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Olmetec Plus 40mg/25mg Film-Coated Tablets

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SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS

1    NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Olmetec Plus 40 mg/25 mg film-coated tablets Y

2    QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE    COMPOSITION

Each film-coated tablet contains 40 mg olmesartan medoxomil and 25 mg hydrochlorothiazide.

Excipients:

Each film-coated tablet contains 221.4 mg lactose monohydrate.

For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1.

3    PHARMACEUTICAL FORM

Film-coated tablet.

Pinkish, oval, film-coated tablet with C25 debossed on one side.

4.    CLINICAL PARTICULARS

4.1.    Therapeutic indications

Treatment of essential hypertension.

Olmetec Plus 40 mg/12.5 mg and 40 mg/25 mg fixed dose combinations are indicated in adult patients whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled on olmesartan medoxomil 40 mg alone.

4.2.    Posology and method of administration

Adults

The recommended dose of Olmetec Plus 40 mg/12.5 mg or 40 mg/25 mg is 1 tablet per day.

Olmetec Plus 40 mg/12.5 mg may be administered in patients whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled by olmesartan medoxomil 40 mg alone.

Olmetec Plus 40 mg /25 mg may be administered in patients whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled on Olmetec Plus 40 mg/12.5 mg fixed dose combination.”

For convenience, patients receiving olmesartan medoxomil and hydrochlorothiazide from separate tablets may be switched to Olmetec Plus 40 mg/12.5 mg and 40 mg/25 mg tablets containing the same component doses.

Olmetec Plus 40 mg/12.5 mg and 40 mg/25 mg can be taken with or without food.

Elderly (age 65 years or over)

In elderly patients the same dosage of the combination is recommended as for adults. Blood pressure should be closely monitored.

Renal impairment

Olmetec Plus is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min).

The maximum dose of olmesartan medoxomil in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance of 30 - 60 mL/min) is 20 mg olmesartan medoxomil once daily, owing to limited experience of higher dosages in this patient group, and periodic monitoring is advised.

Olmetec Plus 40 mg/12.5 mg and 40 mg/25 mg is therefore contraindicated in all stages of renal impairment (see sections 4.3, 4.4, 5.2).

Hepatic impairment

Olmetec Plus 40 mg/12.5 mg and 40 mg/25 mg should be used with caution in patients with mild hepatic impairment (see sections 4.4, 5.2). Close monitoring of blood pressure and renal function is advised in hepatically-impaired patients who are receiving diuretics and/or other antihypertensive agents. In patients with moderate hepatic impairment, an initial dose of 10 mg olmesartan medoxomil once daily is recommended and the maximum dose should not exceed 20 mg once daily. There is no experience of olmesartan medoxomil in patients with severe hepatic impairment. Olmetec Plus 40 mg/12.5 mg and 40 mg/25 mg therefore should not be used in patients with moderate and severe hepatic impairment (see sections 4.3, 5.2), as well as in cholestasis and biliary obstruction (see section 4.3).

Paediatric population

The safety and efficacy of Olmetec Plus 40 mg/12.5 mg and 40 mg/25 mg in children and adolescents below 18 years has not been established. No data are available.

Method of administration:

The tablet should be swallowed with a sufficient amount of fluid (e.g. one glass of water). The tablet should not be chewed and should be taken at the same time each day.

4.3 Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substances, to any of the excipients (see section 6.1) or to other sulfonamide-derived substances (since hydrochlorothiazide is a sulfonamide-derived medicinal product).

Renal impairment (see sections 4.4 and 5.2).

Refractory hypokalaemia, hypercalcaemia, hyponatraemia and symptomatic hyperuricaemia.

Moderate and severe hepatic impairment, cholestasis and biliary obstructive disorders (see section 5.2).

Second and third trimester of pregnancy (see sections 4.4 and 4.6).

4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use Intravascular volume depletion:

Symptomatic hypotension, especially after the first dose, may occur in patients who are volume and/or sodium depleted by vigorous diuretic therapy, dietary salt restriction, diarrhoea or vomiting. Such conditions should be corrected before the administration of Olmetec Plus.

Other conditions with stimulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system:

In patients whose vascular tone and renal function depend predominantly on the activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (e.g. patients with severe congestive heart failure or underlying renal disease, including renal artery stenosis), treatment with medicinal products that affect this system has been associated with acute hypotension, azotaemia, oliguria or, rarely, acute renal failure.

Renovascular hypertension:

There is an increased risk of severe hypotension and renal insufficiency when patients with bilateral renal artery stenosis or stenosis of the artery to a single functioning kidney are treated with medicinal products that affect the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.

Renal impairment and kidney transplantation:

Olmetec Plus should not be used in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 ml/min).

The maximum dose of olmesartan medoxomil in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance of 30 - 60 mL/min) is 20 mg olmesartan medoxomil once daily. However, in such patients Olmetec Plus 20 mg/12.5 mg and 20 mg/25 mg should be administered with caution and periodic monitoring of serum potassium, creatinine and uric acid levels is recommended. Thiazide diuretic-associated azotaemia may occur in patients with impaired renal function. If progressive renal impairment becomes evident, careful reappraisal of therapy is necessary, with consideration given to discontinuing diuretic therapy.

Olmetec Plus 40 mg/12.5 mg and 40 mg/25 mg is therefore contraindicated in all stages of renal impairment (see section 4.3).

There is no experience of the administration of Olmetec Plus in patients with a recent kidney transplantation.

Hepatic impairment:

There is currently no experience of olmesartan medoxomil in patients with severe hepatic impairment. In patients with moderate hepatic impairment, the maximum dose is 20 mg olmesartan medoxomil.

Furthermore, minor alterations of fluid and electrolyte balance during thiazide therapy may precipitate hepatic coma in patients with impaired hepatic function or progressive liver disease.

Therefore the use of Olmetec Plus 40 mg/12.5 mg and 40 mg/25 mg in patients with moderate and severe hepatic impairment, cholestasis and biliary obstruction is contraindicated (see sections 4.3, 5.2). Care should be taken in patients with mild impairment (see section 4.2).

