Language selection

Government of Canada

Search

Details for: SANDOZ OMEPRAZOLE

Company: SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED

DIN DIN name Active Ingredient(s) Strength Dosage Form Route of Administration
02296438SANDOZ OMEPRAZOLEOMEPRAZOLE10 MGCAPSULE (DELAYED RELEASE)ORAL
02296446SANDOZ OMEPRAZOLEOMEPRAZOLE20 MGCAPSULE (DELAYED RELEASE)ORAL
Search Reported Side Effects Report a Side Effect

Summary Reports

Summary Safety Review - Proton Pump Inhibitors - Assessing the Potential Risk of Clostridium difficile Infection
Summary Safety Review - Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) - Assessing the risk of a type of skin reaction [Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (SCLE)]

Consumer Information

This information was provided by the drug’s manufacturer when this drug product was approved for sale in Canada. It is designed for consumers and care givers. It is a summary of information about the drug and will not tell you everything about the drug. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about the drug.

What the medication is used for

Sandoz Omeprazole is used to treat problems caused by too much acid in the stomach such as:

  • stomach ulcers (sores).
  • duodenal ulcers (sores on the first part of the intestine).
  • stomach and duodenal ulcers caused by a bacterium, Helicobacter pylori.
  • ulcers caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (drugs for pain and sore joints).
  • reflux esophagitis (tissue damage caused by the stomach acid and juices moving up the food tube).
  • symptoms of reflux disease (e.g., heartburn, backup of stomach contents to the throat).
  • a rare condition where the stomach produces too much acid (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome).
What it does

Sandoz Omeprazole is a medicine called a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Sandoz Omeprazole works by reducing the amount of acid made in your stomach.

When it should not be used

  • you are allergic to omeprazole, substituted benzimidazoles or any of the other ingredients in Sandoz Omeprazole (see “What are the ingredients in Sandoz Omeprazole?”).
  • you are taking rilpivirine.
What the medicinal ingredient is

omeprazole

What the non-medicinal ingredients are

carrageenan, croscarmellose sodium, dibutyl sebacate, hypromellose, hypromellose phthalate, iron oxide red, lactose anhydrous, low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, polysorbate 80, potassium chloride, povidone, talc, titanium dioxide, water.

Check with your doctor if you think you might be allergic to any of the above ingredients.

What dosage form it comes in

Capsules of omeprazole 10 mg and 20 mg

Warnings and precautions

To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take Sandoz Omeprazole. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if you:

  • have had any health problems in the past.
  • have severe liver problems now, or have had it in the past.
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
  • are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, as omeprazole is excreted in breast milk.
  • take any other medications, including ones you can buy without a prescription.
  • are due to have a specific blood test (Chromogranin A).

Other warnings you should know about

Sandoz Omeprazole is not recommended for use in patients under 18 years of age.

This medicine should be used at the lowest dose and for the shortest time suitable for your condition. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your treatment.

Treatment in combination with antibiotics: If you experience symptoms such as severe (bloody or repeated watery) diarrhea, with or without fever, abdominal pain or tenderness, you may have bowel inflammation caused by a bacterial infection (Clostridium difficile). If this happens, stop taking the drug combination and call your healthcare professional immediately.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about symptoms that may be a sign of a more serious problem in your stomach or intestine such as:

  • trouble swallowing.
  • unplanned weight loss.
  • vomiting blood or food.
  • black (blood-stained) stools.

Long-term use of PPIs may interfere with the absorption of Vitamin B12 from the diet. This may cause a shortage of Vitamin B12 in your body. Talk to your doctor about this risk.

Long-term use of PPIs may lead to low blood magnesium in some people. When blood magnesium is lower than normal, it may also lead to low blood calcium and low blood potassium.

Using PPIs for a long time (every day for a year or longer) may increase risks of broken bones of the hip, wrist, or spine. Talk to your doctor about this risk.

Using Sandoz Omeprazole for a long period of time may cause a growth in your stomach (polyp), especially after one year.

Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.

Interactions with this medication
  • medication for HIV: Sandoz Omeprazole may decrease the effectiveness of some drugs used for HIV treatment; atazanavir, nelfinavir and saquinavir should not be used with Sandoz Omeprazole;
  • a high-dose of methotrexate (a drug used in high doses to treat cancer). Sandoz Omeprazole may need to be temporarily withdrawn.
  • clopidogrel, which is used for the prevention of blood clots. Sandoz Omeprazole may interact with this drug, therefore use with clopidogrel should be avoided.
  • Drug effects may be influenced if Sandoz Omeprazole is taken at the same time as some drugs used to prevent fungal infections (itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole), anxiety (diazepam), epilepsy (phenytoin), blood clotting (warfarin or other vitamin K blockers), transplant rejection (tacrolimus), poor circulation in the legs (cilostazol)*, heart problems (digoxin), treatment for tuberculosis (rifampin), St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) or a certain type of anticancer drug (erlotinib or any other anticancer drug from the same class);

*not marketed in Canada

Proper use of this medication

Follow your doctor’s directions carefully. They may be different from the information contained in this leaflet.

  • Take all doses of Sandoz Omeprazole that your doctor prescribes, even when you feel well. Doses every day are needed to help damaged areas heal.
  • If you take Sandoz Omeprazole with antibiotic drugs, it is important that you take all medications at the right time of day for the whole treatment period. Studies have shown that patients who take their medications as prescribed have better ulcer healing rates and greater success getting rid of their H. pylori infection.
  • Take Sandoz Omeprazole until your doctor tells you to stop. Even if you start to feel better in a few days, your symptoms may return if Sandoz Omeprazole is stopped too soon. Sandoz Omeprazole needs to be taken for the full treatment to help correct acid problems.
  • Sandoz Omeprazole may be taken with food or on an empty stomach.
  • Do not chew or crush your Sandoz Omeprazole capsules. Swallow the capsule whole with half a glass of water.

