Copaz 15mg/500mg Tablets
PACKAGE LEAFLET: INFORMATION FOR THE USER Copaz® 15mg/500mg Tablets
Codeine Phosphate/Paracetamol
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 become serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
The product is known by the name above but will be referred to as Copaz Tablets throughout the rest of this leaflet.
In this leaflet:
1. What Copaz Tablets are and what they are used for
2. Before you take Copaz Tablets
3. How to take Copaz Tablets
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Copaz Tablets
6. Further information
1. WHAT COPAZ TABLETS ARE AND WHAT THEY ARE USED FOR
Copaz Tablets contain paracetamol and codeine. Paracetamol is an analgesic (relieves pain) and an antipyretic (lowers raised temperatures). This product contains codeine. Codeine belongs to a group of medicines called opioid analgesics which act to relieve pain. It can be used on its own or in combination with other pain killers.
Copaz Tablets are used for the relief of moderate pain. Copaz Tablets can be used in children over 12 years of age for the short-term relief of moderate pain that is not relieved by other painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen alone.
2. BEFORE YOU TAKE COPAZ TABLETS
Do not take with any other paracetamol-containing products. Do not take for longer than directed by your prescriber. Do not use Copaz Tablets for pain relief in children and adolescents (018 years of age) after removal of their tonsils or adenoids as Codiene in Copaz Tablets may cause obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (sleep disruption due to respiratory pauses). Taking codeine regularly for a long time can lead to addiction, which might cause you to feel restless and irritable when you stop the tablets. Taking a painkiller for headaches too often or for too long can make them worse.
Do not take Copaz Tablets if:
• you know that you are allergic to paracetamol or codeine, or any of the other ingredients (refer to section 6 below)
• you suffer from severe kidney or liver disease
• you know that you metabolise very rapidly codeine into morphine
• you are breast feeding
• you suffer from asthma or any other breathing problems, for example chronic bronchitis or emphysema
• you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or have been taking them within the last two weeks. MAOIs such as phenelzine or isocarboxazid are medicines used to treat depression
• you have just had a head injury or suffer from increased pressure on the brain
• you drink a lot of alcohol, or have done in the past
• you have recently had an operation to your gall bladder.
Copaz Tablets should not be given to children under 12 years of age.
Take special care and tell your doctor or pharmacist before taking Copaz Tablets if:
• you are elderly or weak
• you have any stomach pains or other sudden problems in your abdomen (belly)
• you have an underactive thyroid gland
• you are prone to suffer from asthma
• you have liver, kidney or thyroid problems, because the dose might need to be lower
• you have problems with your adrenal glands (Addison’s disease - your doctor will advise you)
• you suffer from an enlarged prostate gland (if male) or narrowing of your urethra (tube through which urine is passed)
• you feel you have taken Copaz Tablets for a long time. You may develop a dependence on Copaz Tablets which may be harmful.
Codeine is transformed to morphine in the liver by an enzyme. Morphine is the substance that produces pain relief. Some people have a variation of this enzyme and this can affect people in different ways. In some people, morphine is not produced or produced in very small quantities, and it will not provide enough pain relief. Other people are more likely to get serious side effects because a very high amount of morphine is produced. If you notice any of the following side effects, you must should stop taking this medicine and seek immediate medical advice: slow or shallow breathing, confusion, sleepiness, small pupils, feeling or being sick, constipation, lack of appetite.
Warnings and precautions Children and adolescents
Use in children and adolescents after surgery
Codeine should not be used for pain relief in children and adolescents after removal of their tonsils or adenoids due to Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (sleep disruption due to respiratory pauses). They may be at increased risk of severe side effects in case of morphine toxicity.
Use in children with breathing problems
Codeine is not recommended in children with breathing problems, since the symptoms of morphine toxicity may be worse in these children.
Taking 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. Some medicines interact with each other and this can alter their effect. It is particularly important to tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the following medicines:
• MAOIs used to treat depression, taken within the last 14 days (refer to “do not take if’ in section 2 above)
• Sedatives and sleeping tablets, eg temazepam and diazepam
• Medicines for irregular heart beats (mexiletine, quinine or quinidine)
• Drugs used to dry fluids in the mouth and lungs known as anticholinergics
• Medicines to treat diarrhoea or sickness (metoclopramide, domperidone)
• Medicines used to treat problems of the stomach, gall bladder, heart burn or sickness,
(e.g. cimetidine, colestyramine)
• Other strong painkillers called opioids
• Medicines which prevent blood clotting (anticoagulants such as warfarin).
