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 SULPRIX?
SULPRIX contains the active ingredient amisulpride. SULPRIX is used to treat symptoms
of schizophrenia.
2. What should I know before I use SULPRIX?
Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to SULPRIX 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.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Some medicines may interfere with SULPRIX and affect how it works. In particular,
do not take this medicine, and tell your doctor if you are taking the following medicines:
medicines used to treat irregular heart rhythm, other medicines used to treat heart
problems, cisapride, sultopride, antibiotics, levodopa, methadone, thioridazine, vincamine,
halofantrine, pentamidine and sparfloxacin.
4. How do I use SULPRIX?
Your doctor will tell you how much SULPRIX you should take. The dosage is adjusted
for each individual and can range from 50 mg to 800 mg a day, and in some cases up
to 1200 mg a day. SULPRIX should preferably be taken before meals.
5. What should I know while using SULPRIX?
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Things you should do
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Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using SULPRIX
Call your doctor straight away if you have any suicidal thoughts or mental/mood changes
Be careful taking antihistamines, sleeping tablets or tablets to relieve pain as SULPRIX
can increase drowsiness
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Things you should not do
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Do not stop using this medicine unless your doctor tells you to
Do not give SULPRIX to anyone else
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Driving or using machines
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Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how SULPRIX affects you
SULPRIX may cause drowsiness in some people
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Drinking alcohol
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The effects of alcohol could be made worse while taking SULPRIX. It is NOT recommended
that you drink alcohol while taking SULPRIX.
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Looking after your medicine
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Store below 25°C, in a cool, dry place
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6. Are there any side effects?
You may need urgent medical attention if you notice any of these serious side effects:
muscle symptoms including pain, weakness, twitching or stiffness, increased levels
of an enzyme that measures breakdown of muscle (creatine phosphokinase) in the blood
with impaired consciousness and an unexplained fever, abnormal movements, unexplained
infections, faster breathing, sweating, yellowing of the skin and eyes, light coloured
bowel motions, dark coloured urine.
Active ingredient:
amisulpride
Full Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)
This leaflet provides important information about using SULPRIX. 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 SULPRIX.
Where to find information in this leaflet:
1. Why am I using SULPRIX?
SULPRIX contains the active ingredient amisulpride. SULPRIX is an antipsychotic medication.
SULPRIX is used to treat symptoms of schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia is a condition which affects the way you think, feel and/or act. Schizophrenia
may cause symptoms such as hallucinations (e.g. hearing, seeing or sensing things
which are not there), delusions, unusual suspiciousness, emotional and social withdrawal.
People with schizophrenia may also feel depressed, anxious or tense.
2. What should I know before I use SULPRIX?
Warnings
Do not use SULPRIX if:
you are allergic to amisulpride, or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this
leaflet. Signs of an allergic reaction may include a skin rash, itching, shortness
of breath or swelling of the face, lips or tongue.
Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.
you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed
the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering or the tablets do not look quite
right
You are taking the following medicines:
medicines used to treat irregular heart rhythm such as quinidine, disopyramide, amiodarone
and sotalol
cisapride
antibiotics such as erythromycin and pentamidine, given as an injection into the veins
levodopa, a medicine used in Parkinson's disease
thioridazine, an antipsychotic
methadone, medicine used to treat pain or addiction
Check with your doctor if you:
have any other medical conditions, including phaeochromocytoma, a rare tumour of the
adrenal glands which sit near the kidneys, tumour of the pituitary gland, a small
gland at the base of the brain, breast cancer, liver disease
take any medicines for any other condition
you have had an allergic reaction to any medicine which you have taken previously
to treat your current condition
you suffer from lactose intolerance because SULPRIX contains lactose
you have kidney or liver disease, Parkinson's disease or fits (seizures)
you have problems with the heart and blood vessels
you have, or have a history of blood clots
you have hyperglycaemia (high sugar levels in the blood) or a family history of diabetes.
Your doctor may recommend monitoring your blood sugar levels while you are taking
SULPRIX.
you suffer from dementia
you have mental/mood changes or suicidal thoughts. Patients (and caregivers of patients)
need to monitor for any worsening of their condition and/or the development of thoughts
of suicide, suicidal behaviour or thoughts of harming themselves. Seek medical advice
immediately if these symptoms present.
you have risk factors for stroke
you have a history, or family history, of breast cancer
you have a history of sleep apnoea
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. SULPRIX is
not recommended during pregnancy. If you need to take SULPRIX during pregnancy you
should discuss the benefits and risks of taking it with your doctor.
Babies exposed to antipsychotic medicines including SULPRIX during the third trimester
of pregnancy are at risk of experiencing breathing problems, difficulty in feeding,
spasms, restlessness, involuntary movements and/or withdrawal symptoms following delivery.
