Active ingredient
- dexamfetamine sulfate
Legal Category
POM: Prescription only medicine
POM: Prescription only medicine
The Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) is the leaflet included in the pack with a medicine. It is written for patients and gives information about taking or using a medicine. It is possible that the leaflet in your medicine pack may differ from this version because it may have been updated since your medicine was packaged.
Below is a text only representation of the Patient Information Leaflet. The original leaflet can be viewed using the link above.
The text only version may be available in large print, Braille or audio CD. For further information call emc accessibility on 0800 198 5000. The product code(s) for this leaflet is: PL 11243/0021.
Amfexa 5mg Tablets
PACKAGE LEAFLET: INFORMATION FOR THE PATIENT
Amfexa 5 mg Tablets
Dexamfetamine sulfate
Read all of this leaflet carefully before your child starts taking this medicine because it contains important information for you.
What is in this leaflet:
1 What Amfexa 5 mg Tablets is and what it is used for
2 What you need to know before you use Amfexa 5 mg Tablets
3 How to use Amfexa 5 mg Tablets
4 Possible side effects
5 How to store Amfexa 5 mg Tablets
6 Contents of the pack and other information
1 WHAT AMFEXA 5 MG TABLETS IS AND WHAT IT IS USED FOR
What Amfexa 5 mg Tablets is
Amfexa 5 mg Tablets contain the active substance dexamfetamine sulfate.
Amfexa 5 mg Tablets is a psychostimulant. It improves activity in parts of the brain. This medicine can help to improve attention span, concentration, and reduce impulsive behaviour.
What it is used for
Amfexa 5 mg Tablets is used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Amfexa 5 mg Tablets treatment must only be initiated by, and used under the supervision of a specialist in childhood or adolescent behavioural disorders.
You must talk to a doctor if your child does not feel better or if they feel worse after a month. The doctor may decide that a different treatment is needed.
2 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU USE AMFEXA 5 MG TABLETS
Do not use Amfexa 5 mg Tablets if your child:
Do not use this medicine if any of the above applies to your child. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you use Amfexa 5 mg Tablets. This is because this medicine can make these problems worse.
Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Amfexa 5 mg Tablets if your child
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if any of the above applies to your child before starting treatment. This is because this medicine can make these problems worse. Your doctor will want to monitor how the medicine affects your child.
Checks that your doctor will make before Amfexa 5 mg Tablets is used
These checks are to decide if this is the correct medicine for your child. Your doctor will talk to you about:
Your doctor will discuss whether your child is at risk of having mood swings (from being manic to being depressed - called ‘bipolar disorder’). They will check your child’s mental health history, and check if any of your family has a history of suicide, bipolar disorder or depression.
It is important that you provide as much information as you can. This will help your doctor decide if Amfexa 5 mg Tablets is the correct medicine for your child. Your doctor may decide that other medical tests are needed before they start taking this medicine.
Effect on weight/growing
Amfexa 5 mg Tablets may cause reduced weight in some children and adolescents.
Having an operation
Tell your doctor if your child is going to have an operation. Amfexa 5 mg Tablets should not be taken on the day of surgery if a certain type of anaesthetic is used. This is because there is a chance of a sudden rise in blood pressure during the operation.
Drug testing
This medicine may give a positive result when testing for drug use. Athletes must be aware that this medicinal product may cause a positive reaction to ‘anti-doping’ tests.
Children and adolescents
Amfexa 5 mg Tablets is not for use as a treatment for ADHD in children under 6 years of age, and adults. It is not known if it is safe or of benefit for these people.
Other medicines and Amfexa 5 mg Tablets
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if your child is taking, has recently taken or might take any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Do not use this medicine if your child is taking a medicine called a ‘monoamine oxidase inhibitor’ (MAOI) used for depression, or has taken an MAOI in the last 14 days. Taking an MAOI with dexamfetamine may cause a sudden increase in blood pressure.
If your child is taking other medicines, this medicine may affect how well they work or may cause side effects. If your child is taking any of the following medicines, check with your doctor or pharmacist before using Amfexa 5 mg Tablets:
If you are in any doubt about whether any medicines your child is taking are included in the list above, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.
Amfexa 5 mg Tablets with alcohol
Alcohol must not be consumed while taking this medicine. Remember that some foods and medicines contain alcohol.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
Available data from the use of Amfexa 5 mg Tablets during the first three months of pregnancy do not indicate increased risk of congenital malformation in the child, but may increase the risk for pre-eclampsia (a condition usually occurring after 20 weeks of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine) and preterm birth. Newborns exposed to amfetamine during pregnancy may experience withdrawal symptoms (changes in behavior including excessive crying, unstable or irritable mood, hyperexcitability and pronounced exhaustion).
