you will have blood tests to check that you have enough blood cells and sufficient liver function to receive TAXOTERE. In case of white blood cell disturbances, you may experience associated fever or infections.


You will be asked to take premedication consisting of an oral corticosteroid such as dexamethasone, one day prior to TAXOTERE administration and to continue for one or two days after it in order to minimise certain undesirable effects which may occur after the infusion of TAXOTERE in particular allergic reactions and fluid retention (swelling of the hands, feet, legs or weight gain).


During treatment, you may be given medication to maintain the number of your blood cells.




Taking/using other medicines:


Please tell your doctor or hospital pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicine, including medicines obtained without a prescription. This is because TAXOTERE or the other medicine may not work as well as expected and you may be more likely to get a side effect.




Pregnancy and breast-feeding:


TAXOTERE must NOT be administered if you are pregnant or if you are planning to become pregnant. You must take adequate contraceptive precautions during therapy and for at least three months after TAXOTERE is no longer administered to you. If pregnancy occurs during your treatment, you must immediately inform your doctor.


You must NOT breast-feed while you are treated with TAXOTERE.


If you are thinking of becoming pregnant or breastfeeding discuss it with your doctor first.




Driving and using machines:


There is no reason why you cannot drive between courses of TAXOTERE except if you feel dizzy or are unsure of yourself.





How To Use Taxotere


TAXOTERE will be administered to you by a healthcare professional.



Usual dosage


The dose will depend on your weight and your general condition. Your doctor will calculate your body surface area in square meters (m2) and will determine the dose you should receive.




Method and route of administration


TAXOTERE will be given by infusion into one of your veins. The infusion will last approximately one hour during which you will be in the hospital.




Frequency of administration


You should usually receive your infusion once every 3 weeks.


Your doctor may change the dose and frequency of dosing depending on your blood tests, your general condition and your response to TAXOTERE. In particular, please inform your doctor in case of diarrhoea, sores in the mouth, feeling of numbness or pins and needles, fever and give her/him results of your blood tests. Such information will allow her/him to decide whether a dose reduction is needed. If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor, or hospital pharmacist.





Possible Side Effects


Like all other anticancer medicines, TAXOTERE can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.


Your doctor will discuss these with you and will explain the potential risks and benefits of your treatment.


The most commonly reported adverse reactions of TAXOTERE alone are: decrease in the number of red blood cells or white blood cells, alopecia, nausea, vomiting, sores in the mouth, diarrhoea and tiredness.


The severity of adverse events of TAXOTERE may be increased when TAXOTERE is given in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents.


During the infusion at the hospital the following allergic reactions (experienced in more than 1 person in 10) may occur:


  • flushing, skin reactions, itching

  • chest tightness; difficulty in breathing

  • fever or chills

  • back pain

  • low blood pressure

More severe reactions may occur.


The hospital staff will monitor your condition closely during treatment. Tell them immediately if you notice any of these effects.


Between infusions of TAXOTERE the following may occur, and the frequency may vary with the combinations of drugs that are received:



Very Common: (experienced in more than 1 in 10 patients)


  • infections, decrease in the number of red (anaemia), or white blood cells (which are important in fighting infection) and platelets,

  • fever: if this happens you must tell your doctor immediately

  • allergic reactions as described above

  • loss of appetite (anorexia)

  • insomnia

  • feeling of numbness or pins and needles or pain in the joints of muscles

  • headache

  • alteration in sense of taste

  • inflammation of the eye or increased tearing of the eyes

  • swelling caused by faulty lymphatic drainage

  • shortness of breath

  • nasal drainage; inflammation of the throat and nose; cough

  • bleeding from the nose

  • sores in the mouth

  • stomach upsets including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, constipation

  • abdominal pain

  • indigestion

  • short term hair loss (in most cases normal hair growth should return)

  • redness and swelling of the palms of your hands or soles of your feet which may cause your skin to peel (this may also occur on the arms, face, or body)

  • change in the color of your nails, which may detach

  • muscle aches and pains; back pain or bone pain

  • change or absence of menstrual period

  • swelling of the hands, feet, legs

  • tiredness; or flu-like symptoms

  • weight gain or loss


Common (experienced in less than 1 in 10 but more than 1 in 100 patients)


  • oral candidiasis

  • dehydration

  • dizziness

  • hearing impaired

  • decrease in blood pressure; irregular or rapid heart beat

  • heart failure

  • oesophagitis

  • dry mouth

  • difficulty or painful swallowing

  • haemorrhage

  • raised liver enzymes (hence the need for regular blood tests)


Uncommon: (experienced in more than 1 in 1,000 but less than 1 in 100)


  • fainting

  • at the injection site, skin reactions, phlebitis (inflammation of the vein) or swelling

  • inflammation of the colon, small intestine; intestinal perforation

If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or hospital pharmacist.