Usual Dose

Your doctor may tell you to take Sandoz Omeprazole:

  • 10-40 mg once a day for 2-8 weeks to heal damaged areas.
  • 10-40 mg to control symptoms of reflux disease or to stop reflux esophagitis from coming back.
  • 20 mg to stop ulcers from returning while you take your medicine for pain and joint problems.
  • 60 mg once a day to treat Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
  • In combination with antibiotic drugs for one week to treat ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori
    • If you get Losec 1-2-3 A™, you will take Sandoz Omeprazole, clarithromycin and amoxicillin.
    • If you get Losec 1-2-3 M™, you will take Sandoz Omeprazole, clarithromycin and metronidazole.
    • Take the 3 drugs two times a day for one week.
    • If your ulcer is bothering you, your doctor may recommend further treatment with Sandoz Omeprazole to make sure that your ulcer is healed.

Overdose

If you think you have taken too much Sandoz Omeprazole, contact your healthcare professional, hospital emergency department or regional Poison Control Centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Sandoz Omeprazole and remember within 12 hours, take it as soon as possible. Then go back to your regular schedule. However, if more than 12 hours have passed when you remember, do not take the missed dose. Do not double the dose. Just take your next dose on time.

Side effects and what to do about them

Like all medicines, Sandoz Omeprazole may cause side effects in some people. Side effects are usually mild and go away a short time after starting Sandoz Omeprazole.

These are not all the possible side effects you may feel when taking Sandoz Omeprazole. If you experience any side effects not listed here, contact your healthcare professional. Please also see Warnings and Precautions. These side effects may not be caused by Sandoz Omeprazole in your case, but only a doctor can assess this.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms:

  • New or worsening joint pain.
  • Rash on your cheeks or arms that gets worse in the sun.

Common side effects (≥ 1 in 100 patients):

  • Headache.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Constipation.
  • Abdominal pain.
  • Nausea/ vomiting.
  • Excess gas in stomach (flatulence).

Uncommon side effects (≥ 1 in 1000 patients, but < 1 in 100 patients):

  • Dizziness.
  • Feeling like you or your surroundings are moving (vertigo).
  • Difficulty sleeping.
  • Feeling sleepy.
  • Sensation of burning/ prickling/ numbness.

Rare side effects (< 1 in 1000 patients):

  • Dry mouth.
  • Hair loss.
  • Increased sweating.
  • Taste disorders.

Stopping your PPI therapy after taking it for a long time may cause your symptoms to get worse and your stomach may increase acid production. Carefully follow your doctor’s instructions when stopping Sandoz Omeprazole.

Serious side effects and what to do about them
Symptom / effect Talk to your healthcare professional Only if severe Talk to your healthcare professional In all cases Stop taking drug and get immediate medical help
UNCOMMON (≥ 1 in 1000 patients, but < 1 in 100 patients)
skin reactions (such as skin rash, dermatitis, itchy skin and/or hives)   ✔  
feeling ill   ✔  
RARE (≥ 1 in 10,000 patients, but < 1 in 1000 patients)
inflammation in the mouth   ✔  
gastrointestinal fungal infection   ✔  
inflammation of the kidney   ✔  
liver problems, i.e., inflammation of the liver with or without jaundice, impaired liver function     ✔
blood disorders (reduced number of cells in the blood, low blood sodium)   ✔  
inflammation in the gut (leading to diarrhea)   ✔  
sore joints and muscles   ✔  
muscular weakness   ✔  
development of breasts in males   ✔  
sensitivity to sunlight   ✔  
severe skin reactions     ✔
hypersensitive (allergic) reactions (such as swelling of tissues, fever, discomfort/ tightness in chest and anaphylactic shock)     ✔
blurred vision   ✔  
if you already have severe liver disease, you may experience disorientation/ aggression/ confusion/ decreased consciousness   ✔  
if you are very ill, you may feel confused, nervous, depressed or hallucinate   ✔  
VERY RARE (< 1 in 10,000 patients)
low blood magnesiumθ (which may result in low blood calcium and/or low blood potassium)   ✔  

θ These would only be seen if a blood test was taken.

If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, talk to your healthcare professional. Other situations may arise. Nothing in this leaflet should stop you from calling your doctor or pharmacist with any questions or concerns you have about using Sandoz Omeprazole.

How to store

Keep all capsules in their container until it is time for a dose. If you do not, moisture from the air may damage the capsules.
Remember to keep Sandoz Omeprazole well out of sight and reach of children. Keep the package at room temperature (15-30°C). Do not keep Sandoz Omeprazole in the bathroom medicine cabinet or other warm, moist places.
Do not use Sandoz Omeprazole after the expiry date marked on the pack.

Keep out of sight and reach of children.

Reporting side effects

You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:

NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice.

More information

  • Talk to your healthcare professional
  • Find the full Product Monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada website (https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/index-eng.jsp); the Sandoz Canada Inc. website www.sandoz.ca, or by calling 1-800-361-3062.


    • or by written request at:
    110, Rue de Lauzon
    Boucherville, (QC), Canada
    J4B 1E6

    or by e-mail at :
    medinfo@sandoz.com

This leaflet was prepared by Sandoz Canada Inc

Last Revised: July 31, 2019

Date modified: