Etopan XL 600 mg Film-coated prolonged release tablets

Etopan XL is indicated for acute or long-term use in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Posology

Undesirable effects may be minimised by using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms (see section 4.4).

Adults

One tablet daily, if a lower dose is sufficient, conventional Etodolac capsules or tablets may be used.

Etopan XL must be swallowed whole.

The safety of doses in excess of 600 mg per day has not been established.

No occurrence of tolerance or tachyphylaxis has been reported.

Elderly

No change in initial dosage is generally required in the elderly (see precautions).

The elderly are at increased risk of the serious consequences of adverse reactions. If an NSAID is considered necessary, the lowest effective dose should be used and for the shortest possible duration. The patient should be monitored regularly for GI bleeding during NSAID therapy.

Paediatric population

Use in children is not recommended.

Method of administration

For oral administration.

To be taken preferably with or after food. Swallow the tablet whole with a tumblerful of water.

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

Etopan XL should not be used in patients with severe heart failure.

Etopan XL should not be used in patients with active or history of recurrent peptic ulceration or a history of peptic ulcer disease (with two or more distinct episodes of proven ulceration or bleeding).

NSAIDs are contraindicated in patients who have previously shown hypersensitivity reactions (e.g. asthma, rhinitis angioedema or urticaria) during therapy with ibuprofen, aspirin, or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Severe heart failure, hepatic failure and renal failure (see section 4.4).

During the last trimester of pregnancy (see section 4.6).

History of gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation, related to previous NSAIDs therapy.

Undesirable effects may be minimized by using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms (see section 4.2, and GI and cardiovascular risks below).

The use of etodolac with concomitant NSAIDs including cyclooxygenase-2-selective inhibitors should be avoided (see section 4.5).

Elderly

The elderly have an increased frequency of adverse reactions to NSAIDs especially gastrointestinal bleeding and perforation, which may be fatal (see section 4.2).

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular effects:

Appropriate monitoring and advice are required for patients with a history of hypertension and/or mild to moderate congestive heart failure as fluid retention and oedema have been reported in association with NSAID therapy.

Clinical trial and epidemiological data suggest that use of some NSAIDs (particularly at high doses and in long term treatment) may be associated with a small increased risk of arterial thrombotic events (for example myocardial infarction or stroke). There are insufficient data to exclude such a risk for Etodolac.

Patients with uncontrolled hypertension, congestive heart failure, established ischaemic heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, and/or cerebrovascular disease should only be treated with Etodolac after careful consideration. Similar consideration should be made before initiating longer-term treatment of patients with risk factors for cardiovascular disease (e.g. hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes mellitus, smoking).

Respiratory disorders

Caution is required if etodolac is administered to patients suffering from, or with a previous history of, bronchial asthma since NSAIDs have been reported to precipitate bronchospasm in such patients.

Cardiovascular, renal and hepatic impairment

In patients with renal, cardiac or hepatic impairment especially those taking diuretics and the elderly, renal function should be monitored in these patients (see also section 4.3). Caution is required since the use of NSAIDs may result in a dose dependent reduction in prostaglandin formation and precipitate renal failure. The dose should be kept as low as possible. However, impairment of renal or hepatic functions due to other causes may alter drug metabolism; patients receiving concomitant long-term therapy, especially the elderly, should be observed for potential side effects and their drug doses adjusted as needed, or the drug discontinued.

Gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration and perforation

Serious gastrointestinal adverse effects such as bleeding, ulceration and perforation, which can be fatal, has been reported and can occur at any time, with or without warning symptoms in patients treated with NSAIDs or a previous history of serious GI events. If any sign of gastrointestinal bleeding occurs, etodolac should be stopped immediately.

Platelets

Although non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs do not have the same direct effects on platelets as does aspirin, all drugs which inhibit the biosynthesis of prostaglandins may interfere, to some extent, with platelet function. Patients receiving etodolac who may be adversely affected by such actions should be carefully observed.

Patients on long-term treatment with etodolac should be regularly reviewed as a precautionary measure e.g. for changes in renal function, haematological parameters, or hepatic function.

The risk of GI bleeding, ulceration or perforation is higher with increasing NSAID doses, in patients with a history of ulcer, particularly if complicated with haemorrhage or perforation (see section 4.3), and in the elderly. These patients should commence treatment on the lowest dose available. Combination therapy with protective agents (e.g. misoprostol or proton pump inhibitors) should be considered for these patients, and also for patients requiring concomitant low dose aspirin or other drugs likely to increase gastrointestinal risk (see below and section 4.5)

Patients with a history of GI toxicity, particularly when elderly, should report any unusual abdominal symptoms (especially GI bleeding) particularly in the initial stages of treatment.

