Somac Heartburn Relief

Generic Name: Pantoprazole
Product Name: Somac Heartburn Relief

Indication

Somac Heartburn Relief is a medication used to treat the symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), including heartburn and acid regurgitation. The medication is used for the treatment of adults over 18 years of age.

Somac is available in several different forms. For more information on other available forms, see Somac Tablets (20mg or 40mg on Prescription), Somac Injection and Somac Granules (40mg on Prescription).

Action

Heartburn occurs because too much acid is produced in the stomach. Somac Heartburn Relief is a type of medication known as a proton pump inhibitor. Proton pump inhibitors block the enzyme which secretes acid into the stomach. This enzyme is found in stomach cells known as parietal cells. The environment within the parietal cells is highly acidic, because the cells produce gastric acids.

The active ingredient in Somac Heartburn Relief, pantoprazole, enters the parietal cells of the stomach in an inactive form. It is converted to its active form once it enters the acidic environment of the parietal cells. There, it reduces stomach acid production, and in turn the level of acidity in the stomach to relieve heartburn and acid regurgitation.

Dose advice

Dose information

In adults 18 years and over, one Somac Heartburn Relief tablet should be taken daily for at least seven and not more than 14 days. The tablet should be swallowed whole, with a little water. Do not chew or crush the tablet. If symptoms persist after 14 days, users should consult their doctor.

Individuals taking Somac Heartburn Relief may also wish to make some changes to their lifestyle which can help reduce the symptoms of heartburn. These include:

• Limit consumption of alcohol, fatty foods, chocolate and coffee;
• Eat smaller meals, more often;
• Avoid eating and drinking in the 2–3 hours before sleeping or immediately before lying down;
• Lose weight if currently overweight (i.e. BMI > 25);
• Quit smoking.

If you have any queries about the correct way to use Somac Heartburn Relief, please ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Contraindications

The use of Somac Heartburn Relief is contraindicated in patients with certain conditions. Do not use Somac Heartburn Relief if you have any of the following conditions:

• Cirrhosis or severe liver disease;
• Allergy to any of the medication components;
• Use of atazanavir.

Precautions

Somac Heartburn Relief must be used with caution in patients with certain conditions. See your doctor before taking Somac Heartburn Relief if you have any of the following conditions:

• Taken other medications to treat heartburn or indigestion for more than four weeks;
• An upcoming endoscopy;
• Difficult or painful swallowing;
• Choking attacks, especially at night;
• Suspected angina or heart attack;
• Age > 55 years with first time or longstanding and troublesome reflux symptoms;
• Any other significant medical condition;
• Gastrointestinal ulcer (suspected or present);
• Unintentional weight loss;
• Anaemia;
• Gastrointestinal bleeding;
• History of gastrointestinal surgery;
• Difficult or painful swallowing;
• Persistent vomiting or vomiting with blood.

Use in pregnancy

Somac Heartburn Relief is a Category B3 medication. The is no evidence about the safety of human use of Somac Heartburn Relief during pregnancy, so it should not be used by pregnant women.

Lactation

The is no evidence about the safety of human use of Somac Heartburn Relief during lactation, so it should not be used by breastfeeding women.

Schedule

Somac Heartburn Relief is Schedule 3 – pharmacist only medicine.¹

Common side effects

All medications have side effects, and, while these are usually minor complications, side effects can sometimes cause serious health problems. Before selling medications, pharmacists weigh up the benefits and likelihood of complications in the patient they are treating. Medications are sold when a pharmacist has considered the side effects and determined that the likely benefits outweigh the likely complications.

The side effects associated with Somac Heartburn Relief treatment are mostly minor and uncommon; however, a diverse range of side effects are experienced by a small number of patients.

Common side effects, which are experienced by 1–10% of individuals who take the medication, include:

• Headache;
• Diarrhoea;
• Belching;
• Constipation;
• Flatulence;
• Dry mouth;
• Upper abdominal pain;
• Metallic taste.

Uncommon side effects

Side effects that occur in less than 1% of Somac Heartburn Relief users are considered uncommon. You will not neccessarily experience any of these side effects, so do not be alarmed by this list. Uncommon side effects associated with Somac Heartburn Relief include:

• Dizziness;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Indigestion;
• Weakness or tiredness;
• Sweating;
• Blurred vision;
• Itchy skin or rash;
• Loss of appetite;
• Fever;
• Jaundice;
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat;
• Chest pain;
• Breathlessness;
• High blood pressure;
• Swelling of the legs;
• Bleeding or bruising more easily than normal;
• Depression, confusion or anxiety.

If you experience any of the listed side effects, or any other symptoms which appear
abnormal or unusual, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.

References:

1. Product Information: Somac Heartburn Relief Tablets. North Ryde, NSW: Nycomed Pty Ltd; 31 July 2008.
2. Somac Heartburn Relief: Pharmacist Training Manual. North Ryde, NSW: Nycomed Pty Ltd; 18 September 2008.
3. Consumer Medicine Information: Somac Heartburn Relief Tablets (Pantoprazole). North Ryde, NSW: Nycomed Pty Ltd; July 2008.

For further information talk to your doctor.