How To Store Taxotere


Keep out of the reach and sight of children.


TAXOTERE should not be used after the expiry date shown on the pack.


Do not store above 25°C or below 2°C.


Store in the original package in order to protect from light.


The premix solution should be used immediately after preparation. However the chemical and physical stability of the premix solution has been demonstrated for 8 hours when stored either between 2°C and 8°C or at room temperature.


The infusion solution should be used within 4 hours at room temperature.




Further Information



What TAXOTERE contains:


  • The active substance is docetaxel. Each ml of docetaxel solution contains 40 mg of docetaxel anhydrous. One vial contains 80 mg docetaxel.

  • The other ingredient is polysorbate 80.



What TAXOTERE looks like and contents of the pack:


TAXOTERE 80 mg concentrate for solution for infusion is a clear viscous, yellow to brown-yellow solution containing 40 mg/ml docetaxel (anhydrous) in polysorbate 80.


Each blister carton of TAXOTERE 80 mg concentrate and solvent for solution for infusion contains:


  • one single-dose TAXOTERE vial and,

  • one single-dose solvent for TAXOTERE vial




Marketing Authorisation Holder:



Aventis Pharma S.A.

20 avenue Raymond Aron

92165 Antony Cedex

France




Manufacturer:



Aventis Pharma, Dagenham

Rainham Road South

Dagenham

Essex

RM10 7XS

United Kingdom



For any information about this medicinal product, please contact the local representative of the Marketing Authorisation Holder.
































United Kingdom

sanofi-aventis

Tel:+44 (0) 1483 505 515




This leaflet was last updated in January 2007.





Tears Naturale Single Dose Eye Drops





1. Name Of The Medicinal Product



TEARS NATURALE SINGLE DOSE eye drops, solution


2. Qualitative And Quantitative Composition



1 ml of TEARS NATURALE SINGLE DOSE contains:



Dextran 70........................................................ 1.0 mg



Hypromellose.................................................... 3.0 mg



For excipients, see 6.1.



3. Pharmaceutical Form



Eye drops, solution



Clear, colourless solution



4. Clinical Particulars



4.1 Therapeutic Indications



Tears substitute for the symptomatic treatment of moderate to severe dry eye, including keratoconjunctivitis sicca.



4.2 Posology And Method Of Administration



Instill 1 or 2 drops into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye(s) as needed, up to once every 1-2 hours or as prescribed by the physician.



Adults, children, and the elderly



These drops may be used by both adults and children.



4.3 Contraindications



Hypersensitivity to dextran 70, hypromellose or to any of the excipients.



4.4 Special Warnings And Precautions For Use



• For ocular use only. Not for injection or ingestion



• If patients experience headaches, eye pain, changes in vision, persistent redness or irritation of the eyes, or if the condition worsens or persists for more than 3 days, they are to discontinue use and consult a doctor.



4.5 Interaction With Other Medicinal Products And Other Forms Of Interaction



If more than one topical ophthalmic medicinal product is being used, the medicines must be administered at least 5 minutes apart. Eye ointments should be administered last.



4.6 Pregnancy And Lactation



Pregnancy



There are no or limited amount of data from the use of TEARS NATURALE SINGLE DOSE in pregnant women. However, the components dextran 70 and hypromellose exert a surface protective effect and are not pharmacologically active. These components are not expected to be absorbed systemically, to demonstrate any systemic toxicity or to have any effect on reproduction or embryofetal development. TEARS NATURALE SINGLE DOSE can be used during pregnancy.



Lactation



It is unknown whether dextran 70, hypromellose or any of the components are excreted in human milk. Nonetheless, discontinuation of product use during breast-feeding is not considered necessary. TEARS NATURALE SINGLE DOSE can be used during breast-feeding.



4.7 Effects On Ability To Drive And Use Machines



TEARS NATURALE SINGLE DOSE has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive or use machines. As with any eye drops, temporary blurred vision or other visual disturbances may affect the ability to drive or use machines. If blurred vision occurs at instillation, the patient must not drive or use machinery until the vision is completely cleared.



4.8 Undesirable Effects



a. Summary of the safety profile



The most frequently occurring adverse reaction during clinical trials was vision blurred.



b. Tabulated list of adverse reactions



The following adverse reactions are classified according to the following convention: very common (














System Organ Classification




MedDRA Preferred Term (v.12.0)




Immune system disorders




Not known: hypersensitivity




Nervous system disorders




Uncommon: headache




Eye disorders




Very common: vision blurred



Common: dry eye (residual), eyelid disorder, abnormal sensation in eye, foreign body sensation in eyes, ocular discomfort.



Uncommon: photophobia, hypoaesthesia eye, eye pruritus, eye irritation, ocular hyperaemia.



Not known: erythema of eyelid, eye swelling, eye pain, eye discharge, eyelid margin crusting, lacrimation increased.




