Public Assessment Report UKPAR Valsartan ...

1 Public Assessment Report UKPAR Valsartan - hydrochlorothiazide 80 mg film - coated tablets Valsartan - hydrochlorothiazide 160 film - coated tablets Valsartan - hydrochlorothiazide 160mg/25mg film - coated tablets ( Valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide ) UK Licence Numbers: PL 43801/0031-0033 Sciecure Pharma Limited. PAR Valsartan - hydrochlorothiazide 80 , 160 and 160mg/25mg film - coated tablets PL 43801/0031-0033 2 LAY SUMMARY Valsartan - hydrochlorothiazide 80 , 160 and 160mg/25mg film - coated tablets ( Valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide , film - coated tablet, 80 , 160 and 160mg/25mg). This is a summary of the Public Assessment Report (PAR) for Valsartan - hydrochlorothiazide 80 , 160 and 160mg/25mg film - coated tablets (PL 43801/0031-0033).

2 It explains how Valsartan - hydrochlorothiazide 80 , 160 and 160mg/25mg film - coated tablets were assessed and their authorisation recommended, as well as their conditions of use. It is not intended to provide practical advice on how to use Valsartan - hydrochlorothiazide 80 , 160 and 160mg/25mg film - coated tablets . The products will be collectively referred to as Valsartan - hydrochlorothiazide tablets throughout the remainder of this Public Assessment Report (PAR). For practical information about using Valsartan - hydrochlorothiazide tablets , patients should read the package leaflet or contact their doctor or pharmacist.

3 What are Valsartan - hydrochlorothiazide tablets and what are they used for? Valsartan - hydrochlorothiazide tablets are generic medicines . This means that Valsartan - hydrochlorothiazide tablets are similar to reference medicines already authorised in the European Union (EU) called Co-Diovan 80 mg, 160 mg and 160/25mg film - coated tablets (Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Limited (trading as Ciba Laboratories), UK). Valsartan - hydrochlorothiazide tablets are used to treat high blood pressure which is not adequately controlled by a single substance alone. High blood pressure increases the workload of the heart and arteries.

4 If not treated, it can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, and may result in a stroke, heart failure or kidney failure. High blood pressure increases the risk of heart attacks. Lowering the patient s blood pressure to normal reduces the risk of developing these disorders. How do Valsartan - hydrochlorothiazide tablets work? Valsartan - hydrochlorothiazide tablets contain two active substances called Valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide . Both of these substances help to control high blood pressure (hypertension). Valsartan belongs to a class of medicines known as angiotensin II receptor antagonists , which help to control high blood pressure.

5 Angiotensin II is a substance in the body that causes vessels to tighten, thus causing the patient s blood pressure to increase. Valsartan works by blocking the effect of angiotensin II. As a result, blood vessels relax and blood pressure is lowered. hydrochlorothiazide belongs to a group of medicines called thiazide diuretics (also known as water tablets ). hydrochlorothiazide increases urine output, which also lowers blood pressure. How are Valsartan - hydrochlorothiazide tablets used? The pharmaceutical form of this medicine is a film - coated tablet and the route of administration is oral (by mouth). The patient should always take this medicine exactly as their doctor or pharmacist has told them.

6 This will help the patient to get the best results and lower the risk of side effects. The patient should check with their doctor or pharmacist if they are not sure. PAR Valsartan - hydrochlorothiazide 80 , 160 and 160mg/25mg film - coated tablets PL 43801/0031-0033 3 People with high blood pressure often do not notice any signs of this problem. Many may feel quite normal. This makes it all the more important for the patient to keep their appointments with their doctor even if they are feeling well. The patient s doctor will tell them exactly how many tablets of Valsartan - hydrochlorothiazide tablets to take. Depending on how the patient responds to the treatment, their doctor may suggest a higher or lower dose.

7 The usual dose is one tablet per day. The patient SHOULD NOT change the dose or stop taking the tablets without consulting their doctor. The medicine should be taken at the same time each day, usually in the morning. This medicine can be taken with or without food. Swallow the tablet with a glass of water. The Valsartan - hydrochlorothiazide 160mg/25mg film - coated Tablet has a break line on one side. This means that the tablet can be divided into equal doses. Please read section 3 of the package leaflet for detailed dosing recommendations, the route of administration, and the duration of treatment. This medicine can only be obtained with a prescription.

8 What benefits of Valsartan - hydrochlorothiazide tablets have been shown in studies? As Valsartan - hydrochlorothiazide tablets are generic medicines of Co-Diovan 80 mg, 160 mg and 160/25mg film - coated tablets (Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Limited, UK), studies have been limited to tests to determine that Valsartan - hydrochlorothiazide tablets are bioequivalent equivalent to the reference medicines Co-Diovan 80 mg, 160 mg and 160/25mg film - coated tablets (Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Limited, UK). Two medicines are bioequivalent when they produce the same levels of the active substance in the body. What are the possible side effects of Valsartan - hydrochlorothiazide tablets ?

9 Because Valsartan - hydrochlorothiazide tablets are generic medicines that are considered bioequivalent to the reference medicines Co-Diovan 80 mg, 160 mg and 160/25mg film - coated tablets (Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Limited, UK) the benefits and possible side effects are taken as being the same as the reference medicines. For the full list of restrictions, see the package leaflet. For the full list of all side effects reported with Valsartan - hydrochlorothiazide tablets , see section 4 of the package leaflet available on the MHRA website. Why was Valsartan - hydrochlorothiazide tablets approved? It was concluded that, in accordance with EU requirements, Valsartan - hydrochlorothiazide tablets have been shown to have comparable quality and to be bioequivalent to Co-Diovan 80 mg, 160 mg and 160/25mg film - coated tablets (Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Limited, UK).

10 Therefore, the MHRA decided that, as for Co-Diovan 80 mg, 160 mg and 160/25mg film - coated tablets (Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Limited, UK); the benefits are greater than the risks and recommended that Valsartan - hydrochlorothiazide tablets can be approved for use. PAR Valsartan - hydrochlorothiazide 80 , 160 and 160mg/25mg film - coated tablets PL 43801/0031-0033 4 What measures are being taken to ensure the safe and effective use of Valsartan - hydrochlorothiazide tablets A risk management plan (RMP) has been developed to ensure that Valsartan - hydrochlorothiazide tablets are used as safely as possible. Based on this plan, safety information has been included in the Summaries of Product Characteristics (SmPCs) and the package leaflet for Valsartan - hydrochlorothiazide tablets including the appropriate precautions to be followed by healthcare professionals and patients.