Caution should be advised in patients receiving concomitant medications which could increase the risk of ulceration or bleeding, such as oral corticosteroids, anticoagulants such as warfarin, selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors or anti-platelet agents such as aspirin (see section 4.5)

When GI bleeding or ulceration occurs in patients receiving etodolac, the treatment should be withdrawn.

NSAIDs should be given with care to patients with a history of gastrointestinal disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease) as these conditions may be exacerbated (see section 4.8).

SLE and mixed connective tissue disease

In patients with systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) and mixed connective tissue disorders there may be an increased risk of aseptic meningitis (see section 4.8).

Dermatological

Serious skin reactions, some of them fatal, including exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis have been reported very rarely in association with the use of NSAIDs (see section 4.8). Patients appear to be at highest risk for these reactions early in the course of therapy: the onset of the reaction occurring in the majority of cases within the first month of treatment. Etodolac should be discontinued at the first appearance of the skin rash, mucosal lesions, or any other sign of hypersensitivity.

Impaired female fertility

The use of etodolac may impair female fertility and is not recommended in woman attempting to conceive. In women who have difficulties conceiving or who are undergoing investigation of infertility, withdrawal of etodolac should be considered.

Lactose

Etopan XL contains lactose. Patients with rare hereditary problems or galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine.

Corticosteroids: increased risk of gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding (see section 4.4)

Anti-coagulants: NSAIDs may enhance the effects of anti-coagulants, such as warfarin (see section 4.4).

Since etodolac is extensively protein-bound, it may be necessary to modify the dosage of other highly protein-bound drugs.

Bilirubin tests can give a false positive result due to the presence of phenolic metabolites of etodolac in the urine.

Anti-hypertensives: Reduced anti-hypertensive effect.

Mifepristone: NSAIDs should not be used for 8 – 12 days after mifepristone administration as NSAIDs can reduce the effect of mifepristone.

Other analgesics including cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitor: Avoid concomitant use of two or more NSAIDs (including aspirin) as this may increase the risk of adverse effects (see section 4.4).

Quinolone antibiotics: Animal data indicate that NSAIDs can increase the risk of convulsions associated with quinolone antibiotics. Patients taking NSAIDs and quinolones may have an increased risk of developing convulsions.

Diuretics: Reduced diuretic effect. Diuretics can increase the risk of nephrotoxicity of NSAIDs.

Cardiac glycosides: NSAIDs may exacerbate cardiac failure, reduce GFR and increase plasma glycoside levels.

Lithium: Decreased elimination of lithium.

Methotrexate: Decreased elimination of methotrexate.

Ciclosporin: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity.

Anti-platelet agents and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (see section 4.4).

Tacrolimus: Possible increased risk of nephrotoxicity when NSAIDs are given with tacrolimus.

Zidovudine: Increased risk of haematological toxicity when NSAIDs are given with zidovudine. There is a evidence of an increased risk of haemarthroses and haematoma in HIV(+) haemophiliacs receiving concurrent treatment with zidovudine and ibuprofen.

Fertility

The use of Etodolac may impair female fertility and is not recommended in woman attempting to conceive. In women who have difficulties conceiving or who are undergoing investigation of infertility, withdrawal of Etodolac should be considered.

Pregnancy

Drugs which inhibit prostaglandin biosynthesis may cause dystocia and delayed parturition as evidenced by studies in pregnant animals.

Congenital abnormalities have been reported in association with NSAID administration in man; however, these are low in frequency and do not appear to follow any discernible pattern. In view of the known effects of NSAIDs on the foetal cardiovascular system, some inhibitors of prostaglandin biosynthesis have been shown to interfere with the risk of closure of the ductus arteriosus, use in the last trimester of pregnancy is contraindicated. The onset of labour may be delayed and the duration increased with an increased bleeding tendency in both mother and child (see section 4.3). NSAIDs should not be used during the first two trimesters of pregnancy or labour unless the potential benefit to the patient outweighs the potential risk to the foetus.

Lactation

In limited studies so far available, NSAIDs can appear in breast milk in very low concentrations. NSAIDs should, if possible, be avoided when breastfeeding.

Etodolac can cause dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue or abnormal vision. Patients need to be aware of how they react to this medicine before driving or operating machines.

Oedema, hypertension and cardiac failure, have been reported in association with NSAID treatment. Clinical trial and epidemiological data suggest that use of some NSAIDs (particularly at high doses and in long term treatment) may be associated with an increased risk of arterial thrombotic events (for example myocardial infarction or stroke) (see section 4.4).

Gastrointestinal

Reported side effects include nausea, epigastric pain, diarrhoea, indigestion, heartburn, flatulence, abdominal pain, constipation, vomiting, ulcerative stomatitis, dyspepsia, haematemesis, melaena, rectal bleeding, exacerbation of colitis, vasculitis, headaches, dizziness, abnormal vision, pyrexia, drowsiness, tinnitus, rash, pruritus,

fatigue, depression, insomnia, confusion, paraesthesia, tremor, weakness/malaise, dyspnoea, palpitations, bilirubinuria, hepatic function abnormalities and jaundice, urinary frequency, dysuria, angioedema, anaphylactoid reaction, photosensitivity, urticaria and Stevens-Johnson syndrome and Crohn's disease (See section 4.4) have been reported following administration. Less frequently, gastritis has been observed. Pancreatitis has been reported very rarely.

