Fenamin Suspension 5 ml SUSPENSION

FENAMIN SUSPENSION is indicated for the treatment of post traumatic conditions such as pain, swelling and inflammation, for a maximum period of 5 days.

Posology
Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration of treatment. FENAMIN must be taken with meals. FENAMIN SUSPENSION should not be given for longer than 5 days.
Children
The dosage for children is 25 mg per kg body-weight daily in divided doses. The following dose may be repeated as necessary, up to three times daily:
6 months to 1 year: One medicine measure (5 ml).
2 years to 4 years: Two medicine measures (10 ml).
5 years to 8 years: Three medicine measures (15 ml).
9 years to 12 years: Four medicine measures (20 ml).
Special populations
No information available.
Paediatric population
Refer to posology in children above.
Method of administration
For oral administration.

FENAMIN SUSPENSION is contraindicated in:
u2022 Hypersensitivity to mefenamic acid and other NSAIDs, with prostaglandin synthetase inhibiting activity or to any of the ingredients of FENAMIN SUSPENSION (see section 6.1).
u2022 Because the possibility of cross-sensitivity among NSAIDs exists, FENAMIN SUSPENSION should not be given to patients in whom these medicines induce symptoms of bronchospasm, allergic rhinitis, or urticaria.
u2022 History of gastrointestinal perforation, ulcerating or bleeding (PUB)u2019s related to previous NSAIDu2019s, including FENAMIN SUSPENSION.
u2022 Patients with an active or history of recurrent peptic and/or intestinal ulceration/ haemorrhage/ perforations.
u2022 Chronic inflammation of either the upper or lower gastrointestinal tract such as Inflammatory bowel disease.
u2022 Epilepsy.
u2022 Patients with impaired hepatic or renal functions.
u2022 Heart failure.
u2022 Treatment of pain after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
u2022 Avoid use of NSAIDs in women around 30 weeks gestation and later in pregnancy due to the risks of oligohydramnios/ foetal renal dysfunction and premature closure of the foetal ductus arteriosus (see section 4.6).

