Taro-Gabapentin: Uses, Side Effects and Dosage

ABOUT THIS MEDICATION

What the medication is used for:

Taro-Gabapentin (gabapentin) belongs to the family of medicines called antiepileptic drugs and is used for treating epilepsy (seizures).

What it does:

Taro-Gabapentin has been prescribed for you by your doctor to reduce your number of seizures.

When it should not be used:

Do not use Taro-Gabapentin if you are allergic to it or any of the components in the formulation (see list of components under non-medicinal ingredients). Stop taking the drug and contact your doctor immediately if you experience an allergic reaction or any severe or unusual side effects while taking the drug.

What the medicinal ingredient is:

Gabapentin

What the important nonmedicinal ingredients are:

Nonmedicinal ingredients in the capsules include pregelatinized starch, talc, gelatine, titanium dioxide, sodium lauryl sulphate, yellow iron oxide (300 mg and 400 mg capsules only) and red iron oxide (400 mg capsules only).

What dosage forms it comes in:

Taro-Gabapentin is available in capsules containing 100 mg, 300 mg or 400 mg gabapentin.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

BEFORE you use Taro-Gabapentin, tell your doctor or pharmacist:

• Any health conditions or problems you may have, including kidney disease, breathing or lung problems.
• If you are taking any other medicines (prescription and non-prescription).
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to medication, food, etc.

• If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant.

• If you are breast-feeding or plan to breastfeed

  your baby. Taro-Gabapentin passes into breast milk;

  however, it is not known if Taro-Gabapentin can harm your baby. You and your doctor should decide whether you should take Taro-Gabapentin or breast- feed, but not both.

• If you have a history of alcohol or drug abuse.
• Your habits of alcohol consumption.

• If you drive a vehicle or perform hazardous tasks during your work.

• A small number of people being treated with anti- epileptics have had thoughts of harming or killing

  themselves. If at any time you have these thoughts when taking Taro-Gabapentin, contact your doctor immediately.

It is important for your doctor to have all of the above information before prescribing treatment and dosage.

INTERACTIONS WITH THIS MEDICATION

Tell your doctor if you start or stop taking opioids such as morphine or hydrocodone. Opioids may increase the levels of Taro-Gabapentin in your blood.

Tell your doctor immediately if you experience increased side effects such as drowsiness or slowed breathing while taking Taro-Gabapentin with an opioid or other sedatives and tranquilizers. The dose of these drugs or Taro-Gabapentin may need to be adjusted.

Avoid alcoholic drinks while taking Taro-Gabapentin.

PROPER USE OF THIS MEDICATION

Usual dose:

• It is very important that you take Taro-Gabapentin exactly as your doctor has instructed.

SERIOUS WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Taking Taro-Gabapentin with opioid medicines, alcohol, or other central nervous system depressants (including street drugs) can cause severe drowsiness, decreased awareness, breathing problems, coma, and death.

• Taro-Gabapentin may be taken with or without food.

• You should not increase or decrease the amount of Taro-Gabapentin you are taking unless your doctor tells you to.
• Do not stop taking it abruptly because your seizures may increase.

Overdose:

Signs of overdose may include: dizziness, drowsiness, unusually weak breathing, loss of consciousness.

Missed Dose:

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is within 4 hours of your next dose do not take the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not allow more than 12 hours to go by between doses because your seizures may increase. If that happens, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

REMINDER: This medicine has been prescribed only for you. Do not give it to anybody else, as they may experience undesirable effects, which may be serious.

SIDE EFFECTS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM

Like all medications, Taro-Gabapentin can cause some side effects. You may not experience any of them. For most patients these side effects are likely to be minor and temporary. However, some may be serious. Some of these side effects may be dose related. Consult your doctor if you experience these or other side effects, as the dose may need to be adjusted.

• Call your doctor immediately if your seizures get worse.
• When you first begin taking Taro-Gabapentin you may experience some side effects such as agitation, drowsiness, dizziness, lack of muscle coordination, and fatigue. Consult your doctor if you experience any of these, as the dose may have to be adjusted.
• If your epilepsy is not controlled, it is very important not to perform any potentially hazardous tasks, such as driving a car or operating dangerous machines. If your epilepsy is controlled, it is important to refrain from potentially dangerous tasks until you are sure this medication does not affect your mental alertness or physical coordination.
• The following side effects have been reported when gabapentin is abruptly stopped: anxiety, sleeplessness, nausea, pain, and sweating.

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you have any unexpected effects while taking Taro-Gabapentin, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO STORE IT

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store capsules at room temperature (15º to 30ºC).

• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date, which is printed on the package label.

  If your doctor tells you to stop taking Taro-Gabapentin, or if

  you find that they have passed their expiry date, please return

  any left over medicine to your pharmacist.

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.html) for information on how to report online, by mail or by fax; or
• Calling toll-free at 1-866-234-2345.

Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice.

If you want more information about Taro-Gabapentin:

• 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: https://www.taro.ca; or by calling 1-800-268-1975

Last revised: December 16, 2020

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