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported following treatment with NSAIDs. These may consist of (a) non-specific allergic reactions and anaphylaxis (b) respiratory tract reactivity comprising asthma, aggravated asthma, bronchospasm or dyspnoea, or (c) assorted skin disorders, including rashes of various types, pruritus, urticaria, purpura, angioedema and more rarely exfoliative and bullous dermatoses (including epidermal necrolysis and erythema multiforme).

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular

Oedema, hypertension and cardiac failure have been reported in association with NSAID treatment.

Clinical trial and epidemiological data suggest that use of some NSAIDs (particularly at high doses and in long term treatment) may be associated with an increased risk of arterial thrombotic events (for example myocardial infarction of stroke) (see section 4.4).

Renal

Nephrotoxicity in various forms including interstitial nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and renal failure.

Hepatic

Abnormal liver function, hepatitis and jaundice.

Neurological and special senses

Visual disturbances, optic neuritis, headaches, paraesthesia, reports of aseptic meningitis (especially in patients with existing auto-immune disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, mixed connective tissue disease), with symptoms such as stiff neck, headache, nausea, vomiting, fever or disorientation (see section 4.4), depression, confusion, hallucinations, tinnitus, vertigo, dizziness, malaise, fatigue and drowsiness.

Haematological

Thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, agranulocytosis, aplastic anaemia and haemolytic anaemia.

Dermatological

Bullous reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (very rare). Photosensitivity.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.

a) Symptoms

Symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, rarely diarrhoea, disorientation, excitation, coma, drowsiness, dizziness, tinnitus, fainting, occasionally convulsions. In cases of significant poisoning acute renal failure and liver damage are possible.

b) Therapeutic measure

Patients should be treated symptomatically as required.

Within one hour of ingestion of a potentially toxic amount, activated charcoal should be considered. Alternatively, in adults, gastric lavage should be considered within one hour of indigestion of a potentially life-threatening overdose.

Good urine output should be ensured.

Renal and liver function should be closely monitored.

Patients should be observed for at least four hours after ingestion of potentially toxic amounts.

Frequent or prolonged convulsions should be treated with intravenous diazepam.

Other measures may be indicated by the patient's clinical condition.

The standard practices of gastric lavage, activated charcoal administration and general supportive therapy should be undertaken.

Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis and COX-2 selectivity

All non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been shown to inhibit the formation of prostaglandins. It is this action which is responsible both for their therapeutic effects and some of their side-effects. The inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis observed with etodolac differs from that of other NSAIDs. In an animal model at an established anti-inflammatory dose, cytoprotective PGE concentration in the gastric mucosa have been shown to be reduced to a lesser degree and for a shorter period than other NSAIDs. This finding is consistent with subsequent in-vitro studies which have found etodolac to be selective for induced cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2, associated with inflammation) over COX-1 (cytoprotective).

Furthermore, studies in human cell models have confirmed that etodolac is selective for the inhibition of COX-2.

The clinical benefit of preferential COX-2 inhibition over COX-1 has yet to be proven.

Anti-inflammatory effects

Experiments have shown etodolac to have marked anti-inflammatory activity, being more potent than several clinically established NSAIDs.

In man, etodolac is well absorbed following oral administration.

Etodolac is highly bound to serum proteins.

The elimination half-life averages seven hours in man. The primary route of excretion is in the urine, mostly in the form of metabolites.

In subjects receiving daily doses of etodolac 400 mg or 600 mg to steady state levels over a three day period, the peak plasma concentrations were 7.5 μ g/ml at 7.9 hours and 11.9 μ g/ml at 7.8 hours.

Nothing of note to the prescriber.

Tablet Core

Microcrystalline cellulose

Povidone

Methyl hydroxypropyl cellulose

Lactose anhydrous

Magnesium stearate

Tablet Coat

Hypromellose

Polydextrose

Macrogol

Triacetin

Titanium dioxide

Indigo Carmine Lake E132

Orange Yellow S E110

Allura Red AC Lake E129

Black iron oxide E172

Yellow iron oxide E172

Not applicable

4 years

Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

Do not use after the expiry date printed on the carton.

PVC/PVDC/Aluminium blister packs in outer cardboard cartons.

PVC/PE/Aclar/Aluminium blister packs in outer cardboard cartons.

White round HDPE container with PP safety cap with aluminium foil inner seal and purified cotton fill.

Available in pack sizes of 30 and 100 tablets.

Not all packs may be marketed.

No special requirements.