Blood counts and liver function should be monitored during long-term therapy with FENAMIN SUSPENSION. FENAMIN SUSPENSION may enhance the effects of warfarin (see section 4.5).
Drug reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS): DRESS has been reported in patients taking NSAIDs such as FENAMIN SUSPENSION. Some of these events have been fatal or life-threatening. DRESS typically, although not exclusively, presents with fever, rash, lymphadenopathy, and/or facial swelling. Other clinical manifestations may include hepatitis, nephritis, haematological abnormalities, myocarditis, or myositis. Sometimes symptoms of DRESS may resemble an acute viral infection. Eosinophilia is often present. Because this disorder is variable in its presentation, other organ systems not noted here may be involved. It is important to note that early manifestations of hypersensitivity, such as fever or lymphadenopathy, may be present even though rash is not evident. If such signs or symptoms are present, discontinue FENAMIN SUSPENSION and evaluate the patient immediately.
Elderly: The elderly have an increased frequency of adverse reactions to NSAIDs such as FENAMIN SUSPENSION, especially gastrointestinal perforation, ulceration and bleeding (PUBs) which may be fatal.
The risk of gastrointestinal perforation, ulceration and bleeding (PUBs) is higher with increasing doses of FENAMIN SUSPENSION, in patients with a history of ulcers, and the elderly. FENAMIN SUSPENSION is best avoided in elderly patients with dehydration or pre-existing renal disease. Undesirable effects may be minimised by using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to control the condition treated. Patients on prolonged therapy with FENAMIN SUSPENSION should be kept under regular surveillance with particular attention to liver dysfunction, rash, blood dyscrasias or development of diarrhoea. Appearance of any of these symptoms should be regarded as an indication to stop therapy immediately.
Precaution should be taken in patients suffering from dehydration and renal disease, particularly the elderly.
FENAMIN SUSPENSION and its metabolites may give a false positive reaction to certain urine tests for the presence of bile.
Respiratory disorders: Caution is required if administered to patients suffering from, or with a previous history of, bronchial asthma since NSAIDs have been reported to precipitate bronchospasm in such patients. Bronchoconstriction may occur with FENAMIN SUSPENSION in asthmatic patients with aspirin sensitivity.
Cardiovascular, renal and hepatic impairment: The administration of FENAMIN SUSPENSION may cause a dose-dependent reduction in prostaglandin formation and precipitate renal failure. Patients at greatest risk of this reaction are those with impaired renal function, cardiac impairment, liver dysfunction, those taking diuretics and the elderly. Renal function should be monitored in these patients. FENAMIN SUSPENSION may enhance the effects of warfarin.
Toxicity has also been seen in patients with pre-renal conditions leading to a reduction in renal blood flow or blood volume. Patients at greatest risk are those with impaired renal function, heart failure, liver dysfunction, those taking diuretics, and the elderly.
Liver function tests must be carried out regularly to monitor elevation of enzymes and bilirubin.
Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular effects: Appropriate monitoring and advice are required for patients with a history of hypertension and/or mild to moderate congestive heart failure as fluid retention and oedema have been reported in association with NSAID therapy such as FENAMIN SUSPENSION. In view of FENAMIN SUSPENSIONu2019s inherent potential to cause fluid retention, heart failure may be precipitated in some compromised patients. Use of some NSAIDs such as FENAMIN SUSPENSION (particularly at high doses and in long-term treatment) may be associated with a small increased risk of arterial thrombotic events (for example myocardial infarction or stroke). There are insufficient data to exclude such a risk for FENAMIN SUSPENSION. Patients with uncontrolled hypertension, established ischaemic heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, and/or cerebrovascular disease should only be treated with FENAMIN SUSPENSION after careful consideration. Similar consideration should be made before initiating longer-term treatment of patients with risk factors for cardiovascular disease (e.g. hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes mellitus, smoking).
As NSAIDs such as FENAMIN SUSPENSION can interfere with platelet function, they should be used in caution in patients with intracranial haemorrhage and bleeding diathesis.
Gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration and perforation: Gastrointestinal perforation, ulceration or bleeding (PUB) which can be fatal, has been reported with all NSAIDs such as FENAMIN SUSPENSION at any time during treatment, with or without warning symptoms or a previous history of serious gastrointestinal events. Smoking and alcohol use are added risk factors. The risk of gastrointestinal perforation, ulceration or bleeding is higher with increasing FENAMIN SUSPENSION doses, in patients with a history of ulcer, particularly if complicated with haemorrhage or perforation and in the elderly. FENAMIN SUSPENSION should be given with caution to patients with a history of gastrointestinal disease (e.g., ulcerative colitis, Crohnu2019s disease, hiatus hernia, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, angiodysplasia) as the condition may be exacerbated. If diarrhoea occurs, use of FENAMIN SUSPENSION should be discontinued immediately. Combination therapy with protective medicines (e.g., misoprostol or proton pump inhibitors) should be considered for patients at risk of gastrointestinal bleeding such as the elderly, and also for patients requiring concomitant low dose aspirin, or other medicines likely to increase gastrointestinal risk. Patients with a history of gastrointestinal toxicity, particularly the elderly, should report any unusual abdominal symptoms (especially gastrointestinal bleeding) particularly in the initial stages of FENAMIN SUSPENSION treatment. Caution should be advised in patients receiving concomitant medicines which could increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects or bleeding such as corticosteroids, anticoagulants such as warfarin, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or anti-platelet medicines such as aspirin. When gastrointestinal perforation, ulceration or bleeding occurs in patients receiving FENAMIN SUSPENSION, FENAMIN SUSPENSION should be withdrawn. Diarrhoea may occur within 24 hours following usual FENAMIN SUSPENSION dosage. When diarrhoea occurs, FENAMIN SUSPENSION should be discontinued immediately.
Temporary lowering of the white blood cell count has occurred but does not appear to be dose-related. Blood counts should be performed at regular intervals during long-term administration of FENAMIN SUSPENSION.
SLE and mixed connective tissue disease: In patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and mixed connective tissue disorders there may be an increased risk of aseptic meningitis.
Skin reactions: Serious skin reactions, some of them fatal, including exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis, have been reported in association with use of NSAIDs such as FENAMIN SUSPENSION. Patients appear to be at highest risk of these reactions early in the course of therapy, the onset of the reactions occurring in the majority of cases within the first month of treatment. FENAMIN SUSPENSION should be stopped at the first appearance of skin rash, mucosal lesions or any other sign of hypersensitivity (see Section 4.4).
Cross-sensitivity: Because of the possibility of cross-sensitivity due to structural relationships which exist among nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, acute allergic reactions may be more likely to occur in patients who have exhibited allergic reactions to these compounds. Occurrence of rash is a definite reason for stopping FENAMIN SUSPENSION because exfoliative dermatitis has been reported on continued use after development of a rash.
In dysmenorrhoea and menorrhagia lack of response should alert the medical practitioner to investigate other causes.
Poor CYP2C9 metabolisers: In patients who are known or suspected to be poor CYP2C9 metabolisers based on previous history/experience with other CYP2C9 substrates, FENAMIN SUSPENSION should be administered with caution as they may have abnormally high plasma levels due to reduced metabolic clearance.
Foetal Toxicity: Limit use of NSAIDs, including FENAMIN SUSPENSION, between 20 and 30 weeks of pregnancy due to the risk of oligohydramnios/foetal renal dysfunction. Avoid use of NSAIDs in women around 30 weeks gestation and later in pregnancy due to the risks of oligohydramnios/foetal renal dysfunction and premature closure of the foetal ductus arteriosus in utero, and possibly, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the new-born. The onset of labour may be delayed and its duration increased (see section 4.6). If NSAID treatment is necessary between 20 weeks and 30 weeks gestation, limit FENAMIN SUSPENSION use to the lowest effective dose and shortest duration possible. Consider ultrasound monitoring of amniotic fluid if FENAMIN SUSPENSION treatment extends beyond 48 hours. Discontinue FENAMIN SUSPENSION if oligohydramnios occurs and follow up according to clinical practice.
Sorbitol warning: FENAMIN SUSPENSION contains sorbitol and may have a laxative effect. FENAMIN SUSPENSION contains sorbitol which may have an effect on the glycaemic control of patients with diabetes mellitus. Patients with the rare hereditary condition of sorbitol/maltitol/lactitol intolerance should not take FENAMIN SUSPENSION.

