4 mg, 8 mg, 16 mg, and 32 mg tablet
candesartan cilexetil
1. What Candesartan Krka is and what it is used for
The name of your medicine is Candesartan Krka. The active substance is candesartan cilexetil. It belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor – antagonist you. It causes your blood vessels to relax and dilate. This will help you lower your blood pressure. It also makes it easier for the heart to pump blood to all parts of the body.
This medicine is used to:
- treat high blood pressure ( hypertension ) in adult patients and in children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years.
- treat heart failure in adult patients with myocardial infarction when angiotensin converters ( ACEs ) cannot be used or in addition to ACEs when symptoms persist despite treatment, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MR antagonists ) cannot be used ( ACEs and MRI antagonists are drugs used to treat heart failure ).
Candesartan cilexetil contained in Candesartan Krka may also be approved for the treatment of other conditions not mentioned in this leaflet. Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or another healthcare professional if you have any further questions, and always follow their instructions.
What you need to know before using Candesartan Krka
Do not use Candesartan Krka
- if you are allergic to candesartan cilexetil or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).
- if you are more than three months pregnant (it is also best to avoid Candesartan Krka during early pregnancy – see the section on pregnancy).
- if you have severe liver disease or bile obstruction (problems with bile drainage from the gallbladder).
- if the patient is a child under 1 year of age.
- if you have diabetes or renal impairment and are being treated with a blood pressure-lowering medicine containing aliskiren
If you are not sure if any of these apply to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Candesartan Krka.
Warnings and cautions
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Candesartan Krka:
- if you have heart, liver, or kidney problems, or are undergoing dialysis.
- if you have recently had a kidney transplant.
- if you have vomiting or have recently had severe vomiting or have diarrhea.
- if you have an adrenal disease called Conn’s syndrome (also called primary hyperaldosteronism).
- if you have low blood pressure .
- if you have had a stroke ( stroke ).
- You must tell your doctor if you think you are ( or might become ) pregnant. Candesartan Krka is not recommended during early pregnancy and you should not take Candesartan Krka if you are pregnant after the third month, as it may seriously harm your baby if used during this stage of pregnancy (see the section on pregnancy).
- if you are taking any of the following medicines used to treat high blood pressure:
- an ACE inhibitor (eg enalapril, lisinopril, ramipril), especially if you have diabetes-related kidney problems.
- aliskiren
- if you are taking an ACE inhibitor with medicine that belongs to the group of medicines MR antagonist (mineral corticoid receptor antagonist ) These medicines are for the treatment of heart failure (see “Other medicines and Candesartan Krka”).
Your doctor may want to see you more often and take some samples if you have any of the above.
Your doctor may need to check your kidney function, blood pressure, and the number of electrolytes (eg potassium ) in your blood at regular intervals.
See also the information under the heading “Do not take Candesartan Krka”.
Tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Candesartan Krka if you are having surgery. Candesartan Krka, which is taken with some anesthetic at the same time, can lower blood pressure.
Children and young people
Candesartan Krka has been studied in children. For more information, talk to your doctor. Candesartan Krka must not be given to children under 1 year of age due to the potential risk to the developing kidneys.
Other medicines and Candesartan Krka
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medicines. Candesartan Krka can affect the way other medicines work, and some medicines may also affect the way Candesartan Krka works. Your doctor may need to take blood samples from time to time if you are taking certain medicines.
If you are taking any of the following medicines, tell your doctor in particular:
- other medicines that help you lower your blood pressure such as beta-blockers, diazoxide, and ACE inhibitors such as enalapril, captopril, lisinopril, or ramipril.
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs ) such as ibuprofen , naproxen or diclofenac, celecoxib or etoricoxib (drugs which relieve pain and inflammation ).
- acetylsalicylic acid (if you take more than 3 g per day) (medicines that relieve pain and inflammation ).
- potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium (medicines that increase the amount of potassium in the blood).
- heparin (a blood-thinning drug).
- diuretics ( diuretics ).
- lithium (a drug for mental health problems)
Your doctor may need to change your dose and/or take other precautions:
- if you are taking an ACE inhibitor or aliskiren (see also the information under the headings “Do not take Candesartan Krka” and “Warnings and precautions”
- if you are being treated with an ACE inhibitor together with certain other medicines that you are taking to treat your heart failure, which is called MR antagonists (mineral corticoid receptor) (eg spironolactone, eplerenone).
Candesartan Krka with food, drink, and alcohol
You can take Candesartan Krka with or without food.
If you are being prescribed Candesartan Krka, talk to your doctor about alcohol habits. Some people who drink alcohol and take Candesartan Krka may experience fainting and dizziness.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, 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
You must tell your doctor if you think you are ( or might become ) pregnant. Your doctor will usually advise you to stop taking Candesartan Krka before you become pregnant or as soon as you know you are pregnant, and advise you to take another medicine instead of Candesartan Krka. Candesartan Krka is not recommended during early pregnancy and should not be taken if you are pregnant after the third month, as it can seriously harm your baby if used after the third month of pregnancy.
Breast-feeding
Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding or planning to start breast-feeding. Candesartan Krka is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers and your doctor may choose another treatment for you if you wish to breast-feed, especially if your baby is a newborn or born prematurely.
Driving and using machines
Some people may feel tired or dizzy while taking Candesartan Krka. If this happens to you, do not drive or use any tools or machines.