General disorders and administration site conditions




Uncommon: discomfort (skin)



4.9 Overdose



• No case of overdose has been reported.



• An overdoseof TEARS NATURALE SINGLE DOSE can easily be washed out of the eye with lukewarm tap water.



5. Pharmacological Properties



5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties



ATC Code S01X A20



TEARS NATURALE SINGLE DOSE is an unpreserved physiological tear product that exerts a physical, not a pharmacologic action, and it contains the ionic components of the human tear: calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, zinc, bicarbonate and chloride ions. TEARS NATURALE SINGLE DOSE also contains the DUASORB system, which consists of two water-soluble polymers: Dextran 70 and hypromellose. The system provides a lubricant and emollient effect to the cornea. The surface tension and viscosity of TEARS NATURALE SINGLE DOSE are similar to those of natural tears.



An animal model study demonstrated that a tear solution with physiologic electrolyte composition, including bicarbonate, can provide an environment for the cornea which is conducive to recovery from epithelial damage. This suggests that artificial tears containing bicarbonate may also be of benefit in the treatment of the compromised ocular surface epithelium of dry eye patients. An open-label, non-randomized, parallel group study was conducted in which 14 patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca received treatment with TEARS NATURALE SINGLE DOSE. This study demonstrated that TEARS NATURALE SINGLE DOSE provided objective improvement in ocular surface desiccation, cell pathology and symptomatic complaints as compared with a control formulation without bicarbonate. Although statistical comparisons were not conducted between or within treatments, results were considered clinically significant.



5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties



The pharmacokinetics of Dextran 70 and hypromellose have not been studied in this product. Due to the high molecular weights of these polymers, penetration into the cornea and conjunctiva is expected to be low.



5.3 Preclinical Safety Data



The preclinical safety of TEARS NATURALE SINGLE DOSE was demonstrated in an exaggerated treatment regimen with 12 applications of the product to rabbits' eyes over a 5.5-hour period. Prior to instillation, the test samples had been opened, stored at room temperature for 10 days, followed by storage at 45o C for 50 hours, in order to increase the pH to approximately 8.8. Under this exaggerated treatment regimen, the product was found to be well tolerated.



6. Pharmaceutical Particulars



6.1 List Of Excipients



Sodium chloride



Potassium chloride



Calcium chloride (dihydrate)



Magnesium chloride (hexahydrate)



Zinc chloride



Sodium hydrogen carbonate



Carbon dioxide (to adjust pH)



Purified water



6.2 Incompatibilities



None known.



6.3 Shelf Life



2 years.



Discard four days after first opening the aluminum overwrap.



After opening, the contents of a single-dose container should be used immediately.



6.4 Special Precautions For Storage



Do not store above 25 °C.



Do not freeze.



Keep in original container



6.5 Nature And Contents Of Container



28 x 0.4 ml single-dose LDPE containers.



The carton contains seven aluminium overwraps, each of which contains four single-dose containers.



6.6 Special Precautions For Disposal And Other Handling



Ensure that the single-dose container is intact before use.



Separate one container. To open, completely TWIST off tab; do not PULL off.



Do not touch the tip of the container to any surface in order to avoid contamination of the contents.



The solution should not be used if it changes colour or becomes cloudy.



Single use only. Discard the open container after use.



7. Marketing Authorisation Holder



Alcon Laboratories (UK) Ltd.,



Pentagon Park,



Boundary Way,



Hemel Hempstead,



Herts. HP2 7UD,



U.K.



8. Marketing Authorisation Number(S)



PL 00649/0170



9. Date Of First Authorisation/Renewal Of The Authorisation



28/10/2005



10. Date Of Revision Of The Text



07/09/2010




Tazocin 2g / 0.25g and 4g / 0.5g Powder for Solution for Injection or Infusion





1. Name Of The Medicinal Product



Tazocin* 2 g / 0.25 g powder for solution for infusion



Tazocin* 4 g / 0.5 g powder for solution for infusion


2. Qualitative And Quantitative Composition



Each vial contains piperacillin (as sodium salt) equivalent to 2 g and tazobactam (as sodium salt) equivalent to 0.25 g.



Each vial of Tazocin 2 g / 0.25 g contains 5.58 mmol (128 mg) of sodium.



Each vial contains piperacillin (as sodium salt) equivalent to 4 g and tazobactam (as sodium salt) equivalent to 0.5 g.



Each vial of Tazocin 4 g / 0.5 g contains 11.16 mmol (256 mg) of sodium.



Excipients:



For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1.



3. Pharmaceutical Form



Powder for solution for infusion.



White to off-white powder.



