Zamadol Sr 50mg Prolonged-Release Hard Capsules
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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 get serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
Your medicine is called Zamadol SR 50mg prolonged-release hard capsules and will be referred to as Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules throughout the rest of this leaflet. Please note that the leaflet also contains information about other strengths of the medicine, Zamadol SR 100mg prolonged-release hard capsules, Zamadol SR 150mg prolonged-release hard capsules and Zamadol SR 200mg prolonged-release hard capsules.
In this leaflet:
What Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules is and what it is used for
Before you take Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules How to take Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules [4 Possible side effects
How to store Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules ^ Further information
^ What Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules is and what it is used for
Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules belongs to a group of medicines called analgesics, commonly known as pain killers or pain relievers. The active substance, tramadol hydrochloride, interrupts the pain messages being sent to your brain, and it also acts in your brain to stop pain messages from being felt. This means that Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules does not stop the pain from happening, but you will not be able to feel the pain as much.
Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules is used to relieve moderate to severe pain. (for example pain after an operation, or after an injury).
3 Before you take Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules
Do not take Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules:
* if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to tramadol hydrochloride or to any of the other ingredients resulting in a skin rash, swelling of face or difficulty in breathing (see section 6, "Further Information”)
* if you are taking, or you have taken in the last two weeks, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) to treat your depression (see section 2,
"Taking other medicines”)
* if you have epilepsy which is not controlled by treatment
* if you have drunk enough alcohol to make you feel woozy or drunk
* if you have taken more than the prescribed dose of your sleeping tablets, antipsychotics, antidepressant (antipsychotics and antidepressants
are medicines that affect mood and emotions) or other pain killers, which can slow down your breathing and reactions.
Take special care with Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules
* If taken for long periods there is the rare possibility that addiction may develop.
* There is the rare possibility that Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules may cause convulsions (fits). The risk is increased if doses above the daily maximum are taken and if you are also taking antidepressants or antipsychotics.
* If you have a tendency to drug addiction or abuse you should take Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules for short periods only. Please tell your doctor about this as he/she may want to monitor your pain control more closely.
* You should not take this product for the treatment of withdrawal symptoms in drug addicts.
Before taking Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules you must
tell your doctor:
* if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
* if you have been taking Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules or any other tramadol containing medicine for a long time.
* if you are addicted to morphine.
* if you have had an allergic reaction to any morphine-like medicines.
* if you have severe problems with your liver or kidneys.
* if you have recently had a head injury or have a very bad headache that makes you sick.
* if you have ever had convulsions (fits) or you suffer from epilepsy.
* if you have asthma or trouble breathing.
* if you are taking other medicines.
* if you are going to have surgery requiring a general anaesthetic.
If any of the above apply to you, you must tell your doctor as he/she may
decide to alter your treatment.
Taking other medicines
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including those obtained without prescription:
* Do not take Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules at the same time, or within 14 days of taking medicines called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (moclobemide or phenelzine for depression, selegiline for Parkinson's disease).
* The pain relieving effect of Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules may be weakened and/or shortened if you also take medicines containing:
* Carbamazepine (used to treat epilepsy)
* Buprenorphine, nalbuphine, or pentazocine (pain killers)
* Ondansetron (prevents nausea)
Your doctor will tell you whether you should take Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules, and what dose.
* The risk of side effects increases if you are taking certain antidepressants. Zamadol SR prolonged-release capsules may interact with
these medicines and you may experience symptoms such as involuntary, rhythmic contractions of muscles, including the muscles that control movement of the eye, agitation, excessive sweating, tremor, exaggeration of reflexes, increased muscle tension, body temperature above 38°C.
You must tell your doctor if you are taking these medicines.
* The risk of side effects increases if you are taking medicines which may cause convulsions (fits), such as certain antidepressants or antipsychotics. The risk of having a fit may increase if you take Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules at the same time. Your doctor will tell you whether Zamadol SR prolonged-release capsules are suitable for you.
* Medicines that act on the nervous system such as hypnotics, tranquillisers, sleeping pills and pain killers may make you feel drowsier or faint when taken with Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules.
* Anticoagulants to thin your blood such as warfarin. The effectiveness of the medicines may be altered if you are also taking Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules.
Tell your doctor or dentist if you are taking any of these medicines.
Taking Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules with food and drink
You can take Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules with or without a meal. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules should not be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This is because it is not yet known how safe it is to take this medicine when you are pregnant.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.
Please contact your doctor if you become pregnant during your treatment.
Driving and using machines
Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules may cause drowsiness, particularly if taken with alcohol, anti-histamines and other medicines that may cause drowsiness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery unless you know how Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules affects you.
The medicine can affect your ability to drive as it may make you sleepy or dizzy.
* Do not drive while taking this medicine until you know how it affects you.
* It is an offence to drive if this medicine affects your ability to drive.
* However, you would not be committing an offence if:
- The medicine has been prescribed to treat a medical or dental problem and
- You have taken it according to the instructions given by the prescriber or in the information provided with the medicine and
- It was not affecting your ability to drive safely
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure whether it is safe for you to drive while taking this medicine.
Important information about some of the ingredients of Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules
This medicine contains sucrose. If you have been told by your doctor that you have intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product.
[3 How to take Zamadol SR prolonged-release
hard capsules
Dosage for adults:
Always take Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules exactly as your doctor has told you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
The usual initial dose is 50 - 100 mg twice daily, morning and evening. Your doctor may increase this dose up to 150 - 200 mg twice daily according to your needs. You should normally take your Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules every 12 hours, at the same time each morning and evening.