Anti-coagulants: FENAMIN SUSPENSION may enhance the effects of anti-coagulants such as warfarin.
Anti-platelet medicines and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Corticosteroids: increased risk of gastrointestinal perforation, ulceration or bleeding (PUBs).
Lithium: Patients receiving lithium concurrently with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, including FENAMIN SUSPENSION, have produced an elevation of plasma lithium levels and a reduction in renal lithium clearance. Thus, when FENAMIN SUSPENSION and lithium are administered concurrently, patients should be observed carefully for signs of lithium toxicity.
NSAIDs: Use of two or more NSAIDs concomitantly could result in an increase in side effects.

Pregnancy
Use of NSAIDs, including FENAMIN SUSPENSION, can cause premature closure of the foetal ductus arteriosus, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the new-born, foetal renal dysfunction leading to oligohydramnios and, in some cases, neonatal renal impairment. Because of these risks, the use of FENAMIN SUSPENSION dose and duration between 20 and 30 weeks of gestation should be limited and avoided at around 30 weeks of gestation and later in pregnancy. The onset of labour may be delayed and its duration increased (see section 4.4).
Breastfeeding
Trace amounts of mefenamic acid may be present in breast milk and transmitted to the breastfeeding infant. Therefore, FENAMIN SUSPENSION should not be taken by mothers breastfeeding their infants.
Fertility
The use of FENAMIN SUSPENSION may impair female fertility and is not recommended in women attempting to conceive. In women who have difficulties conceiving or who are undergoing investigation of infertility, withdrawal of FENAMIN SUSPENSION should be considered.