4. Clinical Particulars



4.1 Therapeutic Indications



Tazocin is indicated for the treatment of the following infections in adults and children over 2 years of age (see sections 4.2 and 5.1):



Adults and adolescents



- Severe pneumonia including hospital-acquired and ventilator-associated pneumonia



- Complicated urinary tract infections (including pyelonephritis)



- Complicated intra-abdominal infections



- Complicated skin and soft tissue infections (including diabetic foot infections)



Treatment of patients with bacteraemia that occurs in association with, or is suspected to be associated with, any of the infections listed above.



Tazocin may be used in the management of neutropenic patients with fever suspected to be due to a bacterial infection.



Children 2 to 12 years of age



- Complicated intra-abdominal infections



Tazocin may be used in the management of neutropenic children with fever suspected to be due to a bacterial infection.



Consideration should be given to official guidance on the appropriate use of antibacterial agents.



4.2 Posology And Method Of Administration



Posology



The dose and frequency of Tazocin depends on the severity and localisation of the infection and expected pathogens.



Adult and adolescent patients



Infections



The usual dose is 4 g piperacillin / 0.5 g tazobactam given every 8 hours.



For nosocomial pneumonia and bacterial infections in neutropenic patients, the recommended dose is 4 g piperacillin / 0.5 g tazobactam administered every 6 hours. This regimen may also be applicable to treat patients with other indicated infections when particularly severe.



The following table summarises the treatment frequency and the recommended dose for adult and adolescent patients by indication or condition:
















Treatment frequency




Tazocin 4 g / 0.5 g




Every 6 hours




Severe pneumonia




Neutropenic adults with fever suspected to be due to a bacterial infection.


 


Every 8 hours




Complicated urinary tract infections (including pyelonephritis)




Complicated intra-abdominal infections


 


Skin and soft tissue infections (including diabetic foot infections)


 


Renal impairment



The intravenous dose should be adjusted to the degree of actual renal impairment as follows (each patient must be monitored closely for signs of substance toxicity; medicinal product dose and interval should be adjusted accordingly):












Creatinine clearance (ml/min)




Tazocin (recommended dose)




> 40




No dose adjustment necessary




20-40




Maximum dose suggested: 4 g / 0.5 g every 8 hours




< 20




Maximum dose suggested: 4 g / 0.5 g every 12 hours



For patients on haemodialysis, one additional dose of piperacillin / tazobactam 2 g / 0.25 g should be administered following each dialysis period, because haemodialysis removes 30%-50% of piperacillin in 4 hours.



Hepatic impairment



No dose adjustment is necessary (see section 5.2).



Dose in elderly patients



No dose adjustment is required for the elderly with normal renal function or creatinine clearance values above 40 ml/min.



Paediatric population (2-12 years of age)



Infections



The following table summarises the treatment frequency and the dose per body weight for paediatric patients 2-12 years of age by indication or condition:










Dose per weight and treatment frequency




Indication / condition




80 mg Piperacillin / 10 mg Tazobactam per kg body weight / every 6 hours




Neutropenic children with fever suspected to be due to bacterial infections*




100 mg Piperacillin / 12.5 mg Tazobactam per kg body weight / every 8 hours




Complicated intra-abdominal infections*



* Not to exceed the maximum 4 g / 0.5 g per dose over 30 minutes.



Renal impairment



The intravenous dose should be adjusted to the degree of actual renal impairment as follows (each patient must be monitored closely for signs of substance toxicity; medicinal product dose and interval should be adjusted accordingly):










Creatinine clearance (ml/min)




Tazocin (recommended dose)




> 50




No dose adjustment needed.







70 mg piperacillin / 8.75 mg tazobactam / kg every 8 hours.



For children on haemodialysis, one additional dose of 40 mg piperacillin / 5 mg tazobactam / kg should be administered following each dialysis period.



Use in children aged below 2 years



The safety and efficacy of Tazocin in children 0- 2 years of age has not been established.



No data from controlled clinical studies are available.



Treatment duration



The usual duration of treatment for most indications is in the range of 5-14 days. However, the duration of treatment should be guided by the severity of the infection, the pathogen(s) and the patient's clinical and bacteriological progress.



Route of administration



Tazocin 2 g / 0.25 g is administered by intravenous infusion (over 30 minutes).



Tazocin 4 g / 0.5 g is administered by intravenous infusion (over 30 minutes).



For reconstitution instructions, see section 6.6.



4.3 Contraindications



Hypersensitivity to the active substances, any other penicillin-antibacterial agent or to any of the excipients.



History of acute severe allergic reaction to any other beta-lactam active substances (e.g. cephalosporin, monobactam or carbapenem).



4.4 Special Warnings And Precautions For Use



The selection of piperacillin / tazobactam to treat an individual patient should take into account the appropriateness of using a broad-spectrum semi-synthetic penicillin based on factors such as the severity of the infection and the prevalence of resistance to other suitable antibacterial agents.



