Brufen 200 Mg Effervescent Granules
Package leaflet: Information for the user <BRUFEN 200 mg Effervescent Granules>
Ibuprofen
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine - because it contains important information for you.
Always take this medicine exactly as described in this leaflet or as your doctor or pharmacist have told you.
• Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
• Ask your pharmacist if you need more information or advice.
• If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet.
• You must talk to a doctor if you do not feel better or if you feel worse after 3 days. What is in this leaflet:
1. What <BRUFEN> is and what it is used for
2. What you need to know before you take <BRUFEN>
3. How to take <BRUFEN>
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store <BRUFEN>
6. Contents of the pack and other information
The full name of your medicine is <BRUFEN 200 mg Effervescent Granules>. In this leaflet the shorter name <BRUFEN> is used.
1. What <BRUFEN> is and what it is used for
<BRUFEN> belongs to a group of medicines called ‘non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs’ or NSAIDs. Each sachet of medicine contains 200 mg of ibuprofen.
This medicine is used:
• to relieve pain in conditions such as toothache, period pain and headache
• to reduce fever (high temperature) and pain when you have the common cold.
It can be used in adults and children over 30 kg in body weight (over 8 years old).
You must talk to a doctor if you do not feel better or if you feel worse after 3 days.
2. What you need to know before you take <BRUFEN>
Do not take <BRUFEN> if:
• you are allergic to ibuprofen or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6)
• you have ever had an allergic reaction to ibuprofen, acetylsalicylic acid (e.g. Aspirin) or other NSAIDs - the signs include a reddening or rash of the skin, swollen face or lips or shortness of breath
• you have (or have had two or more episodes of) a stomach ulcer or bleeding of the stomach
• you have a history of gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation related to previous NSAID therapy
• you have severe liver or kidney problems
• you have severe heart failure or coronary heart disease
• you have active bleeding or an illness that may make you more likely to bleed
• you have disturbances in the formation of blood cells of unknown cause
• you are very dehydrated - this may be due to being sick, diarrhoea or not drinking enough fluid
• you are in the last 3 months of pregnancy. See ‘Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility’ below for more information.
Do not take <BRUFEN> if any of the above apply to you. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking <BRUFEN> if you:
• have Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE, an illness that affects connective tissue, including your joints and skin) or other autoimmune diseases, because of increased risk of aseptic meningitis (stiff neck, headache, nausea, vomiting, fever or disorientation)
• have disturbances in the formation of blood cells
• have problems with normal blood clotting mechanism
• have ever had stomach or gut problems (such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease)
• have kidney or liver problems
• have recently had a major operation
• have had allergic reactions to other medicines for other conditions in the past
• have hay fever, nasal polyps (loss of smell, runny or blocked nose) or breathing problems, because there is also an increased risk of allergic reactions for you, which may present as asthma attacks, swelling of the skin or hives
• are elderly (over 65 years) - this is because you may be more likely to get serious side effects
• have chicken pox or shingles (varicella)
• are dehydrated
• have ever had asthma
• are taking other pain relieving drugs regularly - particularly if you are physically active which can lead to a loss of salt or dehydration.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking <BRUFEN> if any of the above apply to you. Heart attack and stroke
Anti-inflammatory/pain-killer medicines like ibuprofen may be associated with a small increased risk of heart attack or stroke, particularly when used at high doses. Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration of treatment. You should discuss your treatment with your doctor or pharmacist before taking <BRUFEN> if you:
• have heart problems including heart failure, angina (chest pain), or if you have had a heart attack, bypass surgery, peripheral artery disease (poor circulation in the legs of feet due to narrow or blocked arteries), or any kind of stroke (including ‘mini-stroke’ or transient ischaemic attack “TIA”).
• have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, have a family history of heart disease or stroke, or if you are a smoker.
Renal effects
There is a risk of kidney damage in dehydrated children, adolescents and elderly.
Do not take more than the recommended dose of this medicine.
Also, do not take this medicine for longer than recommended in this leaflet (3 days).
General information on prolonged use of painkillers
In general the habitual use of (several sorts of) analgesics can lead to lasting severe kidney problems. This risk may be increased under physical strain associated with loss of salt and dehydration. Therefore it should be avoided.