Copaz Tablets can interfere with some laboratory tests used for determining some diseases.
Copaz Tablets must not be taken with any other medicines containing paracetamol or codeine. Some products which can be bought without a prescription may contain paracetamol or codeine, so always check the labels for ingredients.
Taking Copaz Tablets with food and drink
Do not drink alcohol whilst taking Copaz Tablets. Swallow the tablets with a glass of water.
Do not bite or chew the tablets.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
Copaz Tablets should not be used during pregnancy as they can affect the baby and can cause breathing problems when the baby is born. Do not take codeine while you are breast feeding. Codeine and morphine passes into breast milk.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine.
Driving and using machines
Copaz Tablets may cause dizziness or drowsiness and you should not drive or operate machinery if you are affected this way.
Codeine may disturb your vision.
3. HOW TO TAKE COPAZ TABLETS
Always take Copaz Tablets exactly as your doctor has told you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
The usual dosage is one or two tablets every four hours as needed. You should not take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours. If you feel the effect of Copaz Tablets is too strong or too weak, or your symptoms persist, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. This medicine should not be taken for more than 3 days. If the pain does not improve after 3 days, talk to your doctor for advice.
A lower dosage may be needed if you are elderly or have other medical problems.
Check with your doctor about this.
Copaz tablets should not be used in children below the age of 12 years, due to the risk of severe breathing problems.
Do not take with any other paracetamol-containing products.
If you take more Copaz Tablets than you should
Immediate medical advice should be sought in the event of an overdose, even if you feel well, because of the risk of delayed, serious liver damage. Bring the remaining tablets and this leaflet with you so that the medical staff know what you have taken.
If you forget to take Copaz Tablets
Do not take more than one dose at a time. If you forget to take a dose then take your next dose at the usual time. Never take two doses at the same time.
If you stop taking Copaz Tablets
Copaz Tablets can become habit forming. This is called dependence, if you stop taking your medicine suddenly it can cause symptoms such as sweating, fever, weakness and muscular pains, restlessness and irritability. Your doctor will stop your tablets gradually to avoid you
having these withdrawal symptoms. If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
Like all medicines, Copaz Tablets can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
All medicines can cause allergic reactions although serious allergic reactions are very rare.
Any sudden wheeziness, difficulty in breathing, swelling of the eyelids, face or lips, rash or itching (especially affecting your whole body) should be reported to a doctor immediately.
Other possible side effects are:
• feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting)
• light headedness, dizziness, sleepiness
• stomach pains, constipation.
Lying down may help these effects if they happen.
Other side effects include:
• a feeling of extra well being, or of disorientation
• small eye pupils, problems with vision, headaches
• slowing of the pulse
• difficulty in passing urine
• liver damage, especially in heavy drinkers
• changes in blood cells, such as low number of cells which fight infection and of cells which are involved in blood clotting.
If any of the side effects become serious, or if you notice any side effect 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.
5. HOW TO STORE COPAZ TABLETS
• Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not use Copaz Tablets after the expiry date which is stated on the carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
• Keep this medicine in a dry place.
• Do not store above 25°C.
• Protect from light.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.
6. FURTHER INFORMATION What Copaz Tablets contain
The active substances are paracetamol, 500mg and codeine phosphate, 15mg.
The other ingredients are maize starch sifted, methylcellulose; talc; calcium stearate; povidone; purified water; hypromellose; macrogol 3350.
What Copaz Tablets look like and contents of the pack
Copaz Tablets are white coated tablets available in aluminium blister packs or plastic containers with child resistant lids of 28, 30, 56, 100 or 112 tablets. Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer
Mercury Pharmaceuticals Ltd
No. 1 Croydon, 12-16 Addiscombe Road, Croydon CR0 0XT, UK Manufactured By
Bristol Laboratories Ltd., Laporte Way, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU4 8WL, UK This leaflet was last revised in March 2014.
Copaz is the registered trade mark of Mercury Pharma Group Ltd.