Before initiating therapy with Tazocin, careful inquiry should be made concerning previous hypersensitivity reactions to penicillins, other beta-lactam agents (e.g. cephalosporin, monobactam or carbapenem) and other allergens. Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic/anaphylactoid [including shock]) reactions have been reported in patients receiving therapy with penicillins, including piperacillin / tazobactam. These reactions are more likely to occur in persons with a history of sensitivity to multiple allergens. Serious hypersensitivity reactions require the discontinuation of the antibiotic, and may require administration of epinephrine and other emergency measures.



Antibiotic-induced pseudomembranous colitis may be manifested by severe, persistent diarrhoea which may be life-threatening. The onset of pseudomembranous colitis symptoms may occur during or after antibacterial treatment. In these cases Tazocin, should be discontinued.



Therapy with Tazocin may result in the emergence of resistant organisms, which might cause super-infections.



Bleeding manifestations have occurred in some patients receiving beta-lactam antibiotics. These reactions sometimes have been associated with abnormalities of coagulation tests, such as clotting time, platelet aggregation and prothrombin time, and are more likely to occur in patients with renal failure. If bleeding manifestations occur, the antibiotic should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted.



Leukopenia and neutropenia may occur, especially during prolonged therapy; therefore, periodic assessment of haematopoietic function should be performed.



As with treatment with other penicillins, neurological complications in the form of convulsions may occur when high doses are administered, especially in patients with impaired renal function.



Each vial of Tazocin 2 g / 0.25 g contains 5.58 mmol (128 mg) of sodium and Tazocin 4 g / 0.5 g contains 11.16 mmol (256 mg) of sodium. This should be taken into consideration for patients who are on a controlled sodium diet.



Hypokalaemia may occur in patients with low potassium reserves or those receiving concomitant medicinal products that may lower potassium levels; periodic electrolyte determinations may be advisable in such patients.



4.5 Interaction With Other Medicinal Products And Other Forms Of Interaction



Non-depolarising muscle relaxants



Piperacillin when used concomitantly with vecuronium has been implicated in the prolongation of the neuromuscular blockade of vecuronium. Due to their similar mechanisms of action, it is expected that the neuromuscular blockade produced by any of the non-depolarising muscle relaxants could be prolonged in the presence of piperacillin.



Oral anticoagulants



During simultaneous administration of heparin, oral anticoagulants and other substances that may affect the blood coagulation system including thrombocyte function, appropriate coagulation tests should be performed more frequently and monitored regularly.



Methotrexate



Piperacillin may reduce the excretion of methotrexate; therefore, serum levels of methotrexate should be monitored in patients to avoid substance toxicity.



Probenecid



As with other penicillins, concurrent administration of probenecid and piperacillin / tazobactam produces a longer half-life and lower renal clearance for both piperacillin and tazobactam; however, peak plasma concentrations of either substances are unaffected.



Aminoglycosides



Piperacillin, either alone or with tazobactam, did not significantly alter the pharmacokinetics of tobramycin in subjects with normal renal function and with mild or moderate renal impairment. The pharmacokinetics of piperacillin, tazobactam, and the M1 metabolite were also not significantly altered by tobramycin administration.



The inactivation of tobramycin and gentamicin by piperacillin has been demonstrated in patients with severe renal impairment.



For information related to the administration of piperacillin / tazobactam with aminoglycosides please refer to sections 6.2 and 6.6.



Vancomycin



No pharmacokinetic interactions have been noted between piperacillin / tazobactam and vancomycin.



Effects on laboratory tests



Non-enzymatic methods of measuring urinary glucose may lead to false-positive results, as with other penicillins. Therefore, enzymatic urinary glucose measurement is required under Tazocin therapy.



A number of chemical urine protein measurement methods may lead to false-positive results. Protein measurement with dip sticks is not affected.



The direct Coombs test may be positive.



Bio-Rad Laboratories Platelia Aspergillus EIA tests may lead to false-positive results for patients receiving Tazocin. Cross-reactions with non-Aspergillus polysaccharides and polyfuranoses with Bio-Rad Laboratories Platelia Aspergillus EIA test have been reported.



Positive test results for the assays listed above in patients receiving Tazocin should be confirmed by other diagnostic methods.



4.6 Pregnancy And Lactation



Pregnancy



There are no or a limited amount of data from the use of Tazocin in pregnant women.



Studies in animals have shown developmental toxicity, but no evidence of teratogenicity, at doses that are maternally toxic (see section 5.3).



Piperacillin and tazobactam cross the placenta. Piperacillin / tazobactam should only be used during pregnancy if clearly indicated, i.e. only if the expected benefit outweighs the possible risks to the pregnant woman and foetus.



Breast-feeding



Piperacillin is excreted in low concentrations in human milk; tazobactam concentrations in human milk have not been studied. Women who are breast-feeding should be treated only if the expected benefit outweighs the possible risks to the woman and child.



