Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Act Pantoprazole
What is ACT Pantoprazole used for?
ACT Pantoprazole is used to treat stomach acid related problems. This includes:
Stomach ulcer.
A stomach ulcer is a sore on the lining of the stomach. This is also known as a gastric ulcer.
Duodenal ulcer.
A sore on the lining of the duodenum. The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine.
Reflux esophagitis.
This is a severe form of heartburn.
Symptoms of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD).
The symptoms include heartburn and acid regurgitation. GERD is a condition in which stomach acid backs up into your esophagus.
When taking Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Stops stomach and duodenal ulcers from forming.
How does ACT Pantoprazole work?
ACT Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor. It reduces the amount of acid your stomach makes.
What are the ingredients in ACT Pantoprazole?
Medicinal ingredients: pantoprazole sodium sesquihydrate
Non-medicinal ingredients: Calcium stearate, cellulose microcrystalline, crospovidone, ferric oxide yellow, hydroxypropylcellulose, hypromellose, macrogol, methacrylic acid – ethyl acrylate copolymer, polysorbate 80, ponceau 4R aluminium lake, povidone, quinoline yellow aluminium lake, silica-colloidal anhydrous, sodium carbonate anhydrous, sodium laurilsulfate, titanium dioxide, triethyl citrate.
ACT Pantoprazole comes in the following dosage forms:
Delayed-Release tablets of 40 mg pantoprazole (as pantoprazole sodium sesquihydrate).
Do not use ACT Pantoprazole if:
You are allergic to any of its ingredients. (See What are the ingredients in ACT
Pantoprazole?)
- You are taking rilpivirine.
To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take ACT Pantoprazole. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if you:
- are taking other medications (see The following may interact with ACT Pantoprazole).
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
- are breastfeeding or plan to breast feed. Pantoprazole has been found in human breast milk. Talk with your doctor.
suffer these effects:
- unexplained weight loss.
- severe or persistent diarrhea.
- repeated vomiting.
- vomiting blood.
- dark stools.
- tiredness (anemia).
- difficulty in swallowing.
- Have a history of liver problems.
have low magnesium in the body, which may cause symptoms such as:
- rapid heartbeat.
- dizziness, seizures.
- muscle cramping, twitches or spasms.
- are due to have a specific blood test (Chromogranin A).
Other warnings you should know about:
You should take ACT Pantoprazole exactly as prescribed. You will use the lowest dose and shortest time suitable for your condition. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your treatment.
Depending on your condition, your doctor may tell you to use this type of medicine (proton pump inhibitors) for a longer period.
Using proton pump inhibitors for a long time (every day for a year or longer) may increase risks of broken bones of the hip, wrist or spine. Talk to your doctor about this risk.
Long term use of proton pump inhibitors may interfere with the absorption of Vitamin B12 from the diet. This may cause a shortage of Vitamin B12 in your body. Talk to your doctor.
Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.
The following may interact with ACT Pantoprazole:
Warfarin, atazanavir, nelfinavir, saquinavir/ritonavir, methotrexate.
How to take ACT Pantoprazole:
Take ACT Pantoprazole in the morning.
with or without food
- Swallow the tablet(s) whole with water.
- Do not crush or chew the tablet(s).
Usual adult dose:
Your doctor will have told you what dose to take for your condition. Follow your doctor’s directions carefully as they may be different from the information provided in this leaflet.
If you think you have taken too much ACT Pantoprazole, contact your healthcare professional, hospital emergency department or regional Poison Control Centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.
Missed dose:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take the next dose at your regular time. Do not double doses.
What are possible side effects from using ACT Pantoprazole?
Like all medicines, ACT Pantoprazole may cause side effects. Side effects have generally been mild and did not last a long time. These are not all the possible side effects you may feel when taking ACT Pantoprazole.
The most common side effects are:
- headache.
- diarrhea.
- nausea.
Your symptoms may get worse after stopping your medication. This may occur as your stomach may increase the production of acid.
SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
| Symptom / effect | Talk to your healthcare professional | Stop taking drug and get immediate medical help | |
| Only if severe | In all cases | ||
RARE Disturbances in vision. Most cases reported are not serious. | ✓ | ||
ISOLATED CASES Liver damage. Symptoms include yellow tinge to the skin and eyes. | ✓ | ||
SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
| Symptom / effect | Talk to your healthcare professional | Stop taking drug and get immediate medical help | |
| Only if severe | In all cases | ||
| Serious skin reactions. Symptoms include widespread rash, itching, or hives. Peeling of the skin, blisters on the skin, mouth, nose, eyes and genitals are other symptoms. | ✓ | ||
| Muscle wasting | ✓ | ||
| Clostridium difficile colitis (bowel inflammation). Symptoms include severe (watery or bloody) diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain or tenderness. | ✓ | ||
If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, talk to your healthcare professional.
Reporting Side Effects
You can report any suspected adverse reactions associated with the use of health products to the Canada Vigilance Program by one of the following 3 ways:
- Report online at www.healthcanada.gc.ca/medeffect
- Call toll-free at 1-866-234-2345
- Complete a Canada Vigilance Reporting Form and:
- Fax toll-free to 1-866-678-6789, or
Mail to: Canada Vigilance Program
Health Canada
Postal Locator 1908C
Ottawa ON K1A 0K9
Postage paid labels, Canada Vigilance Reporting Form and the adverse reaction reporting guidelines are available on the MedEffectTM Canada Web site at
www.healthcanada.gc.ca/medeffect
NOTE: Should you require information related to the management of side effects, contact your health professional. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice.
Storage:
Store in a dry place at room temperature (between 15°C and 30 °C).
Keep out of reach and sight of children.
If you want more information about ACT Pantoprazole:
- Talk to your healthcare professional.
- Find the full product monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada website(http://hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php) or by calling the manufacturer at 1-866-254-6111.