PACKAGE LEAFLET: INFORMATION FOR THE USER Copaz® 15mg/500mg Tablets
Codeine Phosphate/Paracetamol
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 become serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
The product is known by the name above but will be referred to as Copaz Tablets throughout the rest of this leaflet.
In this leaflet:
1. What Copaz Tablets are and what they are used for
2. Before you take Copaz Tablets
3. How to take Copaz Tablets
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Copaz Tablets
6. Further information
1. WHAT COPAZ TABLETS ARE AND WHAT THEY ARE USED FOR
Copaz Tablets contain paracetamol and codeine. Paracetamol is an analgesic (relieves pain) and an antipyretic (lowers raised temperatures). This product contains codeine. Codeine belongs to a group of medicines called opioid analgesics which act to relieve pain. It can be used on its own or in combination with other pain killers.
Copaz Tablets are used for the relief of moderate pain. Copaz Tablets can be used in children over 12 years of age for the short-term relief of moderate pain that is not relieved by other painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen alone.
2. BEFORE YOU TAKE COPAZ TABLETS
Do not take with any other paracetamol-containing products. Do not take for longer than directed by your prescriber. Do not use Copaz Tablets for pain relief in children and adolescents (018 years of age) after removal of their tonsils or adenoids as Codiene in Copaz Tablets may cause obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (sleep disruption due to respiratory pauses). Taking codeine regularly for a long time can lead to addiction, which might cause you to feel restless and irritable when you stop the tablets. Taking a painkiller for headaches too often or for too long can make them worse.
Do not take Copaz Tablets if:
• you know that you are allergic to paracetamol or codeine, or any of the other ingredients (refer to section 6 below)
• you suffer from severe kidney or liver disease
• you know that you metabolise very rapidly codeine into morphine
• you are breast feeding
• you suffer from asthma or any other breathing problems, for example chronic bronchitis or emphysema
• you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or have been taking them within the last two weeks. MAOIs such as phenelzine or isocarboxazid are medicines used to treat depression
• you have just had a head injury or suffer from increased pressure on the brain
• you drink a lot of alcohol, or have done in the past
• you have recently had an operation to your gall bladder.
Copaz Tablets should not be given to children under 12 years of age.
Take special care and tell your doctor or pharmacist before taking Copaz Tablets if:
• you are elderly or weak
• you have any stomach pains or other sudden problems in your abdomen (belly)
• you have an underactive thyroid gland
• you are prone to suffer from asthma
• you have liver, kidney or thyroid problems, because the dose might need to be lower
• you have problems with your adrenal glands (Addison’s disease - your doctor will advise you)
• you suffer from an enlarged prostate gland (if male) or narrowing of your urethra (tube through which urine is passed)
• you feel you have taken Copaz Tablets for a long time. You may develop a dependence on Copaz Tablets which may be harmful.
Codeine is transformed to morphine in the liver by an enzyme. Morphine is the substance that produces pain relief. Some people have a variation of this enzyme and this can affect people in different ways. In some people, morphine is not produced or produced in very small quantities, and it will not provide enough pain relief. Other people are more likely to get serious side effects because a very high amount of morphine is produced. If you notice any of the following side effects, you must should stop taking this medicine and seek immediate medical advice: slow or shallow breathing, confusion, sleepiness, small pupils, feeling or being sick, constipation, lack of appetite.
Warnings and precautions Children and adolescents
Use in children and adolescents after surgery
Codeine should not be used for pain relief in children and adolescents after removal of their tonsils or adenoids due to Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (sleep disruption due to respiratory pauses). They may be at increased risk of severe side effects in case of morphine toxicity.
Use in children with breathing problems
Codeine is not recommended in children with breathing problems, since the symptoms of morphine toxicity may be worse in these children.
Taking 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. Some medicines interact with each other and this can alter their effect. It is particularly important to tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the following medicines:
• MAOIs used to treat depression, taken within the last 14 days (refer to “do not take if’ in section 2 above)
• Sedatives and sleeping tablets, eg temazepam and diazepam
• Medicines for irregular heart beats (mexiletine, quinine or quinidine)
• Drugs used to dry fluids in the mouth and lungs known as anticholinergics
• Medicines to treat diarrhoea or sickness (metoclopramide, domperidone)
• Medicines used to treat problems of the stomach, gall bladder, heart burn or sickness,
(e.g. cimetidine, colestyramine)
• Other strong painkillers called opioids
• Medicines which prevent blood clotting (anticoagulants such as warfarin).