Fertility



A fertility study in rats showed no effect on fertility and mating after intraperitoneal administration of tazobactam or the combination piperacillin / tazobactam (see section 5.3).



4.7 Effects On Ability To Drive And Use Machines



No studies on the effect on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed.



4.8 Undesirable Effects



The most commonly reported adverse reactions (occurring in 1 to 10 patients in 100) are diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea and rash.



In the following table, adverse reactions are listed by system organ class and MedDRA-preferred term. Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.





































































System Organ Class




Common






Uncommon






Rare






Very rare



(< 1/10,000)




Infections and infestations



 


candidal superinfection



 

 


Blood and lymphatic system disorders



 


leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia




anaemia, haemolytic anaemia, purpura, epistaxis, bleeding time prolonged, eosinophilia




agranulocytosis, pancytopenia, activated partial thromboplastin time prolonged, prothrombin time prolonged, Coombs direct test positive, thrombocythaemia




Immune system disorders



 


hypersensitivity




anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reaction (including shock)



 


Metabolism and nutrition disorders



 

 

 


hypokalaemia, blood glucose decreased, blood albumin decreased, blood protein total decreased




Nervous system disorders



 


headache, insomnia



 

 


Vascular disorders



 


hypotension, thrombophlebitis, phlebitis




flushing



 


Gastrointestinal disorders




diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea




jaundice, stomatitis, constipation, dyspepsia




pseudo-membranous colitis, abdominal pain



 


Hepatobiliary disorders



 


alanine aminotransferase increased, aspartate aminotransferase increased




hepatitis, blood bilirubin increased, blood alkaline phosphatase increased, gamma-glutamyltransferase increased



 


Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders




rash, including maculopapular rash




urticaria, pruritus




erythema multiforme, dermatitis bullous, exanthema




toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome




Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders



 

 


arthralgia, myalgia



 


Renal and urinary disorders



 


blood creatinine increased




renal failure, tubulointerstitial nephritis




blood urea increased




General disorders and administration site conditions



 


pyrexia, injection-site reaction




chills



 


Piperacillin therapy has been associated with an increased incidence of fever and rash in cystic fibrosis patients.



4.9 Overdose



Symptoms



There have been post-marketing reports of overdose with piperacillin / tazobactam. The majority of those events experienced, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, have also been reported with the usual recommended dose. Patients may experience neuromuscular excitability or convulsions if higher than recommended doses are given intravenously (particularly in the presence of renal failure).



Treatment



In the event of an overdose, piperacillin / tazobactam treatment should be discontinued. No specific antidote is known.



Treatment should be supportive and symptomatic according to the patient's clinical presentation.



Excessive serum concentrations of either piperacillin or tazobactam may be reduced by haemodialysis (see section 4.4).



5. Pharmacological Properties



5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties



Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antibacterials for systemic use, Combinations of penicillins incl. beta-lactamase inhibitors; ATC code: J01C R05



Mechanism of action



Piperacillin, a broad-spectrum, semisynthetic penicillin exerts bactericidal activity by inhibition of both septum and cell-wall synthesis.



Tazobactam, a beta-lactam structurally related to penicillins, is an inhibitor of many beta-lactamases, which commonly cause resistance to penicillins and cephalosporinsbut it does not inhibit AmpC enzymes or metallo beta-lactamases. Tazobactum extends the antibiotic spectrum of piperacillin to include many beta-lactamase-producing bacteria that have acquired resistance to piperacillin alone.



Phamacokinetic / Pharmacodynamic relationship



The time above the minimum inhibitory concentration (T>MIC) is considered to be the major pharmacodynamic determinant of efficacy for piperacillin.



Mechanism of resistance



The two main mechanisms of resistance to piperacillin / tazobactam are:



• Inactivation of the piperacillin component by those beta-lactamases that are not inhibited by tazobactam: beta-lactamases in the Molecular class B, C and D. In addition, tazobactam does not provide protection against extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) in the Molecular class A and D enzyme groups.



• Alteration of penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), which results in the reduction of the affinity of piperacillin for the molecular target in bacteria.



Additionally, alterations in bacterial membrane permeability, as well as expression of multi-drug efflux pumps, may cause or contribute to bacterial resistance to piperacillin / tazobactam, especially in Gram-negative bacteria.



Breakpoints
















EUCAST Clinical MIC Breakpoints for Piperacillin / Tazobactam (2009-12-02, v 1). For Susceptibility Testing Purposes, the Concentration of Tazobactam is Fixed at 4 mg/l


 


Pathogen




Species-related breakpoints (S




Enterobacteriaceae




8/16




Pseudomonas




16/16




Gram-negative and Gram-positive anaerobes




8/16




Non-species related breakpoints




4/16



The susceptibility of streptococci is inferred from the penicillin susceptibility.