If your daughter is pregnant or breast-feeding, she may be pregnant or is planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using this medicine.
Driving and using machines
Your child may feel dizzy, have problems focussing, or have blurred vision when taking this medicine. If so, it may be dangerous to do things such as drive, use machines, ride a bike or horse, or climb trees.
The medicine can affect your ability to drive as it may make you sleepy or dizzy.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure whether it is safe for you to drive while taking this medicine.
Amfexa 5 mg Tablets contains isomalt (E953)
If you have been told by your doctor that your child cannot tolerate some sugars, talk to your doctor before using this medicinal product.
3 HOW TO TAKE AMFEXA 5 MG TABLETS
How much to take
Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
The normal recommended dose is between 5 mg and 20 mg.
How to take
The medicinal product is intended for oral use.
Your child should take Amfexa 5 mg Tablets with a drink of water, preferably with or immediately after meals. Amfexa 5 mg Tablets should be taken at the same time in relation to the meals. The last dose should, in general, not be given too late after lunch in order to prevent disturbances in falling asleep.
The tablets have a score line and can be divided, if needed. The score line is only there to help you break the tablet if there is difficulty swallowing it whole. To split it, place the tablet onto a hard surface with the cross-scored, smooth side downwards and then push carefully with your index finger at the centre of its top side. The tablet then breaks into four parts.
If your child does not feel better, tell your doctor. They may decide a different treatment is needed.
Long-term treatment
Your doctor will decide how long the treatment is given. If your child takes this medicine for more than a year, your doctor should stop treatment for a short time, e.g. during a school holiday. This will show if the medicine is still needed.
Not using Amfexa 5 mg Tablets properly
If Amfexa 5 mg Tablets is not used properly, it may cause abnormal behaviour. It may also mean that your child starts to depend on the medicine. Tell your doctor if your child has ever abused or been dependent on alcohol, prescription medicines or street drugs.
This medicine is only for your child. Do not give this medicine to anyone else, even if their symptoms seem similar.
If your child takes more Amfexa 5 mg Tablets than they should
Talk to a doctor or call an ambulance straight away. Tell them how much has been taken. Show the package or this leaflet to the doctor. Overdosage of these tablets can be very serious.
Signs of overdose may include: excitement, hallucinations, convulsions leading to coma, irregular and rapid heartbeat, and reduced breathing.
If your child forgets to take Amfexa 5 mg Tablets
Do not use a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. If your child forgets a dose, wait until it is time for the next dose.
If your child stops taking Amfexa 5 mg Tablets
If your child suddenly stops taking this medicine, this can lead to extreme tiredness, depression, mood disorders, agitation, sleep disturbances, increased appetite, or involuntary movements. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce the amount of medicine taken each day, before stopping it completely. Talk to your doctor before stopping Amfexa 5 mg Tablets.
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
4 POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, but not everybody gets them. Your doctor will talk to you about these side effects.
Very common: may affect more than 1 in 10 people
Common: may affect up to 1 in 100 people
Rare: may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people
Very rare: may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people
Not known: frequency cannot be estimated from the available data
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme, website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5 HOW TO STORE AMFEXA 5 MG TABLETS
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the blister and the box after “EXP”. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Do not store above 25°C.
Store in the original package in order to protect from moisture.
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help to protect the environment.
6 CONTENTS OF THE PACK AND OTHER INFORMATION
What Amfexa 5 mg Tablets contains:
What Amfexa 5 mg Tablets looks like and the contents of the pack:
Amfexa 5 mg Tablets
White, round, cloverleaf-shaped tablets with a notched, cross-scored line on the top side and a cross-scored line embossed with “S” on each quarter on the rear side.
The tablets can be divided.
Pack sizes: 20, 28, 30, 50, 98 or 100 tablets
Boxes containing tablets packed in blisters made of PVC/PE/PVdC aluminium foil
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Marketing authorisation holder and manufacturer
This package leaflet was last revised in 12/2021
This medicinal product is authorised in the Member States of the EEA under the following names:
United Kingdom: Amfexa 5 mg Tablet
Denmark: Attentin 5 mg
Finland: Attentin 5 mg
Iceland: Attentin 5 mg
Luxembourg: Attentin 5 mg
Norway: Attentin 5 mg
Sweden: Attentin 5 mg
This package leaflet is also available in formats appropriate for the blind and partially sighted.
05.01.2022
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