Ibuprofen 5% W/W Gel
SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
1 NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
Ibuprofen 5% w/w gel AUXIFEN 5% w/w Gel
2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION
1 g of gel contains 50 mg (5%) ibuprofen
Excipient with known effect: propylene glycol.
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1
3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM
Gel
Clear gel
4 CLINICAL PARTICULARS
4.1 Therapeutic indications
The product is recommended as a topical anti-inflammatory and analgesic intended for the rapid symptomatic relief of superficial musculoskeletal disorders, including backache, rheumatic pains, muscular pains, sprains, strains, lumbago and fibrositis.
4.2. Posology and method of administration
Posology
For adults, the elderly and children over 14 years
Method of administration
Apply the gel over the affected area and massage gently until absorbed.
Repeat as necessary, up to a maximum of three times a day. Not to be repeated more frequently than every four hours.
For each application use about 10 to 40mm ('A to 1A inches) of the gel (containing about 50 to 125mg Ibuprofen).
If no improvement is seen after two weeks, consult your doctor.
For external use only.
4.3. Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
Those patients known to be hypersensitive to ibuprofen, or any of the ingredients or sensitive to aspirin, or other NSAIDS including when taken by mouth, or asthmatic patients in whom aspirin or non-steroidal antiinflammatories are known to precipitate asthmatic attacks, rhinitis or urticaria. Use on broken skin or denuded skin. Simultaneous use on the same site with any other topical medicine. Use in the presence of local infection. Use in the last trimester of pregnancy.
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use
Paediatric population
Not recommended for children under 14 years of age
The gel should not be used on or near mucous membranes, nor near the eyes.
Avoid contact with inflamed or broken skin. Discontinue use if rash or irritation develops. Not for use with occlusive dressings.
Always try on a small area first.
As it is known that oral Ibuprofen may worsen an existing renal impairment, or aggravate an active peptic ulcer, patients with a history of renal problems or with an active peptic ulcer should seek medical advice before using topical Ibuprofen products such as Ibuprofen Gel.
The hands should be washed after applying the product, unless they are being treated.
Undesirable effects may be reduced by using the minimum effective dose for the shortest possible duration. If there is no improvement, or the condition is aggravated, the doctor should be consulted.
By extrapolation from other routes of administration:
Although this is less likely with NSAIDs intended for topical use compared to oral drugs, the use of Ibuprofen Gel, as with any drug known to inhibit cyclo-oxygenase/prostaglandin synthesis, may impair fertility. In women who have difficulty conceiving or who are undergoing investigation of infertility, withdrawal of Ibuprofen Gel should be considered.
If anyone swallows the gel he or she should contact his or her doctor or nearest casualty department.
Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
4.5. Interactions with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
No interaction studies have been performed.
Concurrent use of aspirin or other NS AIDS may result in an increased incidence of adverse reactions. Due to the low systemic absorption in normal conditions, interactions described for NSAIDS administered orally are unexpected.
4.6. Fertility, Pregnancy and lactation
The safety of ibuprofen in pregnancy has not been sufficiently documented in humans. Animal studies with oral treatment did not show teratogenic effects. In case of sufficient systemic concentrations an inhibition of spontaneous labour, premature closure of the ductus arteriousus botalli, increased bleeding complications in the mother and neonate and increased risk of oedema in the mother can be expected.
Topical ibuprofen is not recommended during the first six months of pregnancy and is contraindicated in the last trimester of pregnancy.
Ibuprofen and metabolites are excreted into breast milk so this product is not recommended during nursing.
4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines
No effects are known with topical Ibuprofen. Ibuprofen Gel has no influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
4.8 Undesirable effects
Skin disorders are most frequently reported: Application site reactions such as, rashes, pruritus and urticaria, drying, reddening, burning sensation, contact dermatitis.
Other systemic undesirable effects of NSAIDs depend on the quantity of gel applied, the treated area, the integrity of the skin, the duration of treatment, the use of occlusive dressings: although extremely uncommon when administered topically side effects such as abdominal pain, dyspepsia and renal impairment are possible.
Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported following treatment with ibuprofen. These may consist of:
(a) Non-specific allergic reactions and anaphylaxis.
(b) Respiratory tract reactivity comprising of asthma, aggravated asthma, dyspnoea and bronchospasm may be precipitated in patients suffering from or with a previous history of bronchial asthma or allergic disease (see section 4.3).
(c) Assorted skin disorders, including rashes of various types, pruritus, urticaria, purpura, angioedema and, less commonly, bullous dermatoses (including epidermal necrolysis and erythema multiforme).
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting system:
United Kingdom
Yellow Card Scheme
Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard
4.9 Overdose
Overdosage is unlikely to occur with topical application.
Symptoms of Ibuprofen overdose include headache, vomiting, drowsiness and hypotension.
Severe electrolyte abnormalities should be corrected.
5 PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
ATC Code M02AA13
Anti-inflammatory preparations, non-steroidal for topical use - ibuprofen.
Ibuprofen, a phenylpropionic acid derivative, is a prostaglandin synthetase inhibitor, with analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities when applied topically.
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties
Ibuprofen is applied topically for percutaneous absorption. When applied topically, absorption through the skin has been shown to be about 5% of that taken orally. Systemic concentration reaches a maximum of about 0.6 micrograms per ml some two hours after application.
5.3. Preclinical safety data
Non-clinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of safety pharmacology, ibuprofen is devoid of mutgenic activity in vitro and in vivo.
6.1 List of excipients
Propylene glycol Diisopropanolamine Carbomer Denatured Ethanol Purified water
6.2 Incompatibilities
Not applicable to a topical formulation.
6.3 Shelf life
3 years.
6.4 Special precautions for storage
Do not store above 25°C.
6.5 Nature and contents of container
Collapsible aluminium tube with epoxy resin lining and high density polyethylene cap filled to an average weight of 15, 35, 50 or 100g. The tube is enclosed by a cardboard carton containing package insert.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
6.6 Special precautions for disposal
No special requirements.
7 MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER
The Mentholatum Company Limited
1 Redwood Avenue
Peel Park Campus
East Kilbride G74 5PE, UK
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MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)
PL 00189/0024
DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION / RENEWAL OF AUTHORISATION
Date of first authorisation: 21 May 1996 Date of latest renewal: 15 Feb 2009
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DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT
13/05/2016