Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary
The
full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine,
speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
1. Why am I using ZACTIN TABS?
ZACTIN TABS contains the active ingredient fluoxetine hydrochloride. ZACTIN TABS is
used to treat depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and premenstrual dysphoric
disorder (PMDD).
For more information, see Section
1. Why am I using ZACTIN TABS? in the full CMI.
2. What should I know before I use ZACTIN TABS?
Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to ZACTIN TABS or any of the
ingredients listed at the end of the CMI.
Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines,
or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
For more information, see Section
2. What should I know before I use ZACTIN TABS? in the full CMI.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Some medicines may interfere with ZACTIN TABS and affect how it works.
4. How do I use ZACTIN TABS?
Your doctor will tell you how much ZACTIN TABS you need to take each day.
5. What should I know while using ZACTIN TABS?
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Things you should do
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Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using ZACTIN TABS.
Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking ZACTIN TABS.
Tell your doctor immediately if you have thoughts about harming or killing yourself.
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Things you should not do
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Do not stop using this medicine or lower the dosage without checking with your doctor.
Do not take the herbal remedy St. John's Wort while you are being treated with ZACTIN
TABS.
Do not give ZACTIN TABS to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
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Driving or using machines
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Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how ZACTIN TABS affects you.
ZACTIN TABS may cause impaired judgement, reduced coordination or drowsiness in some
people.
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Drinking alcohol
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Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
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Looking after your medicine
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Keep your tablets in the pack until it is time to take them.
Keep your tablets in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.
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6. Are there any side effects?
Common side effects include: fatigue, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhoea,
loss of appetite, headache, weight loss, changes in taste, dry mouth, trouble sleeping,
unusual dreams, nervousness, anxiety, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, excessive sweating,
flushing, chills, lesions of skin and mucous membrane, joint aches, sexual problems,
more frequent urination and changes in vision. Serious side effects may include: itching,
skin rash or hives, shortness of breath, wheezing or trouble breathing, swelling of
the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body, muscle spasms, tremors, convulsions
or fits, twitches, fast, irregular heartbeat, abnormal bleeding or bruising, mood
swings, hallucinations, increased risk of breaking a bone, loss of coordination,
confusion, overactive reflexes, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme and
serotonin syndrome.
For more information, including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section
6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.
Active ingredient:
fluoxetine hydrochloride
Full Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)
This leaflet provides important information about using ZACTIN TABS. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information
or if you have any concerns or questions about using ZACTIN TABS.
Where to find information in this leaflet:
1. Why am I using ZACTIN TABS?
ZACTIN TABS contains the active ingredient fluoxetine hydrochloride. ZACTIN TABS belongs to a group belongs to a group of medicines called selective serotonin
reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs are thought to work by their action on brain chemicals
called amines which are involved in controlling mood.
ZACTIN TABS is used to treat:
depression
obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
2. What should I know before I use ZACTIN TABS?
Warnings
Do not use ZACTIN TABS if:
you are allergic to fluoxetine hydrochloride, any other medicines containing fluoxetine
(such as Prozac and Lovan), or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.
Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include shortness of breath; wheezing
or difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the
body; rash, itching or hives on the skin.
you are taking another medicine for depression called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor
(MAOI) or have been taking a MAOI within the last 14 days.
Check with
doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure as to whether or not you are taking a MAOI.
If you do take ZACTIN TABS while you are taking a MAOI, you may experience shaking
(tremor), shivering, muscle stiffness, fever, rapid pulse, rapid breathing or confusion
you are taking another medicine called pimozide to treat disturbances in thinking,
feelings and behaviour.
Taking pimozide together with ZACTIN TABS may alter the rhythm of your heart.
Check with your doctor if you:
have any other medical conditions, such as:
kidney problems
liver problems
heart conditions
raised eye pressure
diabetes
fits (seizure)
a bleeding disorder or a tendency to bleed more than usual
any other mental conditions
have allergies to any other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes
had a recent bone fracture or were told you have, or have risk factors, for osteoporosis
take any medicines for any other condition
drink alcohol
During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important
you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information
under Section
6. Are there any side effects?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of taking ZACTIN TABS during pregnancy.
When taken during pregnancy, particularly in the last 3 months, medicines like ZACTIN
may affect your newborn baby and they may experience irritability, constant crying,
feeding difficulties, vomiting, fluctuating temperature, seizures or fits, tremors,
jitteriness, bluish appearance (cyanosis), breathing interruptions, low blood sugar,
muscle stiffness, muscle weakness or over-responsive reflexes. These symptoms are
uncommon and may be due to either the effect or discontinuation of ZACTIN.
