Ionamin 15
PACKAGE LEAFLET: INFORMATION FOR THE USER
Ionamin 15mg / 30mg
Phentermine
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine.
- Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
- If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist .
- This medicine has been prescribed for you. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
- If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist .
In this leaflet:
1. What Ionamin Capsules are and what they are used for
2. Before you take Ionamin Capsules
3. How to take Ionamin Capsules
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Ionamin Capsules
6. Further information
1. WHAT IONAMIN CAPSULES ARE AND WHAT THEY ARE USED FOR
Ionamin capsules are taken by mouth and contain the ingredient phentermine. The phentermine is slowly released from the capsules and works by reducing your appetite.
Ionamin has been prescribed by your doctor as an aid to dieting, because they consider that your weight problem is a cause for concern and that you have been unsuccessful in attempting to lose weight by other means such as dieting alone.
2. BEFORE YOU TAKE IONAMIN CAPSULES Do not take Ionamin Capsules:
• If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to phentermine or any of the other ingredients of Ionamin Capsules (see section 6).
• You have very high blood pressure.
• You have an overactive thyroid.
• You have glaucoma.
• You have epilepsy.
• You have a history of heart problems.
• You have suffered from a stroke.
• You have had a mental illness such as anorexia nervosa and depression, or are a very emotional person.
• You have had drug or alcohol problems.
• You are taking any other medicine for slimming.
• You are taking medicine for depression called monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). If you are not sure, speak to your pharmacist.
Take special care with Ionamin Capsules
• Very rarely medicines such as Ionamin can increase the blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. This can be a life threatening condition. If you feel more breathless than usual during or after exercise, stop taking Ionamin Capsules and tell your doctor immediately.
• Some patients can become addicted to medicines such as Ionamin. This is not usually a problem with Ionamin Capsules.
• More rarely, medicines such as Ionamin may cause patients to lose their sense of reality.
• On rare occassions, heart problems and strokes have occurred in patients after rapid weight loss.
Taking other medicines
Please tell your doctor if you are taking medicines for
• High blood pressure.
• Anxiety, depression or are taking tranquilizers.
• Stimulating the nervous system.
If you have taken a medicine for depression called monoamine oxidase ihibitors (MAOI), within the last month, do not take Ionamin Capsules and ask your doctor for advice.
Ionamin Capsules can react with insulin. If you are diabetic, ask your doctor for advice before you take the capsules.
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.
Taking Ionamin Capsules with food and drink Ionamin Capsules may increase/enhance the effect of alcohol.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, are planning to become pregnant or if you are breast-feeding do not take Ionamin Capsules. Please ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.
Driving and using machines
Ionamin Capsules should not affect your ability to drive or use tools or machines safely. When you stop taking Ionamin Capsules, you may feel tired and this may affect your ability to drive or use tools or machines safely.
Important information about some of the ingredients of Ionamin Capsules
Ionamin Capsules contain lactose. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicine.
Ionamin Capsules contain Sunset yellow (E110) which may cause allergic reactions.
3. HOW TO TAKE IONAMIN CAPSULES
Always take Ionamin Capsules exactly as your doctor has told you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
The usual dose is one 15mg or one 30mg capsule a day. Take your medicine regularly at breakfast time. Do not take Ionamin Capsules near bed time as you may have difficulty getting to sleep.
Sometimes the doctor will tell you to take Ionamin Capsules for a number of weeks followed by a gap without the medicine. Always follow their instructions. Usually the doctor will not give Ionamin Capsules for longer than 3 months.
Swallow the capsule whole with a drink of water. Do not chew the capsule.
Ionamin Capsules are not suitable for children below 12 years of age, or the elderly
If you take more Ionamin Capsules than you should, or if a child has taken any, contact your nearest hospital casualty department immediately.
If you forget to take Ionamin Capsules
Wait until the following day and continue your corse of treatment. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist .
4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
Like all medicines, Ionamin Capsules can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Common side effcts may include:
• dry mouth
• headache
• palpitations
• constipation
• rash
More rarely:
• breathlessness during or after excercising
• depression
• restlessness
• dizziness
• nervousness
• feeling high spirited
• difficulty getting to sleep
• nausea
• vomiting
• raised blood pressure
Very rarely:
• convulsions
• heart attack
• chest pain
• fast heartbeat
• stroke
If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist .
Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
Store Ionamin Capsules in a dry place, below 25°C.
Do not use Ionamin Capsules after the expiry date that is stated on the label and the carton after ‘Use before’. The expiry date refers to the last day of the month.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Return any unused Ionamin Capsules to your pharmacist for safe disposal. These measures will help to protect the environment.
6. FURTHER INFORMATION What Ionamin Capsules contain
- The active substance is phentermine (15mg or 30mg)
- The other ingredients are a resin (called sulphonated styrene-divinyl benzene copolymer), calcium hydrogen phosphate, lactose, magnesium stearate, purified water, gelatine and the colours quinolone yellow (E104), sunset yellow (E110), titanium dioxide (E171), black iron oxide (E172) and black ink.
What Ionamin Capsules look like and contents of the pack
Ionamin Capsules are available in two strengths: 15mg or 30mg, each available in a pack containing 4, 28, or 100 capsules. The 15mg capsule is grey and yellow. The 30mg capsule is all yellow.
Marketing Authorisation Holder: Typharm Limited,Unit 14D Wendover road, Rackheath Industrial,Estate Rackheath, Norwich, NR13 6LH, United Kingdom
Manufacturer: Packpharm Ltd., 14D Wendover Road, Rackheath Industrial Estate, Norwich, NR13 6LH.