The susceptibility of staphylococci is inferred from the oxacillin susceptibility.



Susceptibility



The prevalence of acquired resistance may vary geographically and with time for selected species, and local information on resistance is desirable, particularly when treating severe infections. As necessary, expert advice should be sought when the local prevalence of resistance is such that the utility of the agent in at least some types of infections is questionable.



























Groupings of relevant species according to piperacillin / tazobactam susceptibility




COMMONLY SUSCEPTIBLE SPECIES




Aerobic Gram-positive micro-organisms




Enterococcus faecalis




Listeria monocytogenes




Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-susceptible£




Staphylococcus species, coagulase negative, methicillin-susceptible




Streptococcus pyogenes




Group B streptococci




Aerobic Gram-negative micro-organisms




Citrobacter koseri




Haemophilus influenza




Moraxella catarrhalis




Proteus mirabilis




Anaerobic Gram-positive micro-organisms




Clostridium species




Eubacterium species




Peptostreptococcus species




Anaerobic Gram-negative micro-organisms




Bacteroides fragilis group




Fusobacterium species




Porphyromonas species




Prevotella species































SPECIES FOR WHICH ACQUIRED RESISTANCE MAY BE A PROBLEM




Aerobic Gram-positive micro-organisms




Enterococcus faecium$,+




Streptococcus pneumonia




Streptococcus viridans group




Aerobic Gram-negative micro-organisms




Acinetobacter baumannii$




Burkholderia cepacia




Citrobacter freundii




Enterobacter species




Escherichia coli




Klebsiella pneumonia




Morganella morganii




Proteus vulgaris




Providencia ssp.




Pseudomonas aeruginosa




Serratia species




INHERENTLY RESISTANT ORGANISMS




Aerobic Gram-positive micro-organisms




Corynebacterium jeikeium




Aerobic Gram-negative micro-organisms




Legionella species




Stenotrophomonas maltophilia+,$




Other microorganisms




Chlamydophilia pneumonia




Mycoplasma pneumonia




$ Species showing natural intermediate susceptibility.



+ Species for which high-resistance rates (more than 50%) have been observed in one or more areas/countries/regions within the EU.



£ All methicillin-resistant staphylococci are resistant to piperacillin / tazobactam.



5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties



Absorption



The peak piperacillin and tazobactam concentrations after 4 g / 0.5 g administered over 30 minutes by intravenous infusion are 298 µg/ml and 34 µg/ml respectively.



Distribution



Both piperacillin and tazobactam are approximately 30% bound to plasma proteins. The protein binding of either piperacillin or tazobactam is unaffected by the presence of the other compound. Protein binding of the tazobactam metabolite is negligible.



Piperacillin / tazobactam is widely distributed in tissues and body fluids including intestinal mucosa, gallbladder, lung, bile, and bone. Mean tissue concentrations are generally 50 to 100% of those in plasma. Distribution into cerebrospinal fluid is low in subjects with non-inflamed meninges, as with other penicillins.



Biotransformation



Piperacillin is metabolised to a minor microbiologically active desethyl metabolite. Tazobactam is metabolised to a single metabolite that has been found to be microbiologically inactive.



Elimination



Piperacillin and tazobactam are eliminated via the kidney by glomerular filtration and tubular secretion.



Piperacillin is excreted rapidly as unchanged substance, with 68% of the administered dose appearing in the urine. Tazobactam and its metabolite are eliminated primarily by renal excretion, with 80% of the administered dose appearing as unchanged substance and the remainder as the single metabolite. Piperacillin, tazobactam, and desethyl piperacillin are also secreted into the bile.



Following single or multiple doses of piperacillin / tazobactam to healthy subjects, the plasma half-life of piperacillin and tazobactam ranged from 0.7 to 1.2 hours and was unaffected by dose or duration of infusion. The elimination half-lives of both piperacillin and tazobactam are increased with decreasing renal clearance.



There are no significant changes in piperacillin pharmacokinetics due to tazobactam. Piperacillin appears to slightly reduce the clearance of tazobactam.



Special populations



The half-life of piperacillin and of tazobactam increases by approximately 25% and 18%, respectively, in patients with hepatic cirrhosis compared to healthy subjects.



The half-life of piperacillin and tazobactam increases with decreasing creatinine clearance. The increase in half-life is two-fold and four-fold for piperacillin and tazobactam, respectively, at creatinine clearance below 20 ml/min compared to patients with normal renal function.



Haemodialysis removes 30% to 50% of piperacillin / tazobactam, with an additional 5% of the tazobactam dose removed as the tazobactam metabolite. Peritoneal dialysis removes approximately 6% and 21% of the piperacillin and tazobactam doses, respectively, with up to 18% of the tazobactam dose removed as the tazobactam metabolite.



