Symmetrel

Symmetrel

     * Generic Name: amantadine hydrochloride
     * Brand Name: Symmetrel


     * What is amantadine (Gocovri, Symmetrel)?
     * What are the possible side effects of amantadine (Gocovri,
       Symmetrel)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       amantadine (Gocovri, Symmetrel)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       amantadine (Gocovri, Symmetrel)?
     * How should I take amantadine (Gocovri, Symmetrel)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Gocovri, Symmetrel)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Gocovri, Symmetrel)?
     * What should I avoid while taking amantadine (Gocovri,
       Symmetrel)?
     * What other drugs will affect amantadine (Gocovri, Symmetrel)?
     * Where can I get more information (Gocovri, Symmetrel)?

What is amantadine (Gocovri, Symmetrel)?

   Amantadine is an antiviral medicine that blocks the actions of
   viruses in your body.

   Amantadine is used to treat or prevent influenza A in adults and
   children. Amantadine may not be effective during every flu season
   because certain strains of the virus may be resistant to this medicine.
   Amantadine should not be used in place of getting a yearly flu shot.
   The Centers for Disease Control recommends an annual flu shot to
   help protect you each year from new strains of influenza virus.

   Amantadine is also used to treat Parkinson's disease and
   "Parkinson-like" symptoms such as stiffness or tremors, shaking,
   and repetitive uncontrolled muscle movements that may be caused by the
   use of certain drugs.

   Amantadine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
   guide.

What are the possible side effects of amantadine (Gocovri, Symmetrel)?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
   throat.

   Call your doctor at once if you have:
     * extreme drowsiness, falling asleep suddenly even after feeling
       alert;
     * a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
     * shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling in your
       hands or feet;
     * painful or difficult urination;
     * depression, agitation, aggression, behavior changes,
       hallucinations, thoughts of hurting yourself;
     * a seizure; or
     * severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high
       fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors.

   You may have increased sexual urges, unusual urges to gamble, or other
   intense urges while taking this medicine. Talk with your doctor if this
   occurs.

   Side effects may be more likely in older adults.

   Common side effects may include:
     * dizziness, falls;
     * dry mouth;
     * swelling in your legs or feet;
     * nausea, constipation; or
     * sleep problems (insomnia).

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about amantadine
(Gocovri, Symmetrel)?

   You should not use amantadine if you received a nasal flu vaccine
   in the past 14 days.

   Do not receive a nasal flu vaccine while taking amantadine, and for at
   least 48 hours after your last dose.

   Symmetrel Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Flu: 10 Foods to Eat When You Have the Flu

   Flu Slideshow: 10 Foods to Eat When You Have the Flu
   Natural Cold & Flu Remedies:How to Find Relief

   Natural Cold & Flu Remedies Slideshow
   RxList

   Take the Cold & Flu Quiz

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking amantadine
(Gocovri, Symmetrel)?

   You should not use amantadine if you are allergic to it, or if you have
   received a "live" nasal flu vaccine (FluMist) within the
   past 14 days.

   To make sure amantadine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have
   ever had:
     * daytime drowsiness (caused by a sleep disorder or taking certain
       medicines);
     * a seizure;
     * fluid retention, congestive heart failure;
     * liver or kidney disease;
     * low blood pressure, fainting spells;
     * eczema;
     * glaucoma;
     * alcoholism or drug addiction; or
     * mental illness, psychosis, or suicidal thoughts or actions.

   People with Parkinson's disease may have a higher risk of skin
   cancer (melanoma). Talk to your doctor about this risk and what
   skin symptoms to watch for.

   It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell
   your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

   Amantadine can pass into breast milk, but effects on the nursing baby
   are not known. This medicine may also affect breast milk production.
   You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

   Amantadine is not approved for influenza in a child younger than 1 year
   old. Gocovri is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years
   old.

How should I take amantadine (Gocovri, Symmetrel)?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may
   occasionally change your dose. Do not use this medicine in larger or
   smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

   If you take amantadine to treat influenza A, start taking the medicine
   within 24 to 48 hours after flu symptoms begin. Keep taking amantadine
   for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve
   before the infection is completely cleared.

   You may take amantadine with or without food. You may need to take this
   medicine only at bedtime. Follow your doctor's instructions.

   Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a
   special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a
   dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

   Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release capsule. Swallow
   it whole.

   To make swallowing easier, you may open the capsule and sprinkle the
   medicine into a spoonful of applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away
   without chewing. Do not save it for later use.

   Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if you have a
   fever with a headache, cough, skin rash, or other new symptoms.

   If you take amantadine for Parkinson symptoms: You should not stop
   using amantadine suddenly or your condition may become worse. Stopping
   suddenly may also cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your
   doctor how to safely stop using this medicine.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the
   bottle tightly closed when not in use.

   Symmetrel Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Flu: 10 Foods to Eat When You Have the Flu

   Flu Slideshow: 10 Foods to Eat When You Have the Flu
   Natural Cold & Flu Remedies:How to Find Relief

   Natural Cold & Flu Remedies Slideshow
   RxList

   Take the Cold & Flu Quiz

What happens if I miss a dose (Gocovri, Symmetrel)?

   Skip the missed dose and take the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not
   take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

   Call your doctor if you miss several doses in a row.

What happens if I overdose (Gocovri, Symmetrel)?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222. An overdose of amantadine can be fatal.

   Overdose symptoms may include confusion, agitation, behavior changes,
   hallucinations, severe headache or pounding in your ears, muscle
   stiffness, problems with balance or walking, trouble breathing,
   fast heartbeats, or seizure.

What should I avoid while taking amantadine (Gocovri, Symmetrel)?

   Do not receive a nasal flu vaccine while using amantadine, and for at
   least 48 hours after your last dose. The vaccine may not work as well
   during this time, and may not fully protect you from disease.

   Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects could occur.

   Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine
   will affect you. Amantadine may impair your thinking or reactions. Some
   people taking amantadine have fallen asleep during normal daytime
   activities such as working, talking, eating, or driving. You may fall
   asleep suddenly, even after feeling alert. Be careful if you drive or
   do anything that requires you to be alert.

   Avoid taking diet pills, caffeine pills, or other stimulants
   (such as ADHD medications) without your doctor's advice. Taking a
   stimulant together with amantadine can increase your risk of unpleasant
   side effects.

What other drugs will affect amantadine (Gocovri, Symmetrel)?

   Taking amantadine with other drugs that make you sleepy can worsen this
   effect. Ask your doctor before taking a sleeping pill, narcotic
   medication, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or
   seizures.

   Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or
   stop using, especially:
     * glaucoma medication; or
     * medicine that contains sodium bicarbonate (such as
       Alka-Seltzer).

   This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with amantadine,
   including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and
   herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this
   medication guide.

Where can I get more information (Gocovri, Symmetrel)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about amantadine.
     __________________________________________________________________

   Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of
   children, never share your medicines with others, and use this
   medication only for the indication prescribed.
   Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by
   Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete,
   but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained
   herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for
   use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and
   therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United
   States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise.
   Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or
   recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational
   resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring
   for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a
   supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill,
   knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a
   warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be
   construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe,
   effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume
   any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the
   aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is
   not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions,
   warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If
   you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your
   doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

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