2.           QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION

Oral solution excipients with known effect: contains 3 g of sucrose per 5 mlmL dose and 2.5 mg benzoic acid in each 5 mL dose. Also contains small amounts of ethanol (alcohol), less than 100 mg per 5 mlmL dose.

4.           CLINICAL PARTICULARS

4.4         Special warnings and precautions for use

Sexual dysfunction

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) may cause symptoms of sexual dysfunction (see section 4.8). There have been reports of long-lasting sexual dysfunction where the symptoms have continued despite discontinuation of SSRIs.

PROZAC oral solution contains sSucrose

Prozac oral solution contains sucrose: Patients with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency should not take this medicine.

Ethanol

Oral solution: The flavouring for this medicinal product contains small amounts of ethanol (alcohol), less than 100 mg per dose.

1. 8. Undesirable effects

¹⁶ Occasionally persisting after treatment discontinuation

¹⁷⁶ Includes asthenia

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via HPRA Pharmacovigilance, Earlsfort Terrace, IRL - Dublin 2, Tel: +353 1 6764971, Fax: +353 1 6762517,  Website: www.hpra.ie , e-mail: medsafety@hpra.ie

10.         DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

              22 June 2018 10 Nov 2019

PZ81MPZ83M

Update to IE ADR details

Throughout changed

• ml to mL
• PROZAC to Prozac

7.         MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER

Eli Lilly Nederland B.V.,

Papendorpseweg 83

3528 BJ Utrecht

The Netherlands

Eli Lilly and Company Limited

Lilly House

Priestley Road

Basingstoke

Hampshire

RG24 9NL

United Kingdom

8.         MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBERS

20mg capsules:  PA 2276/004/002PA 0047/077/002

Oral solution:    PA 2276/004/001PA 0047/077/001

10.          DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

2208 JuneMarch 2018

PZ7981M

PROZAC^®

New text bold.  Text struck-through removed.

4.6           Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

Some epidemiological studies suggest an increased risk of cardiovascular defects associated with the use of fluoxetine during the first trimester. The mechanism is unknown. Overall the data suggest that the risk of having an infant with a cardiovascular defect following maternal fluoxetine exposure is in the region of 2/100 compared with an expected rate for such defects of approximately 1/100 in the general population.

Epidemiological data have suggested that the use of SSRIs in pregnancy, particularly in late pregnancy, may increase the risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension in the newborn (PPHN). The observed risk was approximately 5 cases per 1000 pregnancies. In the general population 1 to 2 cases of PPHN per 1000 pregnancies occur.

Furthermore, although fluoxetine can be used during pregnancy, Fluoxetine should not be used during pregnancy unless the clinical condition of the woman requires treatment with fluoxetine and justifies the potential risk to the foetus. Abrupt discontinuation of therapy should be avoided during pregnancy (see section 4.2 “Posology and method of administration”). If fluoxetine is used during pregnancy, caution should be exercised, especially during late pregnancy or just prior to the onset of labour since some other effects have been reported in neonates: irritability, tremor, hypotonia, persistent crying, difficulty in sucking or in sleeping.  These symptoms may indicate either serotonergic effects or a withdrawal syndrome.  The time to occur and the duration of these symptoms may be related to the long half-life of fluoxetine (4-6 days) and its active metabolite, norfluoxetine (4-16 days).

10.           DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

30 October 201523 February 2016

PROZAC (fluoxetine hydrochloride) is a trademark of Eli Lilly and Company.    PZ768M

New text bold.  Text struck-through removed.

4.3           Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

Fluoxetine is contra-indicated in combination with irreversible, non-selective monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g. iproniazid) (see sections 4.4 and 4.5).

Fluoxetine is contra-indicated in combination with metoprolol used in cardiac failure (see section 4.5).

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors:  Cases of serious and sometimes fatal reactions have been reported in patients receiving an SSRI in combination with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), and in patients who have recently discontinued an SSRI and have been started on a MAOI.  Treatment of fluoxetine should only be started 2 weeks after discontinuation of an irreversible MAOI and the following day after discontinuation of a reversible MAOI-A.

Some cases presented with features resembling serotonin syndrome (which may resemble and be diagnosed as neuroleptic malignant syndrome). Cyproheptadine or dantrolene may benefit patients experiencing such reactions.  Symptoms of a drug interaction with a MAOI include: hyperthermia, rigidity, myoclonus, autonomic instability with possible rapid fluctuations of vital signs, mental status changes that include confusion, irritability and extreme agitation progressing to delirium and coma.

Therefore, fluoxetine is contra-indicated in combination with a non-selective MAOI.  Similarly, at least 5 weeks should elapse after discontinuing fluoxetine treatment before starting a MAOI.  If fluoxetine has been prescribed chronically and/or at a high dose, a longer interval should be considered.

The combination of fluoxetine with a reversible MAOI (e.g. moclobemide, linezolid, methylthioninium chloride (also called methylene blue; a reversible non-selective MAOI indicated for <indication(s) authorised in member state>)) is not recommended.  Treatment with fluoxetine can be initiated the following day after discontinuation of a reversible MAOI.

In exceptional circumstances, linezolid (an antibiotic which is a reversible non‑selective MAOI) can be given in combination with fluoxetine provided that there are facilities for close observation of symptoms of serotonin syndrome and monitoring of blood pressure.

4.4           Special warnings and precautions for use

Paediatric population - Children and adolescents under 18 years of age

Suicide-related behaviours (suicide attempt and suicidal thoughts), and hostility (predominantly aggression, oppositional behaviour and anger) were more frequently observed in clinical trials among children and adolescents treated with antidepressants compared to those treated with placebo. Prozac should only be used in children and adolescents aged 8 to 18 years for the treatment of moderate to severe major depressive episodes and it should not be used in other indications. If, based on clinical need, a decision to treat is nevertheless taken, the patient should be carefully monitored for the appearance of suicidal symptoms. In addition, only limited evidence is available concerning long-term effect on safety in children and adolescents, including effects on growth, sexual maturation and cognitive, emotional and behavioural developments (see section 5.3).

In a 19-week clinical trial decreased height and weight gain was observed in children and adolescents treated with fluoxetine (see section 5.1). It has not been established whether there is an effect on achieving normal adult height. The possibility of a delay in puberty cannot be ruled out (see sections 5.3 and 4.8). Growth and pubertal development (height, weight and TANNER staging) should therefore be monitored during and after treatment with fluoxetine. If either is slowed, referral to a paediatrician should be considered.

In paediatric trials, mania and hypomania were commonly reported (see section 4.8). Therefore, regular monitoring for the occurrence of mania/hypomania is recommended. Fluoxetine should be discontinued in any patient entering a manic phase.

It is important that the prescriber discusses carefully the risks and benefits of treatment with the child/young person and/or their parents.

Suicide/suicidal thoughts or clinical worsening

Depression is associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts, self-harm and suicide (suicide-related events). This risk persists until significant remission occurs. As improvement may not occur during the first few weeks or more of treatment, patients should be closely monitored until such improvement occurs. It is general clinical experience that the risk of suicide may increase in the early stages of recovery.

Other psychiatric conditions for which Prozac is prescribed can also be associated with an increased risk of suicide-related events. In addition, these conditions may be co-morbid with major depressive disorder. The same precautions observed when treating patients with major depressive disorder should therefore be observed when treating patients with other psychiatric disorders.

Patients with a history of suicide-related events, those exhibiting a significant degree of suicidal ideation prior to commencement of treatment are known to be at greater risk of suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts, and should receive careful monitoring during treatment. A meta-analysis of placebo-controlled clinical trials of antidepressants drugs in adult patients with psychiatric disorders showed an increased risk of suicidal behaviour with antidepressants compared to placebo in patients less than 25 years old.

Close supervision of patients and in particular those at high risk should accompany drug therapy especially in early treatment and following dose changes. Patients (and caregivers of patients) should be alerted about the need to monitor for any clinical worsening, suicidal behaviour or thoughts and unusual changes in behaviour and to seek medical advice immediately if these symptoms present.

Cardiovascular Effects

Cases of QT interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmia including torsade de pointes have been reported during the post-marketing period (see sections 4.5, 4.8 and 4.9).

Fluoxetine should be used with caution in patients with conditions such as congenital long QT syndrome, a family history of QT prolongation or other clinical conditions that predispose to arrhythmias (e.g., hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia, bradycardia, acute myocardial infarction or uncompensated heart failure) or increased exposure to fluoxetine (e.g., hepatic impairment) or concomitant use with medicinal products known to induce QT prolongation and/or torsade de pointes (see section 4.5).

If patients with stable cardiac disease are treated, an ECG review should be considered before treatment is started.

If signs of cardiac arrhythmia occur during treatment with fluoxetine, the treatment should be withdrawn and an ECG should be performed.

Serotonin syndrome or neuroleptic malignant syndrome-like events

On rare occasions development of a serotonin syndrome or neuroleptic malignant syndrome-like events have been reported in association with treatment of fluoxetine, particularly when given in combination with other serotonergic (among others L-tryptophan) and/or neuroleptic drugs. As these syndromes may result in potentially life-threatening conditions, treatment with fluoxetine should be discontinued if such events (characterised by clusters of symptoms such as hyperthermia, rigidity, myoclonus, autonomic instability with possible rapid fluctuations of vital signs, mental status changes including confusion, irritability, extreme agitation progressing to delirium and coma) occur and supportive symptomatic treatment should be initiated.

Mania

Antidepressants should be used with caution in patients with a history of mania/hypomania. As with all antidepressants, fluoxetine should be discontinued in any patient entering a manic phase.

Haemorrhage

There have been reports of cutaneous bleeding abnormalities such as ecchymosis and purpura with SSRI’s. Ecchymosis has been reported as an infrequent event during treatment with fluoxetine. Other haemorrhagic manifestations (e.g., gynaecological haemorrhages, gastrointestinal bleedings and other cutaneous or mucous bleedings) have been reported rarely. Caution is advised in patients taking SSRI’s, particularly in concomitant use with oral anticoagulants, drugs known to affect platelet function (e.g. atypical antipsychotics such as clozapine, phenothiazines, most TCA’s, aspirin, NSAID’s) or other drugs that may increase risk of bleeding as well as in patients with a history of bleeding disorders.

Seizures

Seizures are a potential risk with antidepressant drugs. Therefore, as with other antidepressants, fluoxetine should be introduced cautiously in patients who have a history of seizures. Treatment should be discontinued in any patient who develops seizures or where there is an increase in seizure frequency. Fluoxetine should be avoided in patients with unstable seizure disorders/epilepsy and patients with controlled epilepsy should be carefully monitored.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

There have been rare reports of prolonged seizures in patients on fluoxetine receiving ECT treatment, therefore caution is advisable.