Newborns of mothers who have taken SULPRIX during pregnancy need to be carefully monitored.
Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed. SULPRIX must
not be used when breastfeeding.
Use in children
SULPRIX must not be taken by children up to the age of puberty. There is limited information
on the use of SULPRIX in adolescents and its use is not recommended from puberty to
the age of 18 years. If you are not yet 18 years of age, ask your doctor if SULPRIX
is right for you.
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 medicines may interfere with SULPRIX and affect how it works. These include:
medicines used to treat irregular heart rhythm such as quinidine, disopyramide, amiodarone
and sotalol
other medicines used to treat heart problems such as diltiazem, verapamil, clonidine,
digoxin and drugs known as beta blockers (e.g. propranolol)
intravenous amphotericin B (amphotericin), an anti-fungal given by injection into
the veins
other antipsychotics such as thioridazine, clozapine, chlorpromazine, trifluperazine,
pimozide, haloperidol, imipramine and lithium
diuretics
stimulant laxatives
glucocorticosteroids
diagnostic drugs such as tetracosactides
medicines taken for anxiety or to help you sleep (central nervous system depressants)
anaesthetics (a medicine used during surgery)
medicines taken for depression
some strong pain killers
antihistamines, medicines to treat allergies, which cause drowsiness
some medicines taken to control blood pressure
The use of SULPRIX together with other antipsychotics, antidepressants and antianxiety
agents increases the risk of drowsiness, low blood pressure, coma and death.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins
or supplements you are taking and if these affect SULPRIX.
4. How do I use SULPRIX?
How much to take
Your doctor will tell you how many SULPRIX tablets you should take. The dosage is
adjusted for each individual and can range from 50 mg a day up to 800 mg a day. In
some cases your doctor may increase the dose to 1200 mg a day.
SULPRIX should be taken once or twice a day as advised by your doctor. Your doctor
may increase or decrease your dose depending on your condition.
Do not take more than the dose your doctor has recommended.
Follow the instructions provided and use SULPRIX until your doctor tells you to stop.
When to take SULPRIX
SULPRIX should preferably be taken before meals. Take your prescribed dose at about
the same time each day.
How to take SULPRIX
SULPRIX should be swallowed whole with a glass of water
If you forget to use SULPRIX
SULPRIX should be used regularly at the same time each day. If you miss your dose
at the usual time, take your dose as soon as you remember.
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next
dose when you are meant to.
Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.
If you use too much SULPRIX
If you think that you have used too much SULPRIX, you may need urgent medical attention.
You should immediately:
phone the Poisons Information Centre
(Australia telephone 13 11 26) 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 SULPRIX, you may experience:
feeling restless or shaky
rigid muscles
feeling drowsy or sleepy
loss of consciousness leading to coma
5. What should I know while using SULPRIX?
Things you should do
It is very important to continue taking SULPRIX because it will help you stay well.
While you are taking SULPRIX, tell your doctor or pharmacist before you start any
new medicine.
Call your doctor straight away if you have any of the following suicidal thoughts
or mental/mood changes:
thoughts or talk of death or suicide
thoughts or talk of self-harm or harm to others
any recent attempts of self-harm
increase in aggressive behaviour, irritability or agitation
depressed mood or worsening of depression
Occasionally, the symptoms of depression may include thoughts of suicide or self-harm.
These symptoms may continue to get worse during the early stages of treatment until
the effect of the medicine becomes apparent. All mentions of suicide or violence must
be taken seriously.
Call your doctor straight away if you experience the following:
higher than normal body temperature (hyperthermia)
muscle stiffness
muscle pain in the shoulders, thighs or lower back, muscle weakness or trouble moving
arms and legs, dark red or brown urine or increase urination (symptoms of rhabdomyolysis)
dizziness upon standing, exercise intolerance, abnormal sweating, loss of appetite,
bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, difficulty swallowing, trouble urinating including
incomplete emptying of the bladder, ejaculation difficulties, difficult maintaining
erections, blurry vision (symptoms of autonomic instability)
These are all symptoms of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) which is potentially
life threatening.
Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using SULPRIX.
Things you should not do
Do not stop using this medicine unless your doctor tells you. Do not stop taking SULPRIX
just because you feel better. It is very important to continue SULPRIX because it
will help you stay well.
Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how SULPRIX affects you.
Do not give SULPRIX to anyone else. Your doctor has prescribed it for you and your
condition.
Things to be careful of
Be careful if you are elderly or unwell
Some people may experience side effects such as drowsiness, confusion, dizziness and
unsteadiness. SULPRIX may affect your ability to move or balance. This may increase
the risk of a fall, sometimes leading to fractures.