Paediatric population



In a population PK analysis, estimated clearance for 9 month-old to 12 year-old patients was comparable to adults, with a population mean (SE) value of 5.64 (0.34) ml/min/kg. The piperacillin clearance estimate is 80% of this value for paediatric patients 2-9 months of age. The population mean (SE) for piperacillin volume of distribution is 0.243 (0.011) l/kg and is independent of age.



Elderly patients



The mean half-life for piperacillin and tazobactam were 32% and 55% longer, respectively, in the elderly compared with younger subjects. This difference may be due to age-related changes in creatinine clearance.



Race



No difference in piperacillin or tazobactam pharmacokinetics was observed between Asian (n=9) and Caucasian (n=9) healthy volunteers who received single 4 g / 0.5 g doses.



5.3 Preclinical Safety Data



Preclinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of repeated dose toxicity and genotoxicity. Carcinogenicity studies have not been conducted with piperacillin / tazobactam.



A fertility and general reproduction study in rats using intraperitoneal administration of tazobactam or the combination piperacillin / tazobactam reported a decrease in litter size and an increase in fetuses with ossification delays and variations of ribs, concurrent with maternal toxicity. Fertility of the F1 generation and embryonic development of F2 generation were not impaired.



Teratogenicity studies using intravenous administration of tazobactam or the combination piperacillin / tazobactam in mice and rats resulted in slight reductions in rat fetal weights at maternally toxic doses but did not show teratogenic effects.



Peri/postnatal development was impaired (reduced pup weights, increase in stillbirths, increase in pup mortality) concurrent with maternal toxicity after intraperitoneal administration of tazobactam or the combination piperacillin / tazobactam in the rat.



6. Pharmaceutical Particulars



6.1 List Of Excipients



Edetate disodium (EDTA)



Citric acid monohydrate



6.2 Incompatibilities



This medicinal product must not be mixed with other medicinal products except those mentioned in section 6.6.



Whenever Tazocin is used concurrently with another antibiotic (e.g. aminoglycosides), the substances must be administered separately. The mixing of beta-lactam antibiotics with an aminoglycoside in vitro can result in substantial inactivation of the aminoglycoside.



Tazocin should not be mixed with other substances in a syringe or infusion bottle since compatibility has not been established.



Due to chemical instability, Tazocin should not be used in solutions containing only sodium bicarbonate.



Tazocin should not be added to blood products or albumin hydrolysates.



6.3 Shelf Life



Unopened vial: 3 years



Reconstituted solution in vial



Chemical and physical in-use stability has been demonstrated for up to 24 hours at 25°C and for 48 hours when stored in a refrigerator at 2-8°C, when reconstituted with one of the compatible solvents for reconstitution (see section 6.6).



Diluted infusion solution



After reconstitution, chemical and physical in-use stability of diluted infusion solutions has been demonstrated for 24 hours at 25°C and for 48 hours when stored in a refrigerator at 2-8°C, when reconstituted using one of the compatible solvents for further dilution of the reconstituted solution at the suggested dilution volumes (see section 6.6).



From a microbiological point of view, the reconstituted and diluted solutions should be used immediately. If not used immediately, in-use storage times and conditions prior to use are the responsibility of the user and would normally not be longer than 12 hours at 2-8°C, unless reconstitution and dilution have taken place in controlled and validated aseptic conditions.



6.4 Special Precautions For Storage



Unopened vials: Do not store above 25°C.



For storage conditions of the reconstituted and diluted medicinal product, see section 6.3.



6.5 Nature And Contents Of Container



30 ml Type I glass vial with a bromo-butyl rubber stopper and flip-off seal.



70 ml Type I glass vial with a bromo-butyl rubber stopper and flip-off seal.



Pack sizes: 1 vial per carton.



6.6 Special Precautions For Disposal And Other Handling



The reconstitution and dilution is to be made under aseptic conditions. The solution is to be inspected visually for particulate matter and discolouration prior to administration. The solution should only be used if the solution is clear and free from particles.



Intravenous use



Reconstitute each vial with the volume of solvent shown in the table below, using one of the compatible solvents for reconstitution. Swirl until dissolved. When swirled constantly, reconstitution generally occurs within 5 to 10 minutes (for details on handling, please see below).










Content of vial




Volume of solvent* to be added to vial




2 g / 0.25 g (2 g piperacillin and 0.25 g tacobactam)




10 ml




4 g / 0.5 g (4 g piperacillin and 0.5 g tacobactam)




20 ml



* Compatible solvents for reconstitution:



- 0.9% (9 mg/ml) sodium chloride solution for injection



- Sterile water for injections(1)



- Glucose 5%



(1) Maximum recommended volume of sterile water for injection per dose is 50 ml.



The reconstituted solutions should be withdrawn from the vial by syringe. When reconstituted as directed, the vial contents withdrawn by syringe will provide the labelled amount of piperacillin and tazobactam.