Tamoxifen

Fluoxetine, a potent inhibitor of CYP2D6, may lead to reduced concentrations of endoxifen, one of the most important active metabolites of tamoxifen. Therefore, fluoxetine should whenever possible be avoided during tamoxifen treatment (see section 4.5).

Akathisia/psychomotor restlessness

The use of fluoxetine has been associated with the development of akathisia, characterised by a subjectively unpleasant or distressing restlessness and need to move often accompanied by an inability to sit or stand still. This is most likely to occur within the first few weeks of treatment. In patients who develop these symptoms, increasing the dose may be detrimental.

Diabetes

In patients with diabetes, treatment with an SSRI may alter glycaemic control. Hypoglycaemia has occurred during therapy with fluoxetine and hyperglycaemia has developed following discontinuation. Insulin and/or oral hypoglycaemic dosage may need to be adjusted.

Hepatic/Renal Function

Fluoxetine is extensively metabolised by the liver and excreted by the kidneys. A lower dose, e.g., alternate day dosing, is recommended in patients with significant hepatic dysfunction. When given fluoxetine 20 mg/day for 2 months, patients with severe renal failure (GFR <10 ml/min) requiring dialysis showed no difference in plasma levels of fluoxetine or norfluoxetine compared to controls with normal renal function.

Rash and allergic reactions

Rash, anaphylactoid events and progressive systemic events, sometimes serious (involving skin, kidney, liver or lung) have been reported. Upon the appearance of rash or of other allergic phenomena for which an alternative aetiology cannot be identified, fluoxetine should be discontinued.

Seizures

Seizures are a potential risk with antidepressant drugs. Therefore, as with other antidepressants, fluoxetine should be introduced cautiously in patients who have a history of seizures.  Treatment should be discontinued in any patient who develops seizures or where there is an increase in seizure frequency. Fluoxetine should be avoided in patients with unstable seizure disorders/epilepsy and patients with controlled epilepsy should be carefully monitored (see section 4.5).

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

There have been rare reports of prolonged seizures in patients on fluoxetine receiving ECT treatment, therefore caution is advisable.

Mania

Antidepressants should be used with caution in patients with a history of mania/hypomania.  As with all antidepressants, fluoxetine should be discontinued in any patient entering a manic phase.

Hepatic/Renal Function

Fluoxetine is extensively metabolised by the liver and excreted by the kidneys.  A lower dose, e.g., alternate day dosing, is recommended in patients with significant hepatic dysfunction.  When given fluoxetine 20 mg/day for 2 months, patients with severe renal failure (GFR <10 ml/min) requiring dialysis showed no difference in plasma levels of fluoxetine or norfluoxetine compared to controls with normal renal function.

Tamoxifen

Fluoxetine, a potent inhibitor of CYP2D6, may lead to reduced concentrations of endoxifen, one of the most important active metabolites of tamoxifen. Therefore, fluoxetine should whenever possible be avoided during tamoxifen treatment (see section 4.5).

Cardiovascular Effects

Cases of QT interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmia including torsades de pointes have been reported during the post-marketing period (see sections 4.5, 4.8 and 4.9).

Fluoxetine should be used with caution in patients with conditions such as congenital long QT syndrome, a family history of QT prolongation or other clinical conditions that predispose to arrhythmias (e.g., hypokalemia,  hypomagnesemia, bradycardia, acute myocardial infarction or uncompensated heart failure) or increased exposure to fluoxetine (e.g., hepatic impairment).

If patients with stable cardiac disease are treated, an ECG review should be considered before treatment is started.

If signs of cardiac arrhythmia occur during treatment with fluoxetine, the treatment should be withdrawn and an ECG should be performed.

Weight Loss

Weight loss may occur in patients taking fluoxetine but it is usually proportional to baseline body weight.

Diabetes

In patients with diabetes, treatment with an SSRI may alter glycaemic control.  Hypoglycaemia has occurred during therapy with fluoxetine and hyperglycaemia has developed following discontinuation.  Insulin and/or oral hypoglycaemic dosage may need to be adjusted.

Suicide/suicidal thoughts or clinical worsening

Depression is associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts, self harm and suicide (suicide-related events). This risk persists until significant remission occurs. As improvement may not occur during the first few weeks or more of treatment, patients should be closely monitored until such improvement occurs. It is general clinical experience that the risk of suicide may increase in the early stages of recovery.

Other psychiatric conditions for which Prozac is prescribed can also be associated with an increased risk of suicide-related events. In addition, these conditions may be co-morbid with major depressive disorder. The same precautions observed when treating patients with major depressive disorder should therefore be observed when treating patients with other psychiatric disorders.

Patients with a history of suicide-related events, those exhibiting a significant degree of suicidal ideation prior to commencement of treatment are known to be at greater risk of suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts, and should receive careful monitoring during treatment.  A meta-analysis of placebo-controlled clinical trials of antidepressants drugs in adult patients with psychiatric disorders showed an increased risk of suicidal behaviour with antidepressants compared to placebo in patients less than 25 years old.

