Patient Information Leaflet

DISPERSIBLE ASPIRIN TABLETS 75mg

Read all of this leaflet carefully before you take these tablets. It contains important information for you. Keep this leaflet . You may need to read it again.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you need more information or advice.

1.    WHAT DISPERSIBLE ASPIRIN TABLETS 75mg ARE USED FOR

Aspirin is an antiplatelet agent that helps prevent your blood cells sticking together and forming a blood clot. Dispersible Aspirin Tablets 75mg are used to prevent further heart attacks and strokes in patients with a previous history of heart attacks, unstable angina or stroke, and following by-pass surgery.

2.    BEFORE YOU TAKE DISPERSIBLE ASPIRIN TABLETS 75mg Do NOT take these tablets if:

•    you are allergic (hypersensitive) to aspirin or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6)

•    you have or have ever had a stomach ulcer

•    you suffer from gout or have a history of gout

•    you suffer from haemophilia or any other blood clotting disorder

•    you are taking medicines to prevent blood clotting (e.g. warfarin, heparin or acenocoumarol)

•    you are in the last stages of pregnancy or are breast feeding.

Do not take with any other aspirin-containing products.

Warning: There is a possible association between aspirin and Reye's Syndrome when given to children with a fever. Reye's syndrome is a very rare disease which can be fatal. For this reason aspirin should not be given to children aged under 16 years, unless on the advice of a doctor (e.g. for Kawasaki's disease).

Tell your doctor or pharmacist before you take this medicine if:

•    you have asthma or suffer from any allergies

•    you have liver or kidney disease

•    you are suffering from dehydration.

These tablets 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.

Taking other medicines

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following as they may affect your treatment:

•    medicines to reduce clotting e.g. clopidrogel or ticlopidine .

•    medicines that might cause stomach irritation e.g. NSAIDs (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

•    medicines for pain or inflammation e.g. steroids or anti-inflammatory medicines

•    spironolactone (a diuretic/water tablet)

•    methotrexate (for psoriasis, arthritis or tumours)

•    probenecid or sulfinpyrazone (for gout)

•    acetazolamide (for glaucoma)

•    metoclopramide (for sickness or digestive disorders)

•    antacids (for indigestion)

If you are using aspirin regularly seek advice of your doctor before taking any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.

3.    HOW TO TAKE DISPERSIBLE ASPIRIN TABLETS 75mg

See your doctor before taking this medicine for the first time.

Disperse the tablets in a glass of water. You must drink the whole glass of fluid to receive the correct dose.

Adults

Take 1-2 tablets a day. In some cases your doctor may advise you to take up to four tablets a day, especially in the short-term. Follow your doctor's instructions.

•    If symptoms persist consult your doctor.

Do not give to children under 16 years of age unless advised by a doctor.

If you forget to take a tablet take one as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take double dose. Take the next dose at the correct time.

If you take more tablets than you should or if you think a child has swallowed any of the tablets, contact your doctor or nearest hospital