Aortic and mitral valve stenosis, obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy:

As with other vasodilators, special caution is indicated in patients suffering from aortic or mitral stenosis, or obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Primary aldosteronism:

Patients with primary aldosteronism generally will not respond to anti-hypertensive medicinal products acting through inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system. Therefore, the use of Olmetec Plus is not recommended in such patients.

Metabolic and endocrine effects:

Thiazide therapy may impair glucose tolerance. In diabetic patients dosage adjustments of insulin or oral hypoglycaemic agents may be required (see section 4.5). Latent diabetes mellitus may become manifest during thiazide therapy.

Increases in cholesterol and triglyceride levels are undesirable effects known to be associated with thiazide diuretic therapy.

Hyperuricaemia may occur or frank gout may be precipitated in some patients receiving thiazide therapy.

Electrolyte imbalance:

As for any patient receiving diuretic therapy, periodic determination of serum electrolytes should be performed at appropriate intervals.

Thiazides, including hydrochlorothiazide, can cause fluid or electrolyte imbalance (including hypokalaemia, hyponatraemia and hypochloraemic alkalosis). Warning signs of fluid or electrolyte imbalance are dryness of the mouth, thirst, weakness, lethargy, drowsiness, restlessness, muscle pain or cramps, muscular fatigue, hypotension, oliguria, tachycardia, and gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea or vomiting (see section 4.8).

The risk of hypokalaemia is greatest in patients with cirrhosis of the liver, in patients experiencing brisk diuresis, in patients who are receiving inadequate oral intake of electrolytes and in patients receiving concomitant therapy with corticosteroids or ACTH (see section 4.5).

Conversely, due to antagonism at the angiotensin-II receptors (AT1) through the olmesartan medoxomil component of Olmetec Plus hyperkalaemia may occur, especially in the presence of renal impairment and/or heart failure, and diabetes mellitus. Adequate monitoring of serum potassium in patients at risk is recommended. Potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements or potassium-containing salt substitutes and other medicinal products that may increase serum potassium levels (e.g. heparin) should be co-administered cautiously with Olmetec Plus (see section 4.5).

There is no evidence that olmesartan medoxomil would reduce or prevent diuretic-induced hyponatraemia. Chloride deficit is generally mild and usually does not require treatment.

Thiazides may decrease urinary calcium excretion and cause an intermittent and slight elevation of serum calcium in the absence of known disorders of calcium metabolism. Hypercalcaemia may be evidence of hidden hyperparathyroidism. Thiazides should be discontinued before carrying out tests for parathyroid function.

Thiazides have been shown to increase the urinary excretion of magnesium, which may result in hypomagnesaemia.

Dilutional hyponatraemia may occur in oedematous patients in hot weather.

Lithium:

As with other angiotensin II receptor antagonists, the coadministration of Olmetec Plus and lithium is not recommended (see section 4.5).

Sprue-like enteropathy:

In very rare cases severe, chronic diarrhoea with substantial weight loss has been reported in patients taking olmesartan few months to years after drug initiation, possibly caused by a localized delayed hypersensitivity reaction. Intestinal biopsies of patients often demonstrated villous atrophy. If a patient develops these symptoms during treatment with olmesartan, exclude other etiologies. Consider discontinuation of olmesartan medoxomil in cases where no other etiology is identified. In cases where symptoms disappear and sprue-like enteropathy is confirmed by biopsy, treatment with olmesartan medoxomil should not be restarted.

Ethnic differences:

As with all other angiotensin II receptor antagonist containing products, the blood pressure lowering effect of Olmetec Plus is somewhat less in black patients than in non-black patients, possibly because of a higher prevalence of low-renin status in the black hypertensive population.

Anti-doping test:

Hydrochlorothiazide contained in this medicinal product could produce a positive analytic result in an anti-doping test.

Pregnancy:

Angiotensin II receptor antagonists should not be initiated during pregnancy. Unless continued angiotensin II receptor antagonists therapy is considered essential, patients planning pregnancy should be changed to alternative anti-hypertensive treatments which have an established safety profile for use in pregnancy. When pregnancy is diagnosed, treatment with angiotensin II receptor antagonists should be stopped immediately, and, if appropriate, alternative therapy should be started (see sections 4.3 and 4.6).

Other:

As with any antihypertensive agent, excessive blood pressure decrease in patients with ischaemic heart disease or ischaemic cerebrovascular disease could result in a myocardial infarction or stroke.

Hypersensitivity reactions to hydrochlorothiazide may occur in patients with or without a history of allergy or bronchial asthma, but are more likely in patients with such a history.

Exacerbation or activation of systemic lupus erythematosus has been reported with the use of thiazide diuretics.

This medicinal product contains lactose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp-lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicinal product.

4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Potential interactions related to both olmesartan medoxomil and hydrochloro-thiazide:

Concomitant use not recommended

Lithium:

Reversible increases in serum lithium concentrations and toxicity have been reported during concomitant administration of lithium with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and, rarely, with angiotensin II receptor antagonists. In addition, renal clearance of lithium is reduced by thiazides and consequently the risk of lithium toxicity may be increased. Therefore use of Olmetec Plus and lithium in combination is not recommended (see section

4.4). If use of the combination proves necessary, careful monitoring of serum lithium levels is recommended.

Concomitant use requiring caution

Baclofen:

Potentiation of antihypertensive effect may occur.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicinal products:

NSAIDs (i.e. acetylsalicylic acid (> 3 g/day), COX-2 inhibitors and nonselective NSAIDs) may reduce the antihypertensive effect of thiazide diuretics and angio-tensin II receptor antagonists.

In some patients with compromised renal function (e.g. dehydrated patients or older people with compromised renal function) the co-administration of angiotensin II receptor antagonists and agents that inhibit cyclo-oxygenase may result in further deterioration of renal function, including possible acute renal failure, which is usually reversible. Therefore, the combination should be administered with caution, especially in older people. Patients should be adequately hydrated and consideration should be given to monitoring of renal function after initiation of concomitant therapy and periodically thereafter.