When used during pregnancy, particularly in late pregnancy, medicines like ZACTIN
may increase the risk of a serious condition in babies called persistent pulmonary
hypertension (PPHN) which may cause the baby to breathe faster and appear bluish.
If this happens to your baby, you should contact your doctor and/or go straight to
the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.
If you take ZACTIN TABS near the end of your pregnancy, there may be an increased
risk of heavy vaginal bleeding shortly after birth, especially if you have a history
of bleeding disorders. Tell your doctor or midwife that you are taking ZACTIN TABS
so they can advise you.
Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.
Like many other medicines, ZACTIN TABS can pass into breast milk. Your doctor will
discuss the risks and benefits of taking ZACTIN TABS when breastfeeding.
Use in children
ZACTIN TABS is not recommended for use in children and adolescents under 18 years
of age.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any
medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy,
supermarket or health food shop.
Some combinations of medicines may increase the risk of serious side effects and are
potentially life threatening.
Some medicines may interfere with ZACTIN TABS and affect how it works. These include:
monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), medicines used to treat some types of depression.
You should stop taking MAOIs at least two weeks before starting ZACTIN TABS.
If you do take ZACTIN while you are taking a MAOI, you may experience elevated body
temperature muscle stiffness, involuntary muscle jerking, fluctuations of vital signs
(blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate) and mental state from extreme agitation
progressing to confusion and coma (a condition called serotonin syndrome). You should
not start a MAOI for at least 5 weeks after stopping ZACTIN TABS.
tamoxifen, a medicine used to treat breast cancer.
lithium, a medicine used to treat mood swings and some types of depression.
serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants
and other medicines for depression, obsessive compulsive disorder or premenstrual
dysphoric disorder (PMDD),
sleeping tablets or sedatives.
medicines used to relieve anxiety such as diazepam and alprazolam.
medicines used to treat certain mental and emotional conditions, also called antipsychotics
such as haloperidol and clozapine.
medicines used to treat disturbances in thinking, feelings and behaviour, such as
pimozide.
medicines used to control fits (seizures), such as phenytoin and carbamazepine.
Medicines used to relive pain, such as tramadol.
triptan medicines used to treat migraine, such as sumatriptan.
tryptophan, an amino acid available in food supplements and multivitamin preparations.
medicines used to prevent blood clots, such as warfarin.
flecainide, a medicine used to treat some heart conditions.
St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum), a herbal remedy.
These medicines may be affected by ZACTIN TABS or may affect how well it works. You
may need different amounts of your medicines, or you may need to take different medicines.
Do not start taking other medicines for depression without checking with your doctor.
Do this even if you have already stopped taking ZACTIN TABS.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins
or supplements you are taking and if these affect ZACTIN TABS.
4. How do I use ZACTIN TABS?
How much to take
The usual starting dose is one tablet taken once a day in the morning. Your doctor
may change your dose depending on how you respond to the medicine.
Follow the instructions provided and use ZACTIN TABS until your doctor tells you to
stop.
When to take ZACTIN TABS
ZACTIN TABS should be taken as a single dose in the morning. If your doctor tells
you to take it twice a day, take a dose in the morning and at noon.
Take your medicine at about the same time each day.
Taking it at the same time each day will have the best effect. It will also help you
remember when to take it.
How to take ZACTIN TABS
Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water or disperse the tablets in half a
glass of water before swallowing.
To disperse ZACTIN TABS, remove the tablet from its foil packaging and drop it into
about half a glass of water. Swirl the tablet in the water until it disperses (falls
apart), then drink it immediately.
ZACTIN TABS may be halved along the scoreline if your doctor has prescribed half a
tablet.
ZACTIN TABS can be taken with or without food.
How long to take ZACTIN TABS
Continue taking ZACTIN TABS for as long as your doctor tells you to.
The length of treatment with ZACTIN TABS will depend on how quickly your symptoms
improve. Most medicines of this type take time to work so don't be discouraged if
you do not feel better right away. While some symptoms will be relieved sooner than
others, ZACTIN TABS commonly takes up to four weeks or longer before improvement is
really apparent.
If you do not start to feel better in about four weeks, check with your doctor.
If you forget to take ZACTIN TABS
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next
dose when you are meant to.
Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, and then go back to taking
your medicine as you would normally.
Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.
This may increase the chance of you getting an unwanted side effect.
If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If you have trouble remembering to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some
hints.
If you use too much ZACTIN TABS
If you think that you have used too much ZACTIN TABS, you may need urgent medical
attention.
You should immediately:
phone the Poisons Information Centre
(Australia telephone 13 11 26) for advice, or
contact your doctor, or
go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.
You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
If you have taken too much ZACTIN TABS, you may feel sick in the stomach, vomit, feel
restless, agitated or excited.