Close supervision of patients and in particular those at high risk should accompany drug therapy especially in early treatment and following dose changes. Patients (and caregivers of patients) should be alerted about the need to monitor for any clinical worsening, suicidal behaviour or thoughts and unusual changes in behaviour and to seek medical advice immediately if these symptoms present.

Akathisia/psychomotor restlessness

The use of fluoxetine has been associated with the development of akathisia, characterised by a subjectively unpleasant or distressing restlessness and need to move often accompanied by an inability to sit or stand still. This is most likely to occur within the first few weeks of treatment. In patients who develop these symptoms, increasing the dose may be detrimental.

Withdrawal symptoms seen on discontinuation of SSRI treatment

Withdrawal symptoms when treatment is discontinued are common, particularly if discontinuation is abrupt (see section 4.8). In clinical trials adverse events seen on treatment discontinuation occurred in approximately 60% of patients in both the fluoxetine and placebo groups. Of these adverse events, 17% in the fluoxetine group and 12% in the placebo group were severe in nature.

The risk of withdrawal symptoms may be dependent on several factors including the duration and dose of therapy and the rate of dose reduction. Dizziness, sensory disturbances (including paraesthesia), sleep disturbances (including insomnia and intense dreams), asthenia, agitation or anxiety, nausea and/or vomiting, tremor and headache are the most commonly reported reactions. Generally these symptoms are mild to moderate however, in some patients they may be severe in intensity. They usually occur within the first few days of discontinuing treatment. Generally these symptoms are self-limiting and usually resolve within 2 weeks, though in some individuals they may be prolonged (2-3 months or more). It is therefore advised that Prozac should be gradually tapered when discontinuing treatment over a period of at least one to two weeks, according to the patient’s needs (see Withdrawal symptoms seen on discontinuation of Prozac, section 4.2).

Haemorrhage

There have been reports of cutaneous bleeding abnormalities such as ecchymosis and purpura with SSRI’s.  Ecchymosis has been reported as an infrequent event during treatment with fluoxetine. Other haemorrhagic manifestations (e.g., gynaecological haemorrhages, gastrointestinal bleedings and other cutaneous or mucous bleedings) have been reported rarely. Caution is advised in patients taking SSRI’s, particularly in concomitant use with oral anticoagulants, drugs known to affect platelet function (e.g. atypical antipsychotics such as clozapine, phenothiazines, most TCA’s, aspirin, NSAID’s) or other drugs that may increase risk of bleeding as well as in patients with a history of bleeding disorders (see section 4.5).

Mydriasis

Mydriasis has been reported in association with fluoxetine; therefore, caution should be used when prescribing fluoxetine in patients with raised intraocular pressure or those at risk of acute narrow-angle glaucoma.

St John’s Wort

An increase in serotonergic effects, such as serotonin syndrome, may occur when selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and herbal preparations containing St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) are used together.

Serotonin syndrome or neuroleptic malignant syndrome-like events

On rare occasions development of a serotonin syndrome or neuroleptic malignant syndrome-like events have been reported in association with treatment of fluoxetine, particularly when given in combination with other serotonergic (among others L-tryptophan) and/or neuroleptic drugs (see section 4.5).  As these syndromes may result in potentially life-threatening conditions, treatment with fluoxetine should be discontinued if such events (characterised by clusters of symptoms such as hyperthermia, rigidity, myoclonus, autonomic instability with possible rapid fluctuations of vital signs, mental status changes including confusion, irritability, extreme agitation progressing to delirium and coma) occur and supportive symptomatic treatment should be initiated.

Irreversible, non-selective monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g. iproniazid)

Some cases of serious and sometimes fatal reactions have been reported in patients receiving an SSRI in combination with an irreversible, non-selective monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI).

These cases presented with features resembling serotonin syndrome (which may be confounded with (or diagnosed as) neuroleptic malignant syndrome). Cyproheptadine or dantrolene may benefit patients experiencing such reactions. Symptoms of a drug interaction with a MAOI include: hyperthermia, rigidity, myoclonus, autonomic instability with possible rapid fluctuations of vital signs, mental status changes that include confusion, irritability and extreme agitation progressing to delirium and coma.

Therefore, fluoxetine is contra-indicated in combination with an irreversible, non-selective MAOI (see section 4.3). Because of the two weeks-lasting effect of the latter, treatment of fluoxetine should only be started 2 weeks after discontinuation of an irreversible, non-selective MAOI. Similarly, at least 5 weeks should elapse after discontinuing fluoxetine treatment before starting an irreversible, non-selective MAOI.

PROZAC oral solution contains sucrose

Patients with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency should not take this medicine.

4.5           Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Half-life: The long elimination half-lives of both fluoxetine and norfluoxetine should be borne in mind (see section 5.2) when considering pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic drug interactions (e.g., when switching from fluoxetine to other antidepressants).

Contra-indicated combinations

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors: See section 4.3.

Not recommended combinations: MAOI-A (see section 4.3).

Irreversible, non-selective monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g. iproniazid): Some cases of serious and sometimes fatal reactions have been reported in patients receiving an SSRI in combination with an irreversible, non-selective monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI).

These cases presented with features resembling serotonin syndrome (which may be confounded with [or diagnosed as] neuroleptic malignant syndrome). Cyproheptadine or dantrolene may benefit patients experiencing such reactions. Symptoms of a drug interaction with a MAOI include: hyperthermia, rigidity, myoclonus, autonomic instability with possible rapid fluctuations of vital signs, mental status changes that include confusion, irritability and extreme agitation progressing to delirium and coma.