Concomitant use to be taken into account

Amifostine:

Potentiation of antihypertensive effect may occur.

Other antihypertensive agents:

The blood pressure lowering effect of Olmetec Plus can be increased by concomitant use of other antihypertensive medicinal products.

Alcohol, barbiturates, narcotics or antidepressants:

Potentiation of orthostatic hypotension may occur.

Potential interactions related to olmesartan medoxomil:

Concomitant use not recommended

Medicinal products affecting potassium levels:

Based on experience with the use of other medicinal products that affect the renin-angiotensin system, concomitant use of potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, salt substitutes containing potassium or other medicinal products that may increase serum potassium levels (e.g. heparin, ACE inhibitors) may lead to increases in serum potassium (see section 4.4). If medicinal products which affect potassium levels are to be prescribed in combination with Olmetec Plus, monitoring of potassium plasma levels is advised.

Bile acid sequestering agent colesevelam:

Concurrent administration of the bile acid sequestering agent colesevelam hydrochloride reduces the systemic exposure and peak plasma concentration of olmesartan. Administration of olmesartan medoxomil at least 4 hours prior to colesevelam hydrochloride decreased the drug interaction effect. Administering olmesartan medoxomil at least 4 hours before the colesevelam hydrochloride dose should be considered (see section 5.2).

Additional information

After treatment with antacid (aluminium magnesium hydroxide), a modest reduction in bioavailability of olmesartan was observed.

Olmesartan medoxomil had no significant effect on the pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics of warfarin or the pharmacokinetics of digoxin.

Coadministration of olmesartan medoxomil with pravastatin had no clinically relevant effects on the pharmacokinetics of either component in healthy subjects.

Olmesartan had no clinically relevant inhibitory effects on human cytochrome P450 enzymes 1A1/2, 2A6, 2C8/9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1 and 3A4 in vitro, and had no or minimal inducing effects on rat cytochrome P450 activities. No clinically relevant interactions between olmesartan and medicinal products metabolised by the above cytochrome P450 enzymes are expected.

Potential interactions related to hydrochlorothiazide:

Concomitant use not recommended

Medicinal products affecting potassium levels:

The potassium-depleting effect of hydrochlorothiazide (see section 4.4) may be potentiated by the coadministration of other medicinal products associated with potassium loss and hypokalaemia (e.g. other kaliuretic diuretics, laxatives, corticosteroids, ACTH, amphotericin, carbenoxolone, penicillin G sodium or salicylic acid derivatives). Such concomitant use is therefore not recommended.

Concomitant use requiring caution

Calcium salts:

Thiazide diuretics may increase serum calcium levels due to decreased excretion. If calcium supplements must be prescribed, serum calcium levels should be monitored and calcium dosage adjusted accordingly.

Cholestyramine and colestipol resins:

Absorption of hydrochlorothiazide is impaired in the presence of anionic exchange resins.

Digitalis glycosides:

Thiazide-induced hypokalaemia or hypomagnesaemia may favour the onset of digitalis-induced cardiac arrhythmias.

Medicinal products affected by serum potassium disturbances:

Periodic monitoring of serum potassium and ECG is recommended when Olmetec Plus is administered with medicinal products affected by serum potassium disturbances (e.g. digitalis glycosides and antiarrhythmics) and with the following torsades de pointes (ventricular tachycardia)-inducing medicinal products (including some antiarrhythmics), hypokalaemia being a predisposing factor to torsades de pointes (ventricular tachycardia):

-    Class Ia antiarrythmics (e.g. quinidine, hydroquinidine, disopyramide).

-    Class III antiarrythmics (e.g. amiodarone, sotalol, dofetilide, ibutilide).

-    Some antipsychotics (e.g. thioridazine, chlorpromazine, levomepromazine, trifluoperazine, cyamemazine, sulpiride, sultopride, amisulpride, tiapride, pimozide, haloperidol, droperidol).

- Others (e.g. bepridil, cisapride, diphemanil, erythromycin IV, halofantrin, mizolastin, pentamidine, sparfloxacin, terfenadine, vincamine IV).

Non-depolarizing skeletal muscle relaxants (e.g. tubocurarine):

The effect of nondepolarizing skeletal muscle relaxants may be potentiated by hydrochlorothiazide.

Anticholinergic agents (e.g. atropine, biperiden):

Increase of the bioavailability of thiazide-type diuretics by decreasing gastrointestinal motility and stomach emptying rate.

Antidiabetic medicinal products (oral agents and insulin):

The treatment with a thiazide may influence the glucose tolerance. Dosage adjustment of the antidiabetic medicinal product may be required (see section

4.4).

Metformin:

Metformin should be used with caution because of the risk of lactic acidosis induced by possible functional renal failure linked to hydrochlorothiazide.

Beta-blockers and diazoxide:

The hyperglycaemic effect of beta-blockers and diazoxide may be enhanced by thiazides.

Pressor amines (e.g. noradrenaline):

The effect of pressor amines may be decreased.

Medicinal products used in the treatment of gout (e.g. probenecid, sulfinpyrazone and allopurinol) :

Dosage adjustment of uricosuric medicinal products may be necessary since hydrochlorothiazide may raise the level of serum uric acid. Increase in dosage of probenecid or sulfinpyrazone may be necessary. Coadministration of a thiazide may increase the incidence of hypersensitivity reactions to allopurinol.

Amantadine:

Thiazides may increase the risk of adverse effects caused by amantadine.

Cytotoxic agents (e.g. cyclophosphamide, methotrexate):

Thiazides may reduce the renal excretion of cytotoxic medicinal products and potentiate their myelosuppressive effects.

Salicylates:

In case of high dosages of salicylates hydrochlorothiazide may enhance the toxic effect of the salicylates on the central nervous system.

Methyldopa:

There have been isolated reports of haemolytic anaemia occurring with concomitant use of hydrochlorothiazide and methyldopa.