5. What should I know while using ZACTIN TABS?
Things you should do
Persons taking ZACTIN TABS may be more likely to think about killing themselves or
actually trying to do so, especially when ZACTIN TABS is first started or the dose
is changed. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any suicidal thoughts or other
mental/mood changes.
Occasionally, the symptoms of depression or other psychiatric conditions may include
thoughts of harming yourself or committing suicide. These symptoms may continue or
get worse during the first one to two months of treatment until the full antidepressant
effect of the medicine becomes apparent. This is more likely to occur in children,
adolescents and young adults under 25 years of age.
Contact your doctor or a mental health professional immediately or go to the nearest
hospital for treatment if you or someone you know is demonstrating any of the following
warning signs:
worsening of your depression
thoughts or talk about death or suicide
thoughts or talk of self-harm or harm to others
any recent attempts at self-harm
increase in aggressive behaviour, irritability or any other unusual changes in mood
or behaviour
All mentions of suicide or violence must be taken seriously.
If you are about to be started on any new medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist
that you are taking ZACTIN TABS.
Tell any other doctors, dentists and pharmacists who are treating you that you are
taking ZACTIN TABS.
Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking ZACTIN TABS.
Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of taking ZACTIN TABS during pregnancy.
Keep all of your doctor's appointments so that your progress can be checked.
Things you should not do
Do not take ZACTIN TABS to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you
to.
Do not give ZACTIN TABS to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
Do not stop taking ZACTIN TABS, or lower the dose, without checking with your doctor.
Stopping ZACTIN TABS suddenly may cause symptoms such as dizziness, sleep disturbance,
anxiety, irritability, agitation, confusion, weakness, headache, feeling sick, or
tingling or numbness of the hands or feet. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce
the amount of ZACTIN TABS you are taking before stopping completely.
Do not take the herbal remedy St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) while you are
being treated with ZACTIN TABS.
If you are already taking the herbal remedy, stop taking it and mention it to your
doctor at your next visit.
Do not let yourself run out of ZACTIN TABS over the weekend or on holidays.
Driving or using machines
Do not drive or use any machines or tools until you know how ZACTIN TABS affects you.
ZACTIN TABS may cause impaired judgement, reduced coordination or drowsiness in some
people. If you do experience any of these symptoms, do not drive, operate machinery
or do anything else that could be dangerous.
Drinking alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
Although drinking alcohol is unlikely to affect your response to ZACTIN TABS, your
doctor may suggest avoiding alcohol while you are being treated for depression.
If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell them before you start
taking ZACTIN TABS.
Looking after your medicine
Keep your tablets in the pack until it is time to take them.
if you take the tablets out of the blister pack, they will not keep as well.
Keep your tablets in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.
Follow the instructions in the carton on how to take care of your medicine properly.
Store it in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight; for example, do
not store it:
in the bathroom or near a sink, or
in the car or on window sills.
Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.
Keep it where young children cannot reach it.
A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place
to store medicines.
Getting rid of any unwanted medicine
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date printed on the pack or if the packaging
is torn or shows signs of tampering.
If your doctor tells you to stop taking ZACTIN TABS, or the expiry date has passed,
take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.
6. Are there any side effects?
Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you
are taking ZACTIN TABS.
All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of
them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.
Do not be alarmed by the following list of possible side effects.
You may not experience any of them.
See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you
have any further questions about side effects.
Less serious side effects
Children and Adolescents
Headaches are very common side effects.
Weight loss and decreased height gain have been observed in association with the use
of ZACTIN TABS in children and adolescent patients. This is similar to other medicines
that belong to the group of medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
(SSRIs).
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you
feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.
Reporting side effects
After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can
report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at
www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems . By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of
this medicine.
Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop
taking any of your medicines.
7. Product details
This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.
What ZACTIN TABS contains
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Active ingredient
(main ingredient)
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Fluoxetine hydrochloride
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Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)
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microcrystalline cellulose
colloidal anhydrous silica
maize starch
crospovidone
saccharin sodium
magnesium stearate
nat. Peppermint Micron TIM-11812
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Potential allergens
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Contains sulfites and saccharin.
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Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.
What ZACTIN TABS looks like
ZACTIN TABS are oval, normal convex, white tablets debossed "FL|20" on one side and
"G" on the other (AUST R 90913).
Each pack contains 28 dispersable tablets.
Who distributes ZACTIN TABS
Alphapharm Pty Ltd trading as Viatris
Level 1, 30 The Bond
30-34 Hickson Road
Millers Point NSW 2000
Phone: 1800 274 276
This leaflet was prepared in September 2024.
ZACTIN® TABS is a Viatris company trade mark
ZACTIN TABS_cmi\Sep24/00