Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Prostigmin
What is PROSTIGMIN used for?
PROSTIGMIN is used to treat patients with myasthenia gravis. This is a disease in which the muscles are weak and tire easily.
How does PROSTIGMIN work?
PROSTIGMIN blocks the action of an enzyme in the body which “switches off” nerve impulses to muscles. By stopping this enzyme from working, PROSTIGMIN can increase muscle strength, but only in certain conditions.
What are the ingredients in PROSTIGMIN?
Medicinal ingredients: neostigmine bromide
Non-medicinal ingredients: gelatin, lactose, starch and sugar.
PROSTIGMIN comes in the following dosage forms:
Tablets: 15 mg
Do not use PROSTIGMIN if:
- you are allergic to neostigmine, to bromides or to any of the other ingredients in this medicine;
- you were told you are allergic to drugs called “cholinesterase inhibitors”;
- you have peritonitis, which is inflammation of the tissue that lines the abdomen;
- you have a blockage in your intestine, which may cause vomiting, abdominal pain and swelling;
- you have a blockage in your urinary tract. This may make it difficult to urinate.
To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you receive PROSTIGMIN. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if you:
- suffer from asthma;
- have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
- have a stomach ulcer;
- suffer from epilepsy (fits);
- suffer from Parkinson’s disease;
- have vagotonia. This is an irritability of the vagus nerve which may cause excessive contractions of the bowels;
- have an overactive thyroid gland. This is called hyperthyroidism;
- have peptic ulcers, which are sores in the lining of the stomach or intestine;
- have recently had a coronary occlusion. This is a blockage of a blood vessel around the heart;
- have an arrhythmia (an irregular heart rate) or bradycardia (a slow heart rate);
- have a widening of the colon. This condition is called megacolon;
- have decreased gastrointestinal motility. This is a condition where the intestinal contractions are abnormal which slows digestion.
- you have recently had surgery;
you have one of the following rare hereditary disease:
- Galactose intolerance
- Lapp lactase deficiency
- Glucose-galactose malabsorption
This is because PROSTIGMIN contains lactose.
are pregnant;
- are breast-feeding. It is not known if PROSTIGMIN passes into breastmilk. It’s possible that it could harm your nursing infant. Your healthcare professional will help you decided whether you should stop nursing your baby during your treatment.
Other warnings you should know about:
Driving and using machines: PROSTIGMIN can affect how you focus your vision on an object. Before your perform tasks which require special attention, wait until you know how you respond to PROSTIGMIN.
Tests: You will have lung tests done regularly while you are taking PROSTIGMIN.
Other treatment: You may need to take other medicines during your treatment with PROSTIGMIN. These medicines might include:
- atropine, ephedrine and / or potassium chloride,
- pyridostigmine. If, after taking PROSTIGMIN and pyridostigmine, you experience side effects like stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting, tell your healthcare professional right away.
Tell your healthcare professional right away if you have sudden weakness in your neck muscles, or have problems chewing or swallowing. These could be signs that your dose of PROSTIGMIN needs to be adjusted.
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 PROSTIGMIN:
- anaesthetics, which are used to numb an area of the body or put a patient to sleep;
- a medicine used to treat a low heart rate called atropine;
- medicines used to treat bacterial infections called aminoglycosides;
- medicines to prevent and treat arrhythmias.
How to take PROSTIGMIN:
- Take PROSTIGMIN exactly as your healthcare professional has told you. Contact your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Swallow tablet (s) with milk or take with food.
Usual dose:
Adults and children: The dose of PROSTIGMIN and how often it is taken will vary person to person. Your healthcare professional will tell you how much PROSTIGMIN to take and when to take it. Contact your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you have questions.
Overdose:
Some of the signs of an overdose could be:
- stomach cramps
- diarrhea
- nausea
- vomiting
- increased production of saliva.
If you think you, or a person you are caring for, have taken too much PROSTIGMIN, contact a healthcare professional, hospital emergency department, or regional poison control centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.
Missed Dose:
If you think that you may have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, wait until the next dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose.
What are possible side effects from using PROSTIGMIN?
These are not all the possible side effects you may have when taking PROSTIGMIN. If you experience any side effects not listed here, tell your healthcare professional.
- nausea
- vomiting
- abdominal cramps
- increased production of saliva
- diarrhea
If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, tell your healthcare professional.
Reporting Side Effects
You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:
- Visiting the Web page on Adverse Reaction Reporting (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/medeffect-canada/adverse-reaction-reporting.html) for information on how to report online, by mail or by fax; or
- Calling toll-free at 1-866-234-2345.
NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice.
Storage:
- Store at 15 - 30ºC.
- Keep in airtight containers.
- Protect from light.
- The product should not be used after the expiry date printed on the label.
- Keep out of reach and sight of children.
If you want more information about PROSTIGMIN:
- 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: (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug-products/drug-product-database.html; the manufacturer’s website (www.bauschhealth.ca), or by calling 1-800-361-4261.
Bausch Health, Canada Inc.
2150 St-Elzear Blvd. West
Laval (Quebec) H7L 4A8
www.bauschhealth.ca