Be careful while taking antihistamines, sleeping tablets or tablets to relieve pain
while taking this medicine. SULPRIX can increase drowsiness caused by medicines affecting
your nervous system.
Driving or using machines
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how SULPRIX
affects you.
SULPRIX may cause drowsiness in some people.
Drinking alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
The effects of alcohol could be made worse while taking SULPRIX. It is NOT recommended
that you drink alcohol while taking SULPRIX.
Looking after your medicine
Store below 25°C, in a cool, dry place. Keep your tablets in the blister pack until
it is time to take them. If you take the tablets out of the blister pack they may
not keep well.
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.
Keep it where young children cannot reach it.
Getting rid of any unwanted medicine
If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy
for safe disposal.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.
6. Are there any side effects?
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.
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
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Less serious side effects
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What to do
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Heart related:
dizziness. Some people may feel dizzy in the early stages of treatment, especially
when getting up from a lying or sitting position. This side effect usually passes
after taking SULPRIX for a few days.
drowsiness
Gastrointestinal related:
constipation
nausea
vomiting
dry mouth
Eye related:
blurred vision
Head and neurology related:
insomnia
anxiety
agitation
problems with orgasm
trembling*
Muscle related:
noticeable muscle stiffness or spasm*
slowness of movement*
restlessness, an overwhelming urge to move and either distress or movements such as
pacing, swinging of the legs while seated, rocking from foot to foot, or both*
Metabolism and nutrition:
weight gain
increased appetite
excess saliva*
high blood sugar. Symptoms include passing more urine than normal, persistent excessive
thirst, increased appetite with a loss in weight and weakness.
Other:
increased sensitivity to the sun or symptoms of sunburn (such as redness, itching,
swelling, blistering) which may occur more quickly than normal
Rare:
sleep walking
sleep eating
*These symptoms will usually be reduced if your dose of SULPRIX is lowered by your
doctor or if your doctor prescribes you an additional medicine.
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Speak to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects and they worry
you.
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Serious side effects
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Serious side effects
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What to do
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muscle symptoms including pain, weakness, twitching or stiffness
increased levels of an enzyme that measures breakdown of muscle (creatine phosphokinase)
in the blood with impaired consciousness and an unexplained fever
abnormal movements mainly of the face, mouth or tongue (symptoms relating to Tardive
Dyskinesia)
fever
unexplained infections
faster breathing
sweating
yellowing of the skin and eyes, also called jaundice
light coloured bowel motions
dark coloured urine or increased urination
higher than normal body temperature (hyperthermia)
dizziness upon standing, exercise intolerance, abnormal sweating, loss of appetite,
bloating, diarrhoea, difficulty swallowing, trouble urinating including incomplete
emptying of the bladder, ejaculation difficulties, difficult maintaining erections,
blurry vision (symptoms relating to neuroleptic malignant syndrome)
alternation of the heart rhythm (electrical activity of the heart), very fast, uneven
or forceful heartbeat (palpitations), weakness, fainting (symptoms relating to QT
prolongation)
After prolonged use in women, medicines of this type can cause:
breast pain
milk secretion
an absence of their monthly period
changes in the regularity of their periods
Tell your doctor if your monthly periods are absent for six months or more.
After prolonged use in men, medicines of this type can cause breast enlargement or
impotence.
Incidences of abnormal liver function have been occasionally reported.
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Call your doctor straight away, or go straight to the Emergency Department at your
nearest hospital if you notice any of these serious side effects.
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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 SULPRIX contains
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Active ingredient
(main ingredient)
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amisulpride
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Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)
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lactose monohydrate
microcrystalline cellulose
sodium starch glycolate type A
hypromellose (E464)
magnesium stearate
The 400 mg tablets also contain:
OPADRY complete film coating systemY-1-7000 WHITE (ARTG PI No: 4625)
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Potential allergens
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contain phenylalanine, trace amounts of sulfites and sugars as lactose
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Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.
What SULPRIX looks like
SULPRIX 100 mg tablets are white round shaped tablet with 'AMI' breakline '100' on
one side and 'G' on the reverse, approximately 7.5 mm in diameter. Each pack contains
30 tablets (AUST R 156044).
SULPRIX 200 mg tablets are white round shaped tablet with 'AMI' breakline '200' on
one side and 'G' on the reverse, approximately 10 mm in diameter. Each pack contains
60 tablets (AUST R 156048).
SULPRIX 400 mg tablets are white, film-coated, capsule shaped tablet, debossed with
'AS 400' on one side and a break-line on the reverse , approximately 18 mm. Each pack
contains 60 tablets (AUST R 152460).
Who distributes SULPRIX
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 January 2024.
SULPRIX® is a Viatris company trade mark
SULPRIX_cmi\Jan24/00