Cyclosporine:

Concomitant treatment with cyclosporine may increase the risk of hyperuricaemia and gout-type complications.

Tetracyclines:

Concomitant administration of tetracyclines and thiazides increases the risk of tetracycline-induced increase in urea. This interaction is probably not applicable to doxycycline.

4.6 Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

Given the effects of the individual components in this combination product on pregnancy, the use of Olmetec Plus is not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy (see section 4.4). The use of Olmetec Plus is contraindicated during the second and third trimester of pregnancy (see sections 4.3 and 4.4).

Olmesartan medoxomil

The use of angiotensin II receptor antagonists is not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy (see section 4.4). The use of angiotensin II receptor antagonists is contraindicated during the second and third trimester of pregnancy (see sections 4.3 and 4.4).

Epidemiological evidence regarding the risk of teratogenicity following exposure to ACE inhibitors during the first trimester of pregnancy has not been conclusive; however a small increase in risk cannot be excluded. Whilst there is no controlled epidemiological data on the risk with angiotensin II receptor antagonists, similar risks may exist for this class of drugs. Unless continued angiotensin receptor blocker therapy is considered essential, patients planning pregnancy should be changed to alternative anti-hypertensive treatments which have an established safety profile for use in pregnancy. When pregnancy is diagnosed, treatment with angiotensin II receptor antagonists should be stopped immediately, and, if appropriate, alternative therapy should be started.

Exposure to angiotensin II receptor antagonists therapy during the second and third trimesters is known to induce human fetotoxicity (decreased renal function, oligohydramnios, skull ossification retardation) and neonatal toxicity (renal failure, hypotension, hyperkalaemia). (See also 5.3 'Preclinical safety data'.)

Should exposure to angiotensin II receptor antagonists have occurred from the second trimester of pregnancy, ultrasound check of renal function and skull is recommended.

Infants whose mothers have taken angiotensin II receptor antagonists should be closely observed for hypotension (see also sections 4.3 and 4.4).

Hydrochlorothiazide

There is limited experience with hydrochlorothiazide during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. Animal studies are insufficient.

Hydrochlorothiazide crosses the placenta. Based on the pharmacological mechanism of action of hydrochlorothiazide its use during the second and third trimester may compromise foeto-placental perfusion and may cause foetal and neonatal effects like icterus, disturbance of electrolyte balance and thrombocytopenia.

Hydrochlorothiazide should not be used for gestational oedema, gestational hypertension or pre-eclampsia due to the risk of decreased plasma volume and placental hypoperfusion, without a beneficial effect on the course of the disease.

Hydrochlorothiazide should not be used for essential hypertension in pregnant women except in rare situations where no other treatment could be used.

Lactation

Olmesartan medoxomil

Because no information is available regarding the use of Olmetec Plus during breast-feeding, Olmetec Plus is not recommended and alternative treatments with better established safety profiles during breast-feeding are preferable, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.

Hydrochlorothiazide

Hydrochlorothiazide is excreted in human milk in small amounts. Thiazides in high doses causing intense diuresis can inhibit the milk production. The use of Olmetec Plus during breast-feeding is not recommended. If Olmetec Plus is used during breast-feeding, doses should be kept as low as possible.

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Olmetec Plus 40 mg/12.5 mg and 40 mg/25 mg can have minor or moderate influence on the ability to drive and use machines. Dizziness or fatigue may occasionally occur in patients taking antihypertensive therapy, which may impair the ability to react.

4.8 Undesirable effects

The most commonly reported adverse reactions during treatment with Olmetec Plus 40 mg/12.5 mg and 40 mg/25 mg are headache (2.9%), dizziness (1.9%) and fatigue (1.0%).

Hydrochlorothiazide may cause or exacerbate volume depletion which may lead to electrolyte imbalance (see section 4.4).

The safety of Olmetec Plus 40 mg/12.5 mg and 40 mg/25 mg was investigated in clinical trials in 3709 patients receiving olmesartan medoxomil in combination with hydrochlorothiazide.

Further adverse reactions reported with the fixed dose combination of olmesartan medoxomil and hydrochlorothiazide in the lower dose strengths 20 mg/12.5 mg and 20 mg/25 mg may be potential adverse reactions with Olmetec Plus 40 mg/12.5 mg and 40 mg/25 mg.

Adverse reactions from Olmetec Plus in clinical trials, post-authorisation safety studies and spontaneous reporting are summarised in the below table as well as adverse reactions from the individual components olmesartan medoxomil and hydrochlorothiazide based on the known safety profile of these substances.

The following terminologies have been used in order to classify the occurrence of adverse reactions: very common (>1/10); common (>1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (>1/1000 to <1/100); rare (>1/10000 to <1/1000); very rare (<1/10000) .

MedDRA

System Organ Class

Adverse reactions

Frequency

Olmetec Plus

Olmesartan

HCTZ

Infections and infestations

Sialadenitis

Rare

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

Aplastic anaemia

Rare

Bone marrow depression

Rare

Haemolytic anaemia

Rare

Leukopenia

Rare

Neutropenia/

Agranulocytosis

Rare

Thrombocytopenia

Uncommon

Rare

Immune system disorders

Anaphylactic reactions

Uncommon

Uncommon

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Anorexia

Uncommon

Glykosuria

Common

Hypercalcaemia

Common

Hypercholesterolaemia

Uncommon

Very common

Hyperglycaemia

Common

Hyperkalaemia

Rare

Hypertriglyceridaemia

Uncommon

Common

Very common

Hyperuricaemia

Uncommon

Common

Very common

Hypochloraemia

Common

Hypochloraemic alcalosis

Very rare

Hypokaliaemia

Common

Hypomagne saemia

Common

Hyponatriaemia

Common

Hyperamylasaemia

Common

Psychiatric disorders

Apathy

Rare

Depression

Rare

Restlessness

Rare

Sleep disturbances

Rare

Nervous system disorders

Confusional state

Common

Convulsions

Rare

Disturbances in consciousness (such as loss of consciousness)

Rare

Dizziness/light-headedness

Common

Common

Common

Headache

Common

Common

Rare

Loss of appetite

Uncommon

Paraesthesia

Rare

Postural dizziness

Uncommon

Somnolence

Uncommon

Syncope

Uncommon

Eye disorders

Lacrimation decreased

Rare

Transient blurred vision

Rare

Worsening of pre-existing myopia

Uncommon

Xanthopsia

Rare

Ear and labyrinth disorders

Vertigo

Uncommon

Uncommon

Rare

Cardiac disorders

Angina pectoris

Uncommon

Cardiac arrhythmias

Rare

Palpitations

Uncommon

Vascular disorders

Embolism

Rare

Hypotension

Uncommon

Rare

Necrotising angiitis (vasculitis, cutaneous vasculitis)

Rare

Orthostatic hypotension

Uncommon

Uncommon

Thrombosis

Rare

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

Bronchitis

Common

Cough

Uncommon

Common

Dyspnoea

Rare

Interstitial pneumonia

Rare

Pharyngitis

Common

Pulmonary oedema

Rare

Respiratory distress

Uncommon

Rhinitis

Common

Gastrointestinal disorders

Abdominal pain

Uncommon

Common

Common

Constipation

Common

Diarrhoea

Uncommon

Common

Common

Dyspepsia

Uncommon

Common

Gastric irritation

Common

Gastroenteritis

Common

Meteorism

Common

Nausea

Uncommon

Common

Common

Pancreatitis

Rare

Paralytic ileus

Very rare

Vomiting

Uncommon

Uncommon

Common

Sprue-like enteropathy (see section 4.4)

Very rare

Hepato-biliary disorders

Acute cholecystitis

Rare

Jaundice (intrahepatic cholestasic icterus)

Rare

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Allergic dermatitis

Uncommon

Anaphylactic skin reactions

Rare

Angioneurotic oedema

Rare

Rare

Cutaneous lupus erythematodes-like reactions

Rare

Eczema

Uncommon

Erythema

Uncommon

Exanthem

Uncommon

Photosensitivity reactions

Uncommon

Pruritus

Uncommon

Uncommon

Purpura

Uncommon

Rash

Uncommon

Uncommon

Uncommon

Reactivation of cutaneous lupus erythematodes

Rare

Toxic epidermal necrolysis

Rare

Urticaria

Rare

Uncommon

Uncommon

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders

Arthralgia

Uncommon

Arthritis

Common

Back pain

Uncommon

Common

Muscle spasm

Uncommon

Rare

Muscular weakness

Rare

Myalgia

Uncommon

Uncommon

Pain in extremity

Uncommon

Paresis

Rare

Skeletal pain

Common

Renal and urinary disorders

Acute renal failure

Rare

Rare

Haematuria

Uncommon

Common

Interstitial nephritis

Rare

Renal insufficiency

Rare

Renal dysfunction

Rare

Urinary tract infection

Common

Reproductive system and breast disorders

Erectile dysfunction

Uncommon

Uncommon

General disorders and administration site conditions

Asthenia

Common

Uncommon

Chest pain

Common

Common

Face oedema

Uncommon

Fatigue

Common

Common

Fever

Rare

Influenza-like symptoms

Common

Lethargy

Rare

Malaise

Rare

Uncommon

Pain

Common

Peripheral oedema

Common

Common

Weakness

Uncommon

Investigations

Alanine aminotransferase increased

Uncommon

Aspartate aminotransferase increased

Uncommon

Blood calcium increased

Uncommon

Blood creatinine increased

Uncommon

Rare

Common

Blood creatine phosphokinase increased

Common

Blood glucose increased

Uncommon

Blood haematocrit decreased

Rare

Blood haemoglobin decreased

Rare

Blood lipids increased

Uncommon

Blood potassium decreased

Uncommon

Blood potassium increased

Uncommon

Blood urea increased

Uncommon

Common

Common

Blood urea nitrogen increased

Rare

Blood uric acid increased

Rare

Gamma glutamyl transferase increased

Uncommon

Hepatic enzymes increased

Common

Single cases of rhabdomyolysis have been reported in temporal association with the intake of angiotensin II receptor blockers.

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.

4.9 Overdose

No specific information is available on the effects or treatment of Olmetec Plus overdose. The patient should be closely monitored, and the treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. Management depends upon the time since ingestion and the severity of the symptoms. Suggested measures include induction of emesis and/or gastric lavage. Activated charcoal may be useful in the treatment of overdose. Serum electrolytes and creatinine should be monitored frequently. If hypotension occurs, the patient should be placed in a supine position, with salt and volume replacements given quickly.

The most likely manifestations of olmesartan medoxomil overdose are expected to be hypotension and tachycardia; bradycardia might also occur. Overdose with hydrochlorothiazide is associated with electrolyte depletion (hypokalaemia, hypochloraemia) and dehydration resulting from excessive diuresis. The most common signs and symptoms of overdose are nausea and somnolence. Hypokalaemia may result in muscle spasm and/or accentuate cardiac arrhythmias associated with the concomitant use of digitalis glycosides or certain anti-arrhythmic medicinal products.

No information is available regarding the dialysability of olmesartan or hydrochlorothiazide.

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Angiotensin II antagonists and diuretics, ATC code: C09D A 08.

Mechanism of action / Pharmacodynamic effects

Olmetec Plus is a combination of an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, olmesartan medoxomil, and a thiazide diuretic, hydrochlorothiazide. The combination of these ingredients has an additive antihypertensive effect, reducing blood pressure to a greater degree than either component alone.

Once daily dosing with Olmetec Plus provides an effective and smooth reduction in blood pressure over the 24 hour dose interval.