Undesirable effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue and visual disturbances are possible after taking NSAIDs such as FENAMIN SUSPENSION. If affected, patients should not drive or operate machinery.

a. Summary of the safety profile
The most frequent side effects occurring with FENAMIN SUSPENSION are gastrointestinal disturbances.
b. Tabulated summary of adverse reactions
SYSTEM ORGAN CLASS FREQUENCY ADVERSE REACTIONS
Blood and the lymphatic system disorders Less frequent Haemolytic anaemia, decreased haematocrit, leucopoenia, eosinophilia, thrombocytopenia or thrombocytopenic purpura, agranulocytosis, pancytopenia, aplastic anaemia, bone marrow aplasia.
Immune system disorders Less frequent Acute hypersensitivity reactions (urticaria, bronchospasm, anaphylaxis)
Metabolism and nutrition disorders Less frequent Glucose intolerance in diabetic patients, hyponatraemia
Psychiatric disorders Less frequent Nervousness
Nervous system disorders Less frequent Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, convulsions, insomnia
Eye disorders Frequency unknown Visual disturbances
Ear and labyrinth disorders Less frequent Ear pain
Cardiac disorders Less frequent Palpitations, oedema, hypertension and cardiac failure
Vascular disorders Less frequent Hypotension
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders Less frequent Asthma may be precipitated, bronchospasm, dyspnoea
Gastrointestinal disorders Frequent Diarrhoea, nausea with or without vomiting, abdominal pain
Less frequent Anorexia, pyrosis, flatulence, enterocolitis, colitis, steatorrhea, cholestatic jaundice, hepatitis, pancreatitis, hepato-renal syndrome, mild hepatic toxicity, constipation, peptic ulceration, perforation with or without gastrointestinal haemorrhage
Frequency unknown Dyspepsia, melaena, haematemesis, ulcerative stomatitis, exacerbation of colitis and Crohnu2019s disease, gastritis
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders Less frequent Angioedema, oedema of the larynx, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Lyellu2019s syndrome (toxic epidermal necrolysis), erythema multiforme, perspiration, pruritus, urticaria, skin rash, facial oedema.
Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) (see section 4.4).
Frequency unknown Bullous reactions
Renal and urinary disorders Less frequent Renal failure, papillary necrosis, acute interstitial nephritis with haematuria, dysuria, proteinuria, allergic glomerulonephritis
Frequency unknown Nephrotic syndrome, elevations in blood urea
Post marketing experience No information available.
c. Description of selected adverse reactions
Gastrointestinal system disorders: The most commonly observed adverse events are gastrointestinal in nature. Peptic ulcers, perforation, or gastrointestinal bleeding, sometimes fatal. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, flatulence, constipation, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, melaena, haematemesis, ulcerative stomatitis, exacerbation of colitis and Crohnu2019s disease, gastritis.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicine is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicine. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions to SAHPRA via the u201c6.04 Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Formu201d, found online under SAHPRAu2019s publications: https://www.sahpra.org.za/Publications/Index/8 . Adverse reactions can also be reported to the Adcock Ingram Pharmacovigilance department by e-mail to [email protected] , fax to +27 86 553 0128 or call 011 635 0134.

Symptoms
Mefenamic acid such as in FENAMIN SUSPENSION has a marked tendency to induce tonic-clonic (grand mal) convulsions in overdosage. Dyskinesia, acute renal failure and coma have been reported. Overdose has led to fatalities.
Treatment
Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Following accidental overdosage, the stomach should be emptied immediately by inducing emesis followed by administration of activated charcoal. Vital functions should be monitored and supported. Haemodialysis is of little value since mefenamic acid and its metabolites are firmly bound to plasma proteins.