Therefore, fluoxetine is contra-indicated in combination with an irreversible, non-selective MAOI (see section 4.3). Because of the two weeks-lasting effect of the latter, treatment of fluoxetine should only be started 2 weeks after discontinuation of an irreversible, non-selective MAOI. Similarly, at least 5 weeks should elapse after discontinuing fluoxetine treatment before starting an irreversible, non-selective MAOI.

Metoprolol used in cardiac failure: risk of metoprolol adverse events, including excessive bradycardia, may be increased because of an inhibition of its metabolism by fluoxetine (see section 4.3).

Combinations requiring precautions for use: MAOI-B (selegeline): Risk of serotonin syndrome.  Clinical monitoring is recommended.

Not recommended combinations

Tamoxifen: Pharmacokinetic interaction between CYP2D6 inhibitors and tamoxifen, showing a 65-75 % reduction in plasma levels of one of the more active forms of the tamoxifen, i.e. endoxifen, has been reported in the literature. Reduced efficacy of tamoxifen has been reported with concomitant usage of some SSRI antidepressants in some studies. As a reduced effect of tamoxifen cannot be excluded, co-administration with potent CYP2D6 inhibitors (including fluoxetine) should whenever possible be avoided (see section 4.4).

Alcohol: In formal testing, fluoxetine did not raise blood alcohol levels or enhance the effects of alcohol. However, the combination of SSRI treatment and alcohol is not advisable.

MAOI-A including linezolid and methylthioninium chloride (methylene blue): Risk of serotonin syndrome including diarrhoea, tachycardia, sweating, tremor, confusion or coma. If concomitant use of these active substances with fluoxetine cannot be avoided, close clinical monitoring should be undertaken and the concomitant agents should be initiated at the lower recommended doses (see section 4.4).

Mequitazine: risk of mequitazine adverse events (such as QT prolongation) may be increased because of an inhibition of its metabolism by fluoxetine.

Combinations requiring caution

Phenytoin: Changes in blood levels have been observed when combined with fluoxetine.  In some cases manifestations of toxicity have occurred.  Consideration should be given to using conservative titration schedules of the concomitant drug and to monitoring clinical status.

Serotoninergic drugs (lithium, tramadol, triptans, tryptophan, selegiline (MAOI-B), St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)): There have been reports of mild serotonin syndrome when SSRIs were given with drugs also having a serotoninergic effect. Therefore, the concomitant use of fluoxetine with these drugs should be undertaken with caution, with closer and more frequent clinical monitoring (see section 4.4).

Serotonergic drugs: Co-administration with serotonergic drugs (e.g., tramadol, triptans) may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.  Use with triptans carries the additional risk of coronary vasoconstriction and hypertension.

Lithium and tryptophan: There have been reports of serotonin syndrome when SSRIs have been given with lithium or tryptophan and, therefore, the concomitant use of fluoxetine with these drugs should be undertaken with caution.  When fluoxetine is used in combination with lithium, closer and more frequent clinical monitoring is required.

QT interval prolongation: Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies between fluoxetine and other medicinal products that prolong the QT interval have not been performed. An additive effect of fluoxetine and these medicinal products cannot be excluded. Therefore, co-administration of fluoxetine with medicinal products that prolong the QT interval, such as Class IA and III antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics (e.g. phenothiazine derivatives, pimozide, haloperidol), tricyclic antidepressants, certain antimicrobial agents (e.g. sparfloxacin, moxifloxacin, erythromycin IV, pentamidine), anti-malaria treatment particularly halofantrine, certain antihistamines (astemizole, mizolastine), should be used with caution (see sections 4.4, 4.8 and 4.9).

Drugs affecting haemostasis (oral anticoagulants, whatever their mechanism, platelets antiaggregants including aspirin and NSAIDs): risk of increased bleeding. Clinical monitoring, and more frequent monitoring of INR with oral anticoagulants, should be made. A dose adjustment during the fluoxetine treatment and after its discontinuation may be suitable (see sections 4.4 and 4.8).

Cyproheptadine: There are individual case reports of reduced antidepressant activity of fluoxetine when used in combination with cyproheptadine.

Drugs inducing hyponatremia: Hyponatremia is an undesirable effect of fluoxetine. Use in combination with other agents associated with hyponatremia (e.g. diuretics, desmopressin, carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine) may lead to an increased risk (see section 4.8).

Drugs lowering the epileptogenic threshold: Seizures are an undesirable effect of fluoxetine. Use in combination with other agents which may lower the seizure threshold (for example, TCAs, other SSRIs, phenothiazines, butyrophenones, mefloquine, chloroquine, bupropion, tramadol) may lead to an increased risk.

Other drugs metabolised by CYP2D6: Fluoxetine is a strong inhibitor of CYP2D6 enzyme, therefore concomitant therapy with drugs also metabolised by this enzyme system may lead to drug interactions, notably those having a narrow therapeutic index (such as flecainide, propafenone and nebivolol) and those that are titrated, but also with atomoxetine, carbamazepine, tricyclic antidepressants and risperidone. They should be initiated at or adjusted to the low end of their dose range. This may also apply if fluoxetine has been taken in the previous 5 weeks.