Olmesartan medoxomil is an orally active, selective angiotensin II receptor (type AT1) antagonist. Angiotensin II is the primary vasoactive hormone of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of hypertension. The effects of angiotensin II include vasoconstriction, stimulation of the synthesis and release of aldosterone, cardiac stimulation and renal reabsorption of sodium. Olmesartan blocks the vasoconstrictor and aldosterone-secreting effects of angiotensin II by blocking its binding to the AT1 receptor in tissues including vascular smooth muscle and the adrenal gland. The action of olmesartan is independent of the source or route of synthesis of angiotensin II. The selective antagonism of the angiotensin II (AT1) receptors by olmesartan results in increases in plasma renin levels and angiotensin I and II concentrations, and some decrease in plasma aldosterone concentrations.

In hypertension, olmesartan medoxomil causes a dose-dependent, long-lasting reduction in arterial blood pressure. There has been no evidence of first-dose hypotension, of tachyphylaxis during long-term treatment, or of rebound hypertension after abrupt cessation of therapy.

Once daily dosing with olmesartan medoxomil provides an effective and smooth reduction in blood pressure over the 24 hour dose interval. Once daily dosing produced similar decreases in blood pressure as twice daily dosing at the same total daily dose.

With continuous treatment, maximum reductions in blood pressure are achieved by 8 weeks after the initiation of therapy, although a substantial proportion of the blood pressure lowering effect is already observed after 2 weeks of treatment.

The effect of olmesartan medoxomil on mortality and morbidity is not yet known.

The Randomised Olmesartan and Diabetes Microalbuminuria Prevention (ROADMAP) study in 4447 patients with type 2 diabetes, normo-albuminuria and at least one additional cardiovascular risk factor, investigated whether treatment with olmesartan could delay the onset of microalbuminuria. During the median follow-up duration of 3.2 years, patients received either olmesartan or placebo in addition to other antihypertensive agents, except ACE inhibitors or ARBs.

For the primary endpoint, the study demonstrated a significant risk reduction in the time to onset of microalbuminuria, in favour of olmesartan. After adjustment for BP differences this risk reduction was no longer statistically significant. 8.2% (178 of 2160) of the patients in the olmesartan group and 9.8% (210 of 2139) in the placebo group developed microalbuminuria.

For the secondary endpoints, cardiovascular events occurred in 96 patients (4.3%) with olmesartan and in 94 patients (4.2%) with placebo. The incidence of cardiovascular mortality was higher with olmesartan compared to placebo treatment (15 patients (0.7%) vs. 3 patients (0.1%)), despite similar rates for non-fatal stroke (14 patients (0.6%) vs. 8 patients (0.4%)), non-fatal myocardial infarction (17 patients (0.8%) vs. 26 patients (1.2%)) and non-cardiovascular mortality (11 patients (0.5%) vs. 12 patients (0.5%)). Overall mortality with olmesartan was numerically increased (26 patients (1.2%) vs. 15 patients (0.7%)), which was mainly driven by a higher number of fatal cardiovascular events.

The Olmesartan Reducing Incidence of End-stage Renal Disease in Diabetic Nephropathy Trial (ORIENT) investigated the effects of olmesartan on renal and cardiovascular outcomes in 577 randomized Japanese and Chinese type 2 diabetic patients with overt nephropathy. During a median follow-up of 3.1 years, patients received either olmesartan or placebo in addition to other antihypertensive agents including ACE inhibitors.

The primary composite endpoint (time to first event of the doubling of serum creatinine, end-stage renal disease, all-cause death) occurred in 116 patients in the olmesartan group (41.1%) and 129 patients in the placebo group (45.4%) (HR 0.97 (95% CI 0.75 to 1.24); p=0.791). The composite secondary cardiovascular endpoint occurred in 40 olmesartan-treated patients (14.2%) and 53 placebo-treated patients (18.7%). This composite cardiovascular endpoint included cardiovascular death in 10 (3.5%) patients receiving olmesartan versus 3 (1.1%) receiving placebo, overall mortality 19 (6.7%) versus 20 (7.0%), non-fatal stroke 8 (2.8%) versus 11 (3.9%) and non-fatal myocardial infarction 3 (1.1%) versus 7 (2.5%), respectively.

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic. The mechanism of the antihypertensive effect of thiazide diuretics is not fully known. Thiazides affect the renal tubular mechanisms of electrolyte reabsorption, directly increasing excretion of sodium and chloride in approximately equivalent amounts. The diuretic action of hydrochlorothiazide reduces plasma volume, increases plasma renin activity and increases aldosterone secretion, with consequent increases in urinary potassium and bicarbonate loss, and decreases in serum potassium. The renin-aldosterone link is mediated by angiotensin II and therefore coadministration of an angiotensin II receptor antagonist tends to reverse the potassium loss associated with thiazide diuretics. With hydrochlorothiazide, onset of diuresis occurs at about 2 hours and peak effect occurs at about 4 hours post-dose, whilst the action persists for approximately 6-12 hours.

Epidemiological studies have shown that long-term treatment with hydrochlorothiazide monotherapy reduces the risk of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity.

Clinical efficacy and safety

The combination of olmesartan medoxomil and hydrochlorothiazide produces additive reductions in blood pressure which generally increase with the dose of each component.

In pooled placebo-controlled studies, administration of the 20 mg /12.5 mg and 20 mg /25 mg combinations of olmesartan medoxomil/hydrochlorothiazide resulted in mean placebo-subtracted systolic/diastolic blood pressure reductions at trough of 12/7 mmHg and 16/9 mmHg, respectively.

Administration of 12.5 mg and 25 mg hydrochlorothiazide in patients insufficiently controlled by olmesartan medoxomil 20 mg monotherapy gave additional reductions in 24-hour systolic/diastolic blood pressures measured by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring of 7/5 mmHg and 12/7 mmHg, respectively, compared with olmesartan medoxomil monotherapy. The additional mean systolic/diastolic blood pressure reductions at trough compared with baseline were 11/10 mmHg and 16/11 mmHg, respectively.

The effectiveness of olmesartan medoxomil /hydrochlorothiazide combination therapy was maintained over long-term (one-year) treatment. Withdrawal of olmesartan medoxomil therapy, with or without concomitant hydrochlorothiazide therapy, did not result in rebound hypertension.

