Remotiv
Latest News - Access Economics Report: St John’s wort for depression
SMH 10th Aug 2006 - The hype behind the herbs
Read in this article why the brand of St. John's wort that Professor John Eden (endocrinologist) recommends is Remotiv. The article states "But he doesn’t recommend any brand, he suggests Remotiv - a product in which he has no financial interest but which has been tested in clinical studies and found to be effective."
Remotiv® (Ze 117) is recommended for the relief of anxiety, nervous tension and irritability and is helpful during times of stress. Remotiv is the only St. John’s wort product which contains Ze 117, the specifically clinically proven Swiss extract which has been proven to be effective in published clinical trials.
St. John's wort has been used since the middle ages to help manage anxiety, stress and sleeplessness. Ancient Greek herbalists, such as Hippocrates, originally documented many of St. John’s wort’s medicinal uses.
Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist, patients should consult their healthcare professional.
How to use Remotiv
Remotiv
Extract of Hypericum (St. John’s wort)
What Remotiv tablets are used for
Remotiv tablets are recommended for the relief of mild anxiety, nervous tension, irritability and are helpful during times of stress.
Before you use Remotiv tablets you should consider the following:
Increased sensitivity to the sun
Very large doses of Remotiv may cause photosensitisation (increased sensitivity to the sun and sunburn).
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
There is no data on the use of Remotiv during pregnancy or in breastfeeding mothers. Remotiv tablets should only be taken during pregnancy and used by breastfeeding mothers under medical supervision.
Kidney and liver disease
Due to the absence of clinical data, Remotiv should not be used in patients with severe renal impairment (kidney problems) or hepatic impairment (liver problems).
Severe depressive illness
Remotiv is not recommended in these patients.
Possible interactions between Remotiv tablets and other medicines
St John’s wort affects the way some prescription medicines work. Please consult your doctor. When St John’s wort is taken together with certain other drugs, the speed at which the other drugs in the body are broken down could possibly be increased. This may result in lower levels of the other drugs being present and/or could affect the action of the other drugs. Drugs definitely affected in this way are indinavir and cyclosporin. Other drugs that may be affected are warfarin, digoxin, theophylline, anticonvulsants, the oral contraceptive pill and psychotropic reuptake inhibitors. You should discuss this with your healthcare professional.
How to take Remotiv tablets
Adults take one tablet morning and evening or as directed by your doctor or health care professional. The effect of Remotiv tablets is usually seen within 10 to 14 days of starting treatment, and a duration of treatment of four to six weeks is recommended. Treatment beyond this period may be suggested by your doctor or healthcare professional. If symptoms persist, you should seek the advice of your doctor or health care professional.
If too many Remotiv tablets are taken (overdose)
Photosensitisation has been reported only at high doses (typical symptoms included rash, itching and redness) 24 hours after exposure to ultraviolet light. Treatment consists of avoiding exposure to sunlight. There are, however, no reports of photosensitisation at the recommended dosage.
While you are taking Remotiv tablets
You should remind your healthcare professionals that you are taking Remotiv tablets, especially if you are currently taking or intend starting any other medicine.
Effects on ability to drive and operate machinery
Remotiv tablets have no known adverse effects in these situations.
Side effects
The incidence of undesirable effects during Remotiv treatment is similar to that of placebo (dummy sugar tablets). Undesirable effects reported with an incidence of less than 5% are gastro-intestinal disturbances, fatigue and nervousness.
Storage
Remotiv tablets should be stored in their original packaging, be protected from moisture and sunlight and kept in a cool place that stays below 25°C.
Product Description
Each Remotiv tablet contains extracts equivalent to dry:
Hypericum perforatum herb 1.375g
Manufacturer
Remotiv tablets are made in Switzerland by Zeller AG, one of the world's leading herbal medicine companies. Remotiv is marketed in Australia and New Zealand by Flordis Natural Medicines.
FAQs
How long does Remotiv take to work?
Remotiv starts to work straight away and you should feel better within a week or two. Depending on your individual circumstances, you may not actually feel the effects until after 2 and 4 weeks.
What is the average course of treatment?
Course of treatment should continue for 3 months, although it is safe to continue for a year or more, depending on advice from your healthcare professional.
Can I take Remotiv together with other prescription products for the management of depression?
No.
If Remotiv is taken at the recommended dosage the daily intake will be 2.75g. Other sources recommend higher dosages - why is this?
Our extract is known as Ze 117 and there is good evidence for its use. It is not possible to assess or compare extracts from different sources by the weight of extract alone (i.e. they are from different genetic material grown in different soils, climates, etc, and then extracted in different solvents and processed in different ways). Comparison can only be made by their results in clinical trials.
Is Remotiv gluten free?
Yes.
I hear that St. John's wort can make people more sensitive to sunburn. Is this the case with Remotiv?
No. There have been no reports of this with Remotiv when taken at the recommended dosage of one tablet twice a day.