CYP2D6 isoenzyme: Because fluoxetine’s metabolism (like tricyclic antidepressants and other selective serotonin antidepressants) involves the hepatic cytochrome CYP2D6 isoenzyme system, concomitant therapy with drugs also metabolised by this enzyme system may lead to drug interactions.  Concomitant therapy with drugs predominantly metabolised by this isoenzyme, and which have a narrow therapeutic index (such as flecainide, encainide, carbamazepine and tricyclic antidepressants), should be initiated at or adjusted to the low end of their dose range.  This will also apply if fluoxetine has been taken in the previous 5 weeks.

Pharmacokinetic interaction between CYP2D6 inhibitors and tamoxifen, showing a 65-75% reduction in plasma levels of one of the more active forms of the tamoxifen, i.e., endoxifen, has been reported in the literature. Reduced efficacy of tamoxifen has been reported with concomitant usage of some SSRI antidepressants in some studies. As a reduced effect of tamoxifen cannot be excluded, co-administration with potent CYP2D6 inhibitors (including fluoxetine) should whenever possible be avoided (see section 4.4).

Oral anticoagulants: Altered anticoagulant effects (laboratory values and/or clinical signs and symptoms), with no consistent pattern, but including increased bleeding, have been reported uncommonly when fluoxetine is co-administered with oral anticoagulants.  Patients receiving warfarin therapy should receive careful coagulation monitoring when fluoxetine is initiated or stopped (see section 4.4, ‘Haemorrhage’).

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): There have been rare reports of prolonged seizures in patients on fluoxetine receiving ECT treatment; therefore, caution is advisable.

QT interval prolongation: Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies between fluoxetine and other medicinal products that prolong the QT interval have not been performed. An additive effect of fluoxetine and these medicinal products cannot be excluded. Therefore, co-administration of fluoxetine with medicinal products that prolong the QT interval, such as Class IA and III antiarrhythmics, antipsychotic (e.g., phenothiazine derivatives, pimozide, haloperidol), tricyclic antidepressants, certain antimicrobial agents (e.g., sparfloxacin, moxifloxacin, erythromycin IV, pentamidine), anti-malaria treatment particularly halofantrine, certain antihistamines (astemizole, mizolastine), should be used with caution.

Alcohol: In formal testing, fluoxetine did not raise blood alcohol levels or enhance the effects of alcohol.  However, the combination of SSRI treatment and alcohol is not advisable.

St John’s Wort: In common with other SSRIs, pharmacodynamic interactions between fluoxetine and the herbal remedy St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) may occur, which may result in an increase of undesirable effects.

Paediatric population: Interaction studies have only been performed in adults.

4.8           Undesirable effects

¹ Includes anorexia

² Includes early morning awakening, initial insomnia, middle insomnia

³ Includes loss of libido

⁴ Includes nightmares

⁵ Includes anorgasmia

⁶ Includes completed suicide, depression suicidal, intentional self-injury, self-injurious ideation, suicidal behavior, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, morbid thoughts, self injurious behaviour. These symptoms may be due to underlying disease

⁷ Includes hypersomnia, sedation

⁸ Based on ECG measurements from clinical trials

⁸⁹ Includes hot flush

⁹¹⁰ Includes atelectasis, interstitial lung disease, pneumonitis

¹⁰¹¹ Includes most frequently gingival bleeding, haematemesis, haematochezia, rectal haemorrhage, diarrhoea haemorrhagic, melaena, and gastric ulcerhaemorrhage

¹² Could progress to Stevens-Johnson syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (Lyell Syndrome)

¹¹¹² Includes erythema, exfoliative rash, heat rash, rash, rash erythematous, rash follicular, rash generalized, rash macular, rash macular-papular, rash morbilliform, rash papular, rash pruritic, rash vesicular, umbilical erythema rash

¹²¹³ Includes pollakiuria

¹³¹⁴ Includes cervix haemorrhage, uterine dysfunction, uterine bleeding, genital haemorrhage, menometrorhagia, menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, polymenorrhea, postmenopausal haemorrhage, uterine haemorrhage, vaginal haemorrhage

¹⁴¹⁵ Includes ejaculation failure, ejaculation dysfunction, premature ejaculation, ejaculation delayed, retrograde ejaculation

¹⁵¹⁶ Includes asthenia

4.9           Overdose

Symptoms

Cases of overdose of fluoxetine alone usually have a mild course. Symptoms of overdose have included nausea, vomiting, seizures, cardiovascular dysfunction ranging from asymptomatic arrhythmias (including nodal rhythm and ventricular arrhythmias) or ECG changes indicative of QTc prolongation to cardiac arrest  (including very rare cases of Torsades de Pointes), pulmonary dysfunction, and signs of altered CNS status ranging from excitation to coma. Fatality attributed to overdose of fluoxetine alone has been extremely rare.

                10.          DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

                09 October 201416 November 2015

Formatting changes made throughout the SPC

1.         NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

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PROZAC* 20 mg hard capsules

PROZAC 20 mg per 5 ml oral liquid solution

2.         QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION

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Each capsule contains 20 mg of fluoxetine (as fluoxetine hydrochloride) equivalent to 20mg of fluoxetine.

Each 5 ml of oral liquid solution contains 20 mg of fluoxetine (as fluoxetine hydrochloride) fluoxetine hydrochloride equivalent to 20mg of fluoxetine.