The fixed combinations of olmesartan medoxomil and hydrochlorothiazide 40 mg/12.5 mg and 40 mg/25 mg were investigated in three clinical studies including 1482 hypertensive patients.

A double-blind study with essential hypertension evaluated the effectiveness of Olmetec Plus 40 mg/12.5 mg combination therapy versus olmesartan medoxomil monotherapy (Olmetec) 40 mg with mean sitting diastolic blood pressure reduction being the primary efficacy parameter. Systolic/diastolic blood pressure was reduced by 31.9/18.9 mmHg in the combination group as compared to 26.5/15.8 in the monotherapy group (p<0.0001) after 8 weeks of treatment.

In a double-blind but non-controlled second phase of this study, up-titration of nonresponders from olmesartan medoxomil monotherapy (Olmetec) 40 mg to Olmetec

Plus 40 mg/12.5 mg as well as from Olmetec Plus 40 mg/12.5 mg to Olmetec Plus 40 mg/25 mg resulted in a further relevant decrease in systolic/diastolic blood pressure, thus confirming that up-titration is a clinically meaningful way to improve blood pressure control.

A second double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study evaluated the effectiveness of adding hydrochlorothiazide to the treatment of patients not adequately controlled after 8 weeks of treatment with Olmetec 40 mg. Patients either continued on Olmetec 40 mg or received additional hydrochlorothiazide 12.5mg or 25mg respectively for another 8 weeks. A fourth group was randomised to receive Olmetec Plus 20 mg/12.5 mg.

Adding hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg or 25 mg resulted in a further reduction in systolic/diastolic blood pressure of 5.2/3.4 mmHg (p < 0.0001) and 7.4/5.3 mmHg (p < 0.0001) respectively as compared to the Olmetec 40 mg therapy alone.

A comparison between patients receiving Olmetec Plus 20 mg/12.5 mg and patients receiving 40 mg/12.5 mg showed a statistical significant difference in systolic blood pressure reduction of 2.6 mmHg in favour of the higher dose combination (p=0.0255) whereas for diastolic blood pressure reduction a difference of 0.9 mmHg was observed. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) based on the mean changes on 24-hour, daytime and night-time diastolic and systolic blood pressure data confirmed the results of conventional blood pressure measures.

Another double-blind, randomised trial compared the effectiveness of a combination treatment with Olmetec Plus 20 mg/25 mg and Olmetec Plus 40 mg/25 mg in patients with inadequately controlled blood pressure after 8 weeks of treatment with Olmetec 40 mg.

After 8 weeks of combination therapy the systolic/diastolic blood pressure was significantly reduced as compared to baseline by 17.1/10.5 mmHg in the Olmetec Plus 20 mg/25 mg group and 17.4/11.2 mmHg in the Olmetec Plus 40 mg/25 mg group. The difference between both treatment groups was not statistically significant when using conventional blood pressure measurement, which might be explained by the known flat dose response effect of angiotensin II receptor antagonists such as Olmesartan medoxomil.

However, a clinically meaningful and statistically significant difference in favour of Olmetec Plus 40 mg/25 mg as compared to Olmetec Plus 20 mg/25 mg was observed in mean 24-hour, daytime and night-time ABPM on both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

The antihypertensive effect of Olmetec Plus was similar irrespective of age, gender or diabetes status.

52-Pharmacokinetic properties

Absorption and distribution Olmesartan medoxomil:

Olmesartan medoxomil is a prodrug. It is rapidly converted to the pharmacologically active metabolite, olmesartan, by esterases in the gut mucosa and in portal blood during absorption from the gastrointestinal tract.

No intact olmesartan medoxomil or intact side chain medoxomil moiety have been detected in plasma or excreta. The mean absolute bioavailability of olmesartan from a tablet formulation was 25.6%.

The mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of olmesartan is reached within about

2 hours after oral dosing with olmesartan medoxomil, and olmesartan plasma concentrations increase approximately linearly with increasing single oral doses up to about 80 mg.

Food had minimal effect on the bioavailability of olmesartan and therefore olmesartan medoxomil may be administered with or without food.

No clinically relevant gender-related differences in the pharmacokinetics of olmesartan have been observed.

Olmesartan is highly bound to plasma protein (99.7%), but the potential for clinically significant protein binding displacement interactions between olmesartan and other highly bound coadministered active substances is low (as confirmed by the lack of a clinically significant interaction between olmesartan medoxomil and warfarin). The binding of olmesartan to blood cells is negligible. The mean volume of distribution after intravenous dosing is low (16 - 29 L).

Hydrochlorothiazide:

Following oral administration of olmesartan medoxomil and hydrochlorothiazide in combination, the median time to peak concentrations of hydrochlorothiazide    was    1.5    to

2 hours after dosing. Hydrochlorothiazide is 68 % protein bound in the plasma and its apparent volume of distribution is 0.83 - 1.14 L/kg.

Biotransformation and elimination

Olmesartan medoxomil:

Total plasma clearance of olmesartan was typically 1.3 L/h (CV, 19%) and was relatively slow compared to hepatic blood flow (ca 90 L/h). Following a single oral dose of 14C-labelled olmesartan medoxomil, 10 - 16% of the administered radioactivity was excreted in the urine (the vast majority within 24 hours of dose administration) and the remainder of the recovered radioactivity was excreted in the faeces. Based on the systemic availability of 25.6%, it can be calculated that absorbed olmesartan is cleared by both renal excretion (ca 40%) and hepato-biliary excretion (ca 60%). All recovered radioactivity was identified as olmesartan. No other significant metabolite was detected. Enterohepatic recycling of olmesartan is minimal. Since a large proportion of olmesartan is excreted via the biliary route, use in patients with biliary obstruction is contraindicated (see section 4.3).

The terminal elimination half life of olmesartan varied between 10 and 15 hours after multiple oral dosing. Steady state was reached after the first few doses and no further accumulation was evident after 14 days of repeated dosing. Renal clearance was approximately 0.5 - 0.7 L/h and was independent of dose.

Hydrochlorothiazide:

Hydrochlorothiazide is not metabolised in man and is excreted almost entirely as unchanged active substance in urine. About 60 % of the oral dose is eliminated as unchanged active substance within 48 hours. Renal clearance is about 250 - 300 mL/min. The terminal elimination half-life of hydrochlorothiazide is 10 - 15 hours.

Olmetec Plus

The systemic availability of hydrochlorothiazide is reduced by about 20% when

co-administered with olmesartan medoxomil, but this modest decrease is not of any clinical relevance. The kinetics of olmesartan are unaffected by the coadministration of hydrochlorothiazide.

Pharmacokinetics in special populations

Older people (age 65 years or over) :

In hypertensive patients, the olmesartan AUC at steady state was increased by ca 35% in older people (65 - 75 years old) and by ca 44% in very old people (> 75 years old) compared with the younger age group (see section 4.2). Limited data suggest that the systemic clearance of hydrochlorothiazide is reduced in both healthy and hypertensive older people compared to young healthy volunteers.

Renal impairment:

In renally impaired patients, the olmesartan AUC at steady state increased by 62%, 82% and 179% in patients with mild, moderate and severe renal

impairment, respectively, compared to healthy controls (see sections 4.2, 4.3

4.4).

The maximum dose of olmesartan medoxomil in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance of 30 - 60 ml/min) is 20 mg olmesartan medoxomil once daily. The use of olmesartan medoxomil in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance of < 30 ml/min) is not recommended.

The half-life of hydrochlorothiazide is prolonged in patients with impaired renal function.

Hepatic impairment:

After single oral administration, olmesartan AUC values were 6% and 65% higher in mildly and moderately hepatically impaired patients, respectively, than in their corresponding matched healthy controls. The unbound fraction of olmesartan at 2 hours post-dose in healthy subjects, in patients with mild hepatic impairment and in patients with moderate hepatic impairment was 0.26%, 0.34% and 0.41%, respectively. Following repeated dosing in patients with moderate hepatic impairment, olmesartan mean AUC was again about 65% higher than in matched healthy controls. Olmesartan mean Cmax values were similar in hepatically-impaired and healthy subjects.

In patients with moderate hepatic impairment, an initial dose of 10 mg olmesartan medoxomil once daily is recommended and the maximum dose should not exceed 20 mg once daily. Olmesartan medoxomil has not been

evaluated in patients with severe hepatic impairment (see sections 4.2, 4.3

4.4).

Hepatic impairment does not significantly influence the pharmacokinetics of hydrochlorothiazide.

Drug interactions

Bile acid sequestering agent colesevelam:

Concomitant administration of 40 mg olmesartan medoxomil and 3750 mg colesevelam hydrochloride in healthy subjects resulted in 28% reduction in Cmax and 39% reduction in AUC of olmesartan. Lesser effects, 4% and 15% reduction in Cmax and AUC respectively, were observed when olmesartan medoxomil was administered 4 hours prior to colesevelam hydrochloride (see section 4.5).

5.3 Preclinical safety data

The toxic potential of olmesartan medoxomil/hydrochlorothiazide combinations was evaluated in repeated dose oral toxicity studies for up to six months in rats and dogs.

As for each of the individual substances and other medicinal products in this class, the main toxicological target organ of the combination was the kidney. The combination of olmesartan medoxomil/hydrochlorothiazide induced functional renal changes (increases in serum urea nitrogen and in serum creatinine). High dosages caused tubular degeneration and regeneration in the kidneys of rats and dogs, probably via a change in renal haemodynamics (reduced renal perfusion resulting from hypotension with tubular hypoxia and tubular cell degeneration).    In    addition,    the olmesartan

medoxomil/hydrochlorothiazide combination caused a decrease in red blood cell parameters (erythrocytes, haemoglobin and haematocrit) and a reduction in heart weight in rats.

These effects have also been observed for other ATi receptor antagonists and for ACE inhibitors and they seem to have been induced by the pharmacological action of high dosages of olmesartan medoxomil and seem to be not relevant to humans at the recommended therapeutic doses.

Genotoxicity    studies using    combined    olmesartan    medoxomil and

hydrochlorothiazide as well as the individual components have not shown any signs of a clinically relevant genotoxic activity.

The carcinogenic potential of a combination of olmesartan medoxomil and hydrochlorothiazide was not investigated as there was no evidence of relevant carcinogenic effects for the two individual components under conditions of clinical use.

There was no evidence of teratogenicity in mice or rats treated with olmesartan medoxomil/hydrochlorothiazide combinations. As expected from this class of medicinal product, foetal toxicity was observed in rats, as evidenced by significantly reduced foetal body weights, when treated with olmesartan medoxomil/hydrochlorothiazide combinations during gestation (see sections

4.3, 4.6).

6 PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS

6.1 List of excipients

Tablet core

Microcrystalline cellulose Lactose monohydrate Low substituted hyprolose Hyprolose Magnesium stearate Tablet coat Talc

Hypromellose Titanium dioxide (E 171)

Iron (III) oxide yellow (E172) Iron (III) oxide red (E172)

6.2 Incompatibilities

Not applicable.

6.3 Shelf life

5 years.

6.4 Special precautions for storage

This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions.

Nature and contents of container

6.5


Laminated polyamide / aluminium / polyvinyl chloride / aluminium blister.

Packs of 14, 28, 30, 56, 84, 90, 98, 10 x 28 and 10 x 30 film-coated tablets. Packs with perforated unit dose blisters of 10, 50 and 500 film-coated tablets. Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

6.6 Special precautions for disposal

Any unused product or waste should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

7    MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER

Daiichi Sankyo UK Ltd Chiltern Place Chalfont Park Gerrards Cross Buckinghamshire SL9 0BG UK

8    MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)

PL 08265/0030

9    DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF    THE

AUTHORISATION 27/01/2010

10 DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

04/12/2014