Apo-Doxycycline MR: Uses, Side Effects and Dosage

ABOUT THIS MEDICATION

What the medication is used for:

APO-DOXYCYCLINE MR is used for the treatment of bumps and pimples caused by rosacea (roh-ZAY-she-ah) in adults. This medication should not be used for any other reason than that which it is prescribed.

APO-DOXYCYCLINE MR contains an antibacterial ingredient called doxycycline, and it should be used exactly as directed by your healthcare professional. Misuse or overuse of APO-DOXYCYCLINE MR could lead to the growth of bacteria that will not be killed by doxycycline. This means that APO-DOXYCYCLINE MR or other medicines that contain doxycycline may not work for you in the future. Do not share your medicine.

What it does:

APO-DOXYCYCLINE MR has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the bumps and pimples caused by rosacea.

When it should not be used:

• If you are allergic to the medicinal ingredient in APO-DOXYCYCLINE MR, or allergic to any medicinal ingredients known as tetracyclines, including doxycycline and minocycline.
• If you are allergic to any of the ingredients in APO-DOXYCYCLINE MR (see What the important nonmedicinal ingredients are:).

• If you are pregnant or nursing. Low levels of tetracyclines are released in human breast milk.

• In infants and children under 8 years of age.

• If you have myasthenia gravis (a chronic disease which can cause muscle weakness).
• APO-DOXYCYCLINE MR should not be used to treat infections.

What the medicinal ingredient is:

APO-DOXYCYCLINE MR capsules contain the active ingredient doxycycline (as doxycycline monohydrate).

What the important nonmedicinal ingredients are:

Each APO-DOXYCYCLINE MR capsule is made of gelatin and contains hypromellose, methacrylic acid copolymer, opadry beige (for colour), sugar spheres, talc and triethyl citrate.

What dosage forms it comes in:

APO-DOXYCYCLINE MR is available in modified-release capsules containing 40 mg of doxycycline (as doxycycline monohydrate). Each capsule contains two types of beads; the immediate-release beads contain 30 mg of doxycycline and the delayed-release beads contain 10 mg of doxycycline.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

BEFORE you use APO-DOXYCYCLINE MR talk to your doctor or pharmacist if:

• You are allergic to any of the ingredients in APO-DOXYCYCLINE MR.
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or if you are breastfeeding.
• You have been diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (a chronic disease which can cause muscle weakness).
• You have difficulty swallowing, or medical conditions such as a narrowing or blockage in your esophagus (passage from your mouth to stomach).
• You have liver or kidney problems.
• You have or have recently had a yeast or fungus infection in your mouth or vagina.
• You are taking other prescription medications or other medications, including medications purchased without a prescription, such as vitamin or mineral supplements.
• You have had a gastrectomy or gastric bypass surgery.
• You spend time in sunlight or artificial sunlight (such as a tanning bed). APO-DOXYCYCLINE MR may increase the severity of sunburns. Avoid sunlight or exposure to artificial UV light. Use a good sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) and wear protective clothing, such as a hat or sunglasses.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away and stop taking APO-DOXYCYCLINE MR:

• If you develop a hypersensitivity (allergic) reaction which may include symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, fast heartbeat, dizziness, itching, rash, and skin blistering.
• At the first sign of oversensitivity of skin to light/sunlight/Ultra Violet light or skin redness.
• If you develop diarrhea during the course of taking APO-DOXYCYCLINE MR.

INTERACTIONS WITH THIS MEDICATION

Drugs that may interact with APO-DOXYCYCLINE MR include:

• A medication for hypertension, quinipril.
• Blood thinners (oral anticoagulants). Your doctor may need to change your anticoagulant dose.
• Oral retinoids, such as isotretinoin and acitretin.
• Medications that treat infections, such as penicillin and rifampicin.
• Medications that treat seizures, such as barbiturates, carbamazepine and diphenylhydantoin.
• Chronic alcohol abuse may cause APO-DOXYCYCLINE MR to break down more quickly and make the medication less effective.
• Proton pump inhibitors (to reduce stomach acidity) such as
• omeprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole.
• Antacids and dairy products (that contain aluminum, zinc, calcium or magnesium), and iron preparations, activated charcoal, chlostyramine, bismuth chelates and subsalicylate may reduce the absorption of the medicinal ingredient in APO-DOXYCYCLINE MR.
• Products that contain iron should be taken at a different time than APO-DOXYCYCLINE MR.
• The use of APO-DOXYCYCLINE MR may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills (oral contraceptives).
• Some anesthetics/inhalants (e.g. methoxyflurane).
• Some medications for diabetes (e.g. sulfonylureas)

PROPER USE OF THIS MEDICATION

Usual adult dose:

APO-DOXYCYCLINE MR should be taken once daily in the morning, on an empty stomach. It is recommended that the capsule be swallowed with a full glass of water to avoid potential irritation to the esophagus (passage from mouth to stomach).

Antacids (containing calcium, aluminum, magnesium or zinc), iron preparations, activated charcoal, cholestyramine, bismuth chelates and sucralfate, and foods or drinks containing calcium such as dairy products and calcium containing fruit juices should only be taken at least 2-3 hours after taking APO-DOXYCYCLINE MR.

Overdose:

Do not take more capsules than your doctor has told you to. Taking more than the prescribed dose may increase the chance of side effects.

Missed Dose:

If you miss a dose of APO-DOXYCYCLINE MR, skip that dose and take the next dose at your regular time. Do not double dose.

SIDE EFFECTS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM

Common side effects include diarrhea, headache, nausea, and abdominal pain. Some people may experience soreness in the nose or throat (nasopharyngitis), sinus infection or an increase in blood pressure (hypertension). These side effects are generally mild and do not usually cause patients to stop taking APO-DOXYCYCLINE MR.

If you experience symptoms such as severe (watery or bloody) diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain or tenderness, you may have Clostridium difficile colitis (bowel inflammation). If this happens, stop taking the drug and call your healthcare professional immediately.

This is not a complete list of side effects. A complete listing of adverse events that have been reported is contained in the Product Monograph supplied to your doctor and pharmacist. For any unexpected effects while taking APO-DOXYCYCLINE MR, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO STORE IT

Store APO-DOXYCYCLINE MR capsules between 15°C and 25°C. Store in the original package. Keep the package away from direct heat and sunlight.

Keep your APO-DOXYCYCLINE MR capsules in a safe place where children cannot reach them.

Do not take APO-DOXYCYCLINE MR capsules after the expiry date.

Reporting Side Effects

MORE INFORMATION

If you want more information about APO-DOXYCYCLINE MR:

• Talk to your healthcare professional.
• Find the full product monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Consumer Information by visiting the Health Canada website (https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/index-eng.jsp). Find the Consumer Information on the manufacturer’s website (http://www.apotex.ca/products), or by calling 1-800-667-4708

Last revised: April 8, 2021