You are responsible for assessing whether you are fit to drive a motor vehicle or perform work that requires increased attention. One of the factors that can affect your ability in these respects is the use of drugs due to their effects and/or side effects. Descriptions of these effects and side effects can be found in other sections. Read all the information in this leaflet for guidance. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Candesartan Krka contains lactose
Candesartan Krka contains lactose. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicine
3. How to use Candesartan Krka
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure. It is important to take Candesartan Krka every day.
You can take Candesartan Krka with or without food.
Swallow the tablet with a glass of water.
Try to take the tablet at the same time each day. It will help you remember to take it.
High blood pressure
The usual dose of Candesartan Krka is 8 mg once a day. Your doctor may increase the dose one up to 16 mg once a day and a further up to 32 mg once a day depending on how your blood pressure is affected.
For some patients who have liver or kidney problems or those who have recently lost body fluids, for example through vomiting, diarrhea, or those taking diuretic tablets, the doctor may prescribe a lower starting dose.
Some black patients may respond less well to this type of medication when given as the only treatment. These patients may therefore need a higher dose .
Use in children and adolescents with high blood pressure:
Children aged 6 to 18 years:
The recommended starting dose is 4 mg once daily.
- For patients weighing less than 50 kg: in some patients with unsatisfactory blood pressure control, your doctor may decide that your dose needs to be increased to a maximum of 8 mg once daily.
- For patients weighing 50 kg or more: in some patients with unsatisfactory blood pressure control, your doctor may decide that your dose needs to be increased to 8 mg once daily and to 16 mg once daily.
Heart failure in adults
The recommended starting dose of Candesartan Krka is 4 mg once a day. Your doctor may increase the dose by doubling the dose one at least 2 weeks apart up to 32 mg once a day. Candesartan Krka can be taken with other heart failure medicines and your doctor will decide which treatment is right for you.
If you forget to use Candesartan Krka
Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. Take the next dose as usual.
If you stop using Candesartan Krka
If you stop taking Candesartan Krka, your blood pressure may rise again. Therefore, do not stop taking Candesartan Krka without talking to your doctor first.
If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. It is important that you are aware of what these side effects may be.
Stop taking Candesartan Krka and seek medical help immediately if you get any of the following allergic reactions:
- difficulty breathing, with or without swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and/or throat
- swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and/or throat, which may make it difficult to swallow
- severe skin itching (with raised rash)
Candesartan Krka can cause a decrease in the number of white blood cells. Your resistance to infection may deteriorate and you may feel tired, have an infection or fever. If this happens, you should see a doctor as soon as possible so that blood tests can check if Candesartan Krka has had any effect on your blood ( agranulocytosis ).
Other possible side effects are:
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
- Feeling of dizziness.
- Headache.
- Respiratory tract infection.
- Low blood pressure . This can make you feel dull and dizzy.
- Changes in blood test results: An increased amount of potassium in your blood, especially if you already have kidney problems or heart failure. If this is a significant change, you may notice fatigue, weakness, irregular heartbeat, or ant crawling.
- Impact on kidney function, especially if you already have kidney problems or heart failure. In very rare cases, kidney failure may occur.
Very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people)
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and/or throat.
- A decrease in red or white blood cell count. You may notice tiredness, infection, or fever.
- Skin rash, lumpy rash ( hives ).
- Itching.
- Back pain, joint pain, and muscle aches.
- Changes in liver function, including liver inflammation ( hepatitis ). You may feel tired, have yellow skin and whites of the eyes, and flu-like symptoms.
- Cough.
- Nausea.
- Changes in blood test results: a decrease in the amount of sodium in your blood. If there is a noticeable change, you may notice weakness, lack of energy, or muscle cramps.
Has been reported (occurs in an unknown number of users)
- Diarrhea.
The side effects in children treated for high blood pressure appear to be comparable to those observed in adults, but they occur more frequently. Sore throat is a very common side effect in children but not reported in adults and runny nose, fever, and increased heart rate are common in children but not reported in adults.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly to the Medical Products Agency, www.lakemedelsverket.se. By reporting side effects, you can help increase drug safety information.
5. How to store Candesartan Krka
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 and blister after EXP. The expiration date is the last day of the specified month.
Do not store above 30 ° C.
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.
6. Contents of the packaging and other information
Content declaration
- The active substance is candesartan cilexetil. Each tablet contains 4 mg, 8 mg, 16 mg, or 32 mg candesartan cilexetil.
- The other ingredients are lactose monohydrate, maize starch, dibutyl sebacate, sodium lauryl sulfate, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carmellose calcium, magnesium stearate, and red iron oxide (E172) (only 8 mg, 16 mg, and 32 mg tablets).
What the medicine looks like and the contents of the pack
4 mg tablets are round, white, biconvex with a notch on one side.
8 mg tablets are round, pink/white, biconvex with a notch on one side.
16 mg tablets are round, light pink, biconvex with a notch on one side.
32 mg tablets are round, light pink, biconvex with a notch on one side.
The notch is only for you to be able to divide the tablet if you have difficulty swallowing it whole, not to divide the tablet into two equal doses.
Cartons of 7, 10, 14, 28, 30, 50, 56, 60, 84, 90, 98 and 100 tablets in blisters.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Marketing Authorization Holder and Manufacturer
KRKA Sverige AB, Göta Ark 175, 118 72 Stockholm,
Manufacturer
KRKA, dd, Novo Mesto, Šmarješka Cesta 6, 8501 Novo Mesto, Slovenia