The dosage should be adjusted to the intensity of your pain and your individual pain sensitivity. In general the lowest pain-relieving dose should be taken. The maximum dose is usually 400 mg daily.
Patient Information Leaflet (continued)
Dosage for children and adolescents:
Over 12 years - as for adults (see above).
Under 12 years - Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules should not be taken by children under 12.
Dosage for elderly patients:
In elderly patients (above 75 years) the excretion of tramadol may be delayed. if this applies to you, your doctor may recommend prolonging the dosage interval.
Severe liver or kidney disease (insufficiency)/dialysis patients:
Patients with severe liver and/or kidney insufficiency should not take Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules. If in your case the problem is mild or moderate your doctor may recommend prolonging the dosage interval.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if:
* you are not sure how many capsules to take or when to take them
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if:
* you think that the effect is too strong or too weak
Swallow the capsules whole with water without chewing.
If you have difficulty in swallowing, you may open the capsules. You must open them very carefully by pulling and twisting each end over a spoon so that all the pellets stay in the spoon. Do not chew. Swallow all the pellets with water.
If you take more Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules than you should
If you accidentally take more capsules than your prescribed dose, tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately and if necessary contact your nearest hospital casualty department. Remember to take the pack and any remaining medicines with you.
If you forget to take Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules
Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you stop taking Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules
Do not stop taking Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules, or lower the dose, without first checking with your doctor. Generally there will be no after-effects when treatment with Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules is stopped. However, on rare occasions, people who have been taking Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules for some time may feel unwell if they abruptly stop taking them. They may feel agitated, anxious, nervous or shaky. They may be hyperactive, have difficulty sleeping and have stomach or bowel disorders. If you experience any of these complaints after stopping Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules please consult your doctor.
If you have further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
* psychic effects including: changes in mood, activity, behaviour and perception, hallucinations, confusion, restlessness, sleep disturbances and nightmares
* convulsions (fits)
* tingling sensation and trembling
* slow heart beat, increase in blood pressure
* muscle weakness
* difficulty or inability in passing urine
* blurred vision
Very rare (occurs in less than 1 in 10,000 patients including isolated cases)
* flushing
* vertigo (feeling of dizziness or "spinning”)
* asthma and breathing difficulties
* elevated liver enzymes
Withdrawal symptoms including: agitation, anxiety, nervousness, difficulty
sleeping, restlessness, trembling and gastro-intestinal problems
(see section 3, "How to take Zamadol prolonged-release hard capsules”).
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.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
3 How to store Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules
* KEEP OUT OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN
* Store in the original package in order to protect from moisture.
* Do not store above 25 °C.
* Do not take this medicine after the expiry date which is printed on the blister or carton label. If your doctor tells you to stop taking the medicine, take any remaining medicine back to the pharmacist for safe disposal. Only keep this medicine if your doctor tells you to.
* If your medicine becomes discoloured or shows any other signs of deterioration, ask your pharmacist who will advise you what to do.
* Medicines should not be disposed of via waste water or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.
3 Possible side effects
Like all other medicines, Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
The most serious side effects which may occur include allergic reaction (difficulty in breathing, wheezing and swelling of the face or throat), anaphylactic reaction (an extreme allergic reaction resulting in difficulty breathing, changes in heart rate, faintness, collapse or unconsciousness due to a drop in blood pressure) or convulsions (fits). If you have any of these symptoms you must stop taking Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules immediately and seek medical advice.
Very Common (occurs in more than 1 in 10 patients)
* Dizziness
* Vomiting and nausea (being and feeling sick)
Common (occurs in more than 1 in 100 patients and less than 1 in 10 patients)
* headache
* drowsiness, sleepiness (fatigue)
* constipation, dry mouth
* sweating
Uncommon (occurs in more than 1 in 1,000 patients and less than 1 in 100 patients)
* rapid heart beat, palpitation, sudden drops in blood pressure. These adverse effects may occur especially on intravenous administration and in patients who are physically stressed
* itching, skin rash
* retching, feeling bloated or full
Rare (occurs in more than 1 in 10,000 patients and less than 1 in 1000 patients)
* allergic reaction such as difficulty in breathing, wheezing, swelling of the face or throat.
* anaphylactic reaction (an extreme allergic reaction)
* appetite changes
3 Further information
What Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules contains:
The active substance is tramadol hydrochloride.
Each Zamadol SR 50mg prolonged-release hard capsules contains 50mg of tramadol hydrochloride.
The other ingredients of the capsule contents are: sugar spheres (sucrose and maize starch), colloidal anhydrous silica, ethylcellulose, shellac and talc. The capsule contains: gelatin, titanium dioxide (E171), iron oxide yellow (E172) and indigotine (E132).
The printing ink contains: shellac, iron oxide black (E172), propylene glycol and ammonium hydroxide.
What Zamadol SR prolonged-release hard capsules looks like and contents of the pack
Zamadol SR 50mg prolonged-release hard capsules are dark green and marked with T50SR in black ink.
Each pack contains 60 prolonged-release hard capsules.
Manufacturer and Licence Holder
This medicine is manufactured by Temmler Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Marburg, Germany and is procured from within the EU and repackaged by the Product Licence Holder: Lexon (UK) Limited, Unit 18, Oxleasow Road, East Moons Moat, Redditch, Worcestershire, B98 0RE.
If you have any questions or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist. They will have additional information about this medicine and will be able to advise you.
[POM PL 15184/1381 Zamadol SR 50mg prolonged-release hard capsules
Zamadol is a registered trademark of MEDA Pharma GmbH & Co. KG. Revision date: 07/05/14