Copaz Tablets can interfere with some laboratory tests used for determining some diseases.
Copaz Tablets must not be taken with any other medicines containing paracetamol or codeine. Some products which can be bought without a prescription may contain paracetamol or codeine, so always check the labels for ingredients.
Taking Copaz Tablets with food and drink
Do not drink alcohol whilst taking Copaz Tablets. Swallow the tablets with a glass of water.
Do not bite or chew the tablets.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
Copaz Tablets should not be used during pregnancy as they can affect the baby and can cause breathing problems when the baby is born. Do not take codeine while you are breast feeding. Codeine and morphine passes into breast milk.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine.
Driving and using machines
Copaz Tablets may cause dizziness or drowsiness and you should not drive or operate machinery if you are affected this way.
Codeine may disturb your vision.
3. HOW TO TAKE COPAZ TABLETS
Always take Copaz Tablets exactly as your doctor has told you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
The usual dosage is one or two tablets every four hours as needed. You should not take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours. If you feel the effect of Copaz Tablets is too strong or too weak, or your symptoms persist, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. This medicine should not be taken for more than 3 days. If the pain does not improve after 3 days, talk to your doctor for advice.
A lower dosage may be needed if you are elderly or have other medical problems.
Check with your doctor about this.
Copaz tablets should not be used in children below the age of 12 years, due to the risk of severe breathing problems.
Do not take with any other paracetamol-containing products.
If you take more Copaz Tablets than you should
Immediate medical advice should be sought in the event of an overdose, even if you feel well, because of the risk of delayed, serious liver damage. Bring the remaining tablets and this leaflet with you so that the medical staff know what you have taken.
If you forget to take Copaz Tablets
Do not take more than one dose at a time. If you forget to take a dose then take your next dose at the usual time. Never take two doses at the same time.
If you stop taking Copaz Tablets
Copaz Tablets can become habit forming. This is called dependence, if you stop taking your medicine suddenly it can cause symptoms such as sweating, fever, weakness and muscular pains, restlessness and irritability. Your doctor will stop your tablets gradually to avoid you
having these withdrawal symptoms. If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
Like all medicines, Copaz Tablets can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
All medicines can cause allergic reactions although serious allergic reactions are very rare.
Any sudden wheeziness, difficulty in breathing, swelling of the eyelids, face or lips, rash or itching (especially affecting your whole body) should be reported to a doctor immediately.
Other possible side effects are:
• feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting)
• light headedness, dizziness, sleepiness
• stomach pains, constipation.
Lying down may help these effects if they happen.
Other side effects include:
• a feeling of extra well being, or of disorientation
• small eye pupils, problems with vision, headaches
• slowing of the pulse
• difficulty in passing urine
• liver damage, especially in heavy drinkers
• changes in blood cells, such as low number of cells which fight infection and of cells which are involved in blood clotting.
If any of the side effects become serious, or if you notice any side effect 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.
5. HOW TO STORE COPAZ TABLETS
• Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not use Copaz Tablets after the expiry date which is stated on the carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
• Keep this medicine in a dry place.
• Do not store above 25°C.
• Protect from light.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.
6. FURTHER INFORMATION What Copaz Tablets contain
The active substances are paracetamol, 500mg and codeine phosphate, 15mg.
The other ingredients are maize starch sifted, methylcellulose; talc; calcium stearate; povidone; purified water; hypromellose; macrogol 3350.
What Copaz Tablets look like and contents of the pack
Copaz Tablets are white coated tablets available in aluminium blister packs or plastic containers with child resistant lids of 28, 30, 56, 100 or 112 tablets. Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer
Mercury Pharmaceuticals Ltd
No. 1 Croydon, 12-16 Addiscombe Road, Croydon CR0 0XT, UK Manufactured By
Haupt Pharma, Wolftratshausen GmbH,
Pfaffenriederstrasse 5, 82515, Wolfratshausen, Germany
This leaflet was last revised in March 2014.
Copaz is the registered trade mark of Mercury Pharma Group Ltd.