On prolonged use of painkillers, headache may occur that must not be treated with increased doses of the medicinal product.
<BRUFEN> may hide the symptoms of an infection, for example headache, and high temperature.
Consult a doctor before using <BRUFEN> if any above mentioned conditions concern you. Children
This medicine should not be given to children with a body weight of less than 30 kg (under 8 years old).
Other medicines and <BRUFEN>
<BRUFEN>may affect or be affected by some other medicines. For example:
- medicines that are anti-coagulants (i.e. thin blood/prevent clotting e.g. aspirin/acetylsalicylic acid, warfarin, ticlopidine)
- medicines that reduce high blood pressure (ACE-inhibitors such as captopril, beta-blockers such as atenolol medicines, angiotensin-II receptor antagonists such as losartan)
Some other medicines may also affect or be affected by the treatment of <BRUFEN>.
You should therefore always seek the advice of your doctor or pharmacist before you use <BRUFEN> with other medicines.
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. In particular, tell them if you are taking:
acetylsalicylic acid (e.g. Aspirin) - do not use <BRUFEN> if you are taking more than 75 mg of acetylsalicylic acid (e.g. Aspirin) per day. |
since this may increase the risk of gastrointestinal ulcers or bleeding |
other NSAIDs (anti-inflammatories and analgesics) including Cox-2 inhibitors (such as celecoxib) |
since this may increase the risk of gastrointestinal ulcers or bleeding |
other medicines containing ibuprofen, such as those you can buy without a prescription |
since this may increase the risk of gastrointestinal ulcers or bleeding |
acetylsalicylic acid (e.g. Aspirin), Low dose - if you are on low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (up to 75 mg daily) speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you take <BRUFEN>. |
since the blood-thinning effect may be impaired |
medicines for heart problems - such as digoxin |
since the effect of digoxin may be enhanced |
corticosteroids - used for inflammatory conditions |
since this may increase the risk of gastrointestinal ulcers or bleeding |
medicines to stop blood clots - such as acetylsalicylic acid (e.g. Aspirin) or ticlopidine |
since this may increase the risk of bleeding |
medicines for thinning the blood (such as warfarin) |
since ibuprofen may enhance the effects of these medicines |
phenytoin (for epilepsy) |
since the effect of phenytoin may be enhanced |
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine, used for depression |
as these may increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding |
lithium - used for some forms of depression |
since the effect of lithium may be enhanced |
probenecid and sulfinpyrazones (medicines for gout) |
since the excretion of ibuprofen may be delayed |
medicines for high blood pressure - including ACE-inhibitors (such as captopril), beta blockers (such as atenolol) or angiotensin-II receptor antagonists (such as losartan) and diuretics (water tablets) |
since ibuprofen may diminish the effects of these medicines and there could be a possible increased risk for the kidney |
Potassium-sparing diuretics |
since this may lead to hyperkalaemia |
methotrexate - used for some cancers or rheumatism |
since the effect of methotrexate may be enhanced |
medicines that suppress your immune system -such as ciclosporin or tacrolimus |
since kidney damage may occur |
zidovudine - used for HIV or AIDS |
since the use of <BRUFEN> may result in an increased risk of bleeding into a joint or a bleeding that leads to swelling in HIV (+) haemophiliacs |
medicines for diabetes - such as glibenclamide |
interactions may be possible |
quinolone antibiotics for infection (such as ciprofloxacin) |
since the risk for convulsions may be increased |
some antibiotics for infections, like aminoglycosides (such as gentamicin) |
since their elimination may be decreased |
cholestyramine - used to lower cholesterol |
since the absorption of ibuprofen may be reduced. Do not take <BRUFEN> two hours before or after you take cholestyramine. |
mifepristone - used for medical termination of pregnancy |
since a decrease in the effect of mifepristone may occur |
Ginkgo biloba - a herbal medicine often used in dementia |
There is a chance you may bleed more easily if you are taking this with <BRUFEN> . |
voriconazole or fluconazole - used for fungal infections |
since the risk of higher concentration of ibuprofen in the blood is increased |
If any of the above apply to you (or you are not sure), talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking <BRUFEN> .
<BRUFEN> with alcohol
If you drink alcohol while taking this medicine you may be more likely to get side effects. Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility
• Do not take this medicine if you are in the last 3 months of pregnancy.
• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine if you are in the first 6 months of pregnancy or you are breast-feeding. You should only take this medicine on the advice of your doctor.
<BRUFEN> belongs to a group of medicines which may impair fertility in women. This effect is reversible on stopping the medicine. It is unlikely that ibuprofen, used occasionally, will affect your chances of becoming pregnant, however, tell your doctor before taking this medicine if you have problems becoming pregnant.
Driving and using machines
This medicine may make you feel dizzy or sleepy. If this happens, do not drive or use any tools or machines. Also, do not do anything else where you need to be alert.
<BRUFEN> contains sucrose and sodium Sucrose
Sucrose is a sugar. <BRUFEN> contains 1111 mg sucrose per sachet. This should be taken into account in patients with diabetes mellitus. If you have been told by your doctor that you cannot tolerate or digest some sugars, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
Sodium
<BRUFEN> contains 2.9 mmol (66 mg) of sodium per sachet. This should be taken into account if you are on a low sodium diet. You may need to have less sodium in your diet because of the sodium in this medicine.
3. How to take <BRUFEN>
Always take this medicine exactly as described in this leaflet or as your pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
The product is intended for short-term use only. You should take the lowest dose for the shortest time necessary to relieve your symptoms.
How much to take
Adults and young people over 40 kg body weight (over 12 years old):
• Take one or two sachets (200 - 400 mg ibuprofen) every 4-6 hours, as required.
More than 400mg at a time does not give a better analgesic effect.
Do not take more than a total of 6 sachets (1200mg) in any 24 hours.
Children over 30 kg body weight (from 8 to 12 years old):
If you are giving this medicine to a child, you should use the following dosing instructions:
Body weight of child |
Recommended dose |
How often? |
Children 30 kg to 39 kg (8-12 years) |
1 sachet (200 mg ibuprofen) |
• Doses should be given every 6-8 hours, if required. • Do not take more than 3 sachets (up to 600 mg ibuprofen) in any 24 hours. |
• The recommended dose of ibuprofen each day is 20 mg per kg of body weight.
- This is taken in 3 separate doses throughout the day.
- Please see the table above.
Do not take more than a total of 600 mg (3 sachets) in any 24 hours.
Children under 30 kg body weight (under 8 years old):
This medicine should not be given to children with a body weight of less than 30 kg (under 8 years old).
Taking this medicine
In order to achieve a faster onset of action, the dose may be taken on an empty stomach. If you have a sensitive stomach, take this medicine with or just after food.
• Empty the granules from one sachet into a small glass of water (about 125 ml).
• Make sure that you use all of the granules in the sachet.
• Stir the medicine until it stops bubbling and the granules have dissolved - this will make an orange flavoured, fizzy drink.
• If you use more than one sachet at one time, you should use more water. Use about 125 ml for each sachet of medicine.
How long to continue treatment
If you need to take <BRUFEN> for more than 3 days or if your symptoms worsen, consult your doctor.
If you take more <BRUFEN> than you should
If you have taken more <BRUFEN> than you should, contact a doctor or go to the nearest hospital straightaway. Take the medicine pack with you.
The signs of an overdose can include feeling sick, stomach pain, being sick (may be blood in it), headache, ringing in the ears, confusion and shaky eye movement. At high doses, there may be loss of consciousness, fits (mainly in children), feeling weak or dizzy, blood in urine, feeling cold and breathing problems.
If you forget to take <BRUFEN>
• If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. However, if it is nearly time for
your next dose, skip the missed dose.
• 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, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Serious side effects
Stop taking this medicine and see your doctor straightaway if you notice any of the following serious side effects - you may need urgent medical attention:
• pass blood in your faeces (stools/motions)
• pass black tarry stools
• vomit any blood or dark particles that look like coffee grounds
• swelling of the face, tongue or throat
• difficulty swallowing or breathing
• hives
• severe infection with destruction (necrosis) of skin, subcutaneous tissue and muscle; this may occur in exceptional cases during chicken pox.
Stop taking this medicine and see your doctor straightaway if you notice any of the side effects above.
Stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor if you notice any of the following:
• indigestion or heartburn
• abdominal (stomach) pains or other abnormal stomach symptoms.
Stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor if you notice any of the side effects above. Other side effects
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):
• feeling dizzy or tired
• feeling drowsy
• agitation, irritability
• loss of appetite, diarrhoea, feeling sick, being sick, wind, constipation.
• headache - if this happens while you are taking this medicine it is important not to take
any other medicines for pain to help with this
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):
• feeling anxious
• difficulty sleeping
• rash, hives, itching
• skin becomes sensitive to light
• visual disturbances, hearing problems
• hepatitis, yellowing of your skin or eyes
• sneezing, blocked, itchy or runny nose (rhinitis)
• mouth ulcer
• stomach ulcer, inflammation of your stomach lining
• small bruises on your skin or inside your mouth, nose or ears
• pins and needles
• difficulty breathing, wheezing or coughing, asthma or worsening of asthma
Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people):
• loss of vision
• reduced liver function
• ringing in ears (tinnitus)
• spinning sensation, loss of balance (vertigo)
• feeling depressed or confused
• hallucinations
• fluid retention (oedema)
• Lupus erythematosus syndrome or SLE (an illness that affects connective tissue, including your joints and skin).
Very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people):
• unpleasant awareness of heart beat, heart failure, heart attack, high blood pressure, acute oedema in the lung
• liver failure
• reduced kidney function
• inflammation of the pancreas
• a brain infection called ‘non-bacterial meningitis’
• changes in blood count - the first signs are: high temperature, sore throat, mouth ulcers, flu-like symptoms, feeling very tired, bleeding from the nose and the skin
• skin problems (which can also affect inside your mouth, nose or ears) such as ‘Stevens-Johnson syndrome’, ‘exfoliative dermatitis’or ‘erythema multiforme’. This can get even more severe, where the blisters get larger and spread out and parts of the skin may slough off (toxic epidermal necrolysis). There may also be severe infection with destruction (necrosis) of skin, subcutaneous tissue and muscle.
• prolonged bleeding time
• inflammation of the oesophagus, intestinal strictures
• hair loss (alopecia)
Not known (we do not know how often these happen):
• ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
• burning feeling in the throat or mouth - this may happen briefly after taking this medicine.
Medicines such as <BRUFEN> may be associated with a small increased risk of heart attack (‘myocardial infarction’) or stroke.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. 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.
5. How to store <BRUFEN>
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not store above 25°C.
Store in the original package in order to protect from light and moisture.
Do not use after the expiry date stated on the sachet and carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help to protect the environment.
6. Contents of the pack and other information
What <BRUFEN> contains
• The active substance is ibuprofen. Each sachet of medicine contains 200 mg of ibuprofen.
The other ingredients are croscarmellose sodium, malic acid, microcrystalline cellulose, saccharin sodium, sucrose, povidone, orange flavour, sodium laurilsulfate, sodium hydrogen carbonate and sodium carbonate, anhydrous.
What <BRUFEN> looks like and contents of the pack
<BRUFEN 200 mg Effervescent Granules> are a white powder with an orange flavour. Your medicine will be in a sachet.
Each carton contains 12, 20 or 30 sachets.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer:
Marketing Authorisation Holder:
BGP Products Ltd. , Abbott House, Vanwall Business Park, Vanwall Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 4XE, United Kingdom.
Manufacturer:
AbbVie S.r.l. S.R. 148 Pontina km 52 snc, 04011 Campoverde di Aprilia (LT) Italy
This medicinal product is authorised in the Member States of the EEA under the following names:
BRUFEN 200 mg Effervescent Granules BRUFEN 200 mg Brausegranulat BRUFEN 200 mg E^epBec^rnma rpaHynn BRUFEDOL 200 mg sumive granule BRUFEN
BRUFEN 200 mg Effervescent Granules Froben Dolore e Febbre BRUFEN 200 mg putojosas granulas BRUFEN 200 mg Snypsciosios granules ABFEN 200 mg granule efervescente BRUFEDOL 200 mg sumivy granulat Brufen Gran 200 mg sumeca zrnca.
United Kingdom Austria Bulgaria Czech Republic Estonia Ireland Italy Latvia Lithuania Romania Slovak Republic Slovenia
This leaflet was last revised in May 2016
BRUFEN 200 mg Effervescent Granules