Equanox
PL 15929/0008 — revised
Equanox
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start to use this medicine.
• Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
• If you have further questions, please ask your doctor or your pharmacist.
• This medicine has been prescribed for you personally and you should not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
In this leaflet:
1. What Equanox is and what it is used for.
2. Before you use Equanox
3. How to use Equanox
4. Possible side effects.
5. Storing Equanox
The name of your medicine is Equanox. Equanox is supplied as a gas containing 50% oxygen and 50% nitrous oxide. It does not contain any other ingredients.
1. What is Equanox and what it is used for.
Equanox is an inhalation gas (a gas that is breathed in). It is colourless and odourless. It is supplied in as a pressurised gas in a gas cylinder with a valve to control the outflow of the gas.
It relieves pain by acting on chemical messengers within your body which send messages to the brain when you are injured.
It is used to relieve pain when rapid-onset powerful short-term relief of severe pain is needed.
2. Before you use Equanox
Do not smoke or allow those near you to smoke during treatment with Equanox as it helps things burn.
If you suffer from any medical complaint where air is trapped within your body and it might be dangerous for this air to expand you should not take Equanox. Please consult your doctor.
Before taking Equanox you must make sure it has been stored above 10°C for at least 24 hours.
Pregnancy
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.
Equanox can be used if you are pregnant.
Breast-feeding
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.
Equanox can be used if you are breast- feeding.
Driving and using machines.
If you have been given Equanox on its own for pain relief, it is important that you feel capable before considering whether to drive.
Your healthcare professional will advise you whether it is safe for you to drive.
You must wait at least 30 minutes after use before driving or using heavy machinery.
Using other medicines.
Interactions with other medicines are unlikely when Equanox is used as directed.
Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, or have recently taken any other medicine - even those not prescribed.
3. How to use Equanox
Always follow the instructions given to you by your doctor. Do not stop treatment or change your treatment without consulting your doctor first.
You will normally use Equanox by breathing the gas in through a face mask.
Only use the equipment supplied to you for use with your Equanox.
All equipment used with the Equanox should be kept clean and dry. Do not use oil or grease on any equipment that is used with Equanox.
Your doctor or nurse will decide how much Equanox you need.
If you are at altitude, you should use at least 30% oxygen with nitrous oxide.
If you use Equanox for more than 24 hours, or if you use the gas more frequently than every four days, your doctor will take blood tests to check your red and white blood cells.
Your doctor will tell you how long your treatment with Equanox will last.
If you forgot to use Equanox
Take your Equanox as soon as you remember, do not take a double dose to make up for the forgotten treatment.
If you use more Equanox than you should:
If you take too much Equanox, you will become increasingly light-headed, feel drunk and then become unconscious. If you continue to breathe in too much Equanox you could die.
You must stop taking Equanox and go out in the fresh air.
Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation may be needed and, sometimes, you may be given oxygen.
4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines Equanox can have side effects.
If you take Equanox for a long time you may have ear damage or bowel problems.
If there is extensive use of Equanox over a long time, there may be bone marrow changes and also nerve damage but these effects are very rarely seen.
Do not overuse Equanox as addiction to the gas mixture can occur.
If you notice any side effects not mentioned in this leaflet please inform your doctor or your pharmacist.
5. Storage of Equanox
• Keep Equanox out of the reach and sight of children.
• Do not smoke where Equanox is stored.
Equanox containers should be stored:
• horizontally above 10°C and below 38°C.in a well ventilated place,
• under cover
• kept clean and dry.
Return any used cylinders to Air Liquide.
Use by date
Do not use Equanox after the expiry date on the label.
The Marketing Authorisation Holder for Equanox is Air Liquide Limited, Station Road, Coleshill, Birmingham, West Midlands, B46 1JY
Equanox is manufactured by Air Liquide in the UK.