Oral liquid solution excipients with known effect: contains 3 g of sucrose per 5 ml dose. This should be taken into account in patients with diabetes mellitus. Also contains small amounts of ethanol (alcohol), less than 100 mg per 5 ml dose.

For a  the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.

3.         PHARMACEUTICAL FORM

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Hard capsules

The capsules are green and yellow, printed ‘Lilly 3105’.

Oral liquid solution (

The solution is clear, colourless, mint odoured).

4.2       Posology and method of administration

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For oral administration. Posology

Adults

Major depressive episodes

Adults and the elderly: The recommended dose is 20 mg daily.  Dosage should be reviewed and adjusted if necessary, within 3 to 4 weeks of initiation of therapy and thereafter as judged clinically appropriate.  Although there may be an increased potential for undesirable effects at higher doses, in some patients, with insufficient response to 20 mg, the dose may be increased gradually up to a maximum of 60 mg (see section 5.1).  Dosage adjustments should be made carefully on an individual patient basis, to maintain the patients at the lowest effective dose.

….

All indications: Adults:

The recommended dose may be increased or decreased.  Doses above 80 mg/day have not been systematically evaluated.

Fluoxetine may be administered as a single or divided dose, during or between meals.

When dosing is stopped, active drug substances will persist in the body for weeks.  This should be borne in mind when starting or stopping treatment.

4.             CLINICAL PARTICULARS

4.3          Contraindications

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The combination of fluoxetine with a reversible MAOI (e.g. moclobemide, linezolid, methylthioninium chloride (also called methylene blue; a reversible non-selective MAOI indicated for the treatment of methaemoglobinaemia)) is not recommended.  Treatment with fluoxetine can be initiated the following day after discontinuation of a reversible MAOI.

In exceptional circumstances, linezolid (an antibiotic which is a reversible non‑selective MAOI) can be given in combination with fluoxetine provided that there are facilities for close observation of symptoms of serotonin syndrome and monitoring of blood pressure.

4.4.         Special warnings and precautions for use

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Cardiovascular Effects: Cases of QT interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmia including torsade de pointes have been reported during the post-marketing period (see sections 4.5, 4.8 and 4.9).

Fluoxetine should be used with caution in patients with conditions such as congenital long QT syndrome, a family history of QT prolongation or other clinical conditions that predispose to arrhythmias (e.g., hypokalemia and  hypomagnesemia, bradycardia, acute myocardial infarction or uncompensated heart failure) or increased exposure to fluoxetine (e.g., hepatic impairment). No conduction abnormalities that resulted in heart block were observed in the ECG of 312 patients who received fluoxetine in double blind clinical trials.  However, clinical experience in acute cardiac disease is limited, therefore caution is advisable.

If patients with stable cardiac disease are treated, an ECG review should be considered before treatment is started.If signs of cardiac arrhythmia occur during treatment with fluoxetine, the treatment should be withdrawn and an ECG should be performed.

4.5.         Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

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QT interval prolongation: Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies between fluoxetine and other medicinal products that prolong the QT interval have not been performed. An additive effect of fluoxetine and these medicinal products cannot be excluded. Therefore, co-administration of fluoxetine with medicinal products that prolong the QT interval, such as Class IA and III antiarrhythmics, antipsychotic (e.g. phenothiazine derivatives, pimozide, haloperidol), tricyclic antidepressants, certain antimicrobial agents (e.g.sparfloxacin, moxifloxacin, erythromycin IV, pentamidine), anti-malaria treatment particularly halofantrine, certain antihistamines (astemizole, mizolastine), should be used with caution.

4.8.         Undesirable effects

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4.9.         Overdose

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Cases of overdose of fluoxetine alone usually have a mild course. Symptoms of overdose have included nausea, vomiting, seizures, cardiovascular dysfunction ranging from asymptomatic arrhythmias (including nodal rhythm and ventricular arrhythmias) or ECG changes indicative of QTc prolongation to cardiac arrest (including very rare cases of Torsade de Pointes), pulmonary dysfunction, and signs of altered CNS status ranging from excitation to coma. Fatality attributed to overdose of fluoxetine alone has been extremely rare.  Cardiac and vital signs monitoring are recommended, along with general symptomatic and supportive measures. No specific antidote is known.

10.          DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

New date:

                01 March 2013

6.             Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1.         List of excipients

Capsule components:

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containing shellac, hydrated ferric oxide (black) E172, propylene glycol and may contain ammonium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide.

10.          DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

New date:

                28 January 2013

4.             CLINICAL PARTICULARS

4.4          Special warnings and precautions for use

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Mydriasis: Mydriasis has been reported in association with fluoxetine; therefore, caution should be used when prescribing fluoxetine in patients with raised intraocular pressure or those at risk of acute narrow-angle glaucoma.

4.8          Undesirable effects

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Deleted:

After 19 weeks of treatment, paediatric subjects treated with fluoxetine in a clinical trial gained an average of 1.1 cm less in height (p=0.004) and 1.1 kg less in weight (p=0.008) than subjects treated with placebo. 

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The safety of fluoxetine has not been assessed in this population for chronic treatment longer than 19 weeks. 

5.             PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

5.1.         Pharmacodynamic properties

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Effects on growth (children and adolescents), see sections 4.4 and 4.8:

After 19 weeks of treatment, paediatric subjects treated with fluoxetine in a clinical trial gained an average of 1.1 cm less in height (p=0.004) and 1.1 kg less in weight (p=0.008) than subjects treated with placebo.

In a retrospective matched control observational study with a mean of 1.8 years of exposure to fluoxetine, pediatric subjects treated with fluoxetine had no difference in growth adjusted for expected growth in height from their matched, untreated controls (0.0 cm, p=0.9673).

10.          DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

New date:

31 January 2012

4.             CLINICAL PARTICULARS

4.8.         Undesirable effects

Table – Added:

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Added:

10.          DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

New date:

23 September 2011

4.             CLINICAL PARTICULARS

4.4.         Special warnings and precautions for use

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Tamoxifen : Fluoxetine, a potent inhibitor of CYP2D6, may lead to reduced concentrations of endoxifen, one of the most important active metabolites of tamoxifen. Therefore, fluoxetine should whenever possible be avoided during tamoxifen treatment (see section 4.5).

4.5.         Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

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Pharmacokinetic interaction between CYP2D6 inhibitors and tamoxifen, showing a 65-75% reduction in plasma levels of one of the more active forms of the tamoxifen, i.e. endoxifen, has been reported in the literature. Reduced efficacy of tamoxifen has been reported with concomitant usage of some SSRI antidepressants in some studies. As a reduced effect of tamoxifen cannot be excluded, co-administration with potent CYP2D6 inhibitors (including fluoxetine) should whenever possible be avoided (see section 4.4).

4.8.         Undesirable effects

Note: This section has had major additions and deletions and as such has been re-formatted in entirety:

The most commonly reported adverse reactions in patients treated with fluoxetine were headache, nausea, insomnia, fatigue and diarrhoea.  Undesirable effects may decrease in intensity and frequency with continued treatment and do not generally lead to cessation of therapy.

The table below gives the adverse reactions observed in clinical trials (n = 9297) and from spontaneous reporting.  Some of these adverse reactions are in common with other SSRIs.

Frequency estimate: Very common (³1/10), common (³1/100 to <1/10), uncommon (³1/1,000 to <1/100), rare (³1/10,000 to <1/1,000), very rare (<1/10,000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.

¹ Includes anorexia

² Includes early morning awakening, initial insomnia, middle insomnia

³ Includes nightmares

⁴ Includes loss of libido

⁵ Includes anorgasmia

⁶ Includes hypersomnia, sedation

⁷ Includes hot flush

⁸ Includes erythema, exfoliative rash, heat rash, rash, rash erythematous, rash follicular, rash generalized, rash macular, rash macular-papular, rash morbilliform, rash papular, rash pruritic, rash vesicular, umbilical erythema rash

⁹ Includes pollakiuria

¹⁰ Includes ejaculation failure, ejaculation dysfunction, premature ejaculation, ejaculation delayed, retrograde ejaculation

¹¹ Includes cervix haemorrhage, uterine dysfunction, uterine bleeding, genital haemorrhage, menometrorhagia, menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, polymenorrhea, postmenopausal haemorrhage, uterine haemorrhage, vaginal haemorrhage

¹² Includes asthenia

¹³ Could progress to Stevens-Johnson syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (Lyell Syndrome)

¹⁴ These symptoms may be due to underlying disease.

Cases of suicidal ideation and suicidal behaviour have been reported during fluoxetine therapy or early after treatment discontinuation (see Section 4.4).

Bone fractures: Epidemiological studies, mainly conducted in patients 50 years of age and older, show an increased risk of bone fractures in patients receiving SSRIs and TCAs. The mechanism leading to the risk is unknown.

Withdrawal symptoms seen on discontinuation of fluoxetine treatments: Discontinuation of fluoxetine commonly leads to withdrawal symptoms. Dizziness, sensory disturbances (including paraesthesia), sleep disturbances (including insomnia and intense dreams), asthenia, agitation or anxiety, nausea and/or vomiting, tremor and headache are the most commonly reported reactions. Generally these events are mild to moderate and are self-limiting, however, in some patients they may be severe and/or prolonged (see section 4.4). It is therefore advised that when Prozac treatment is no longer required, gradual discontinuation by dose tapering should be carried out (see sections 4.2 and 4.4).

Children and adolescents (see section 4.4 ):

Additional adverse reactions have been observed specifically in this population and are described below.  

In paediatric clinical trials, suicide-related behaviours (suicide attempt and suicidal thoughts), and hostility were more frequently observed among children and adolescents treated with antidepressants compared to those treated with placebo.  Manic reactions, including mania and hypomania, were reported (2.6% of fluoxetine-treated patients vs. 0% in placebo-controls), leading to discontinuation in the majority of cases.  These patients had no prior episodes of hypomania/mania. 

After 19 weeks of treatment, paediatric subjects treated with fluoxetine in a clinical trial gained an average of 1.1 cm less in height (p=0.004) and 1.1 kg less in weight (p=0.008) than subjects treated with placebo.  Isolated cases of growth retardation have also been reported from clinical use. 

In paediatric clinical trials, epistaxis was commonly reported, and fluoxetine treatment was associated with a decrease in alkaline phosphatase levels.

Isolated cases of adverse events potentially indicating delayed sexual maturation or sexual dysfunction have been reported from paediatric clinical use.  (See also section 5.3)

The safety of fluoxetine has not been assessed in this population for chronic treatment longer than 19 weeks. 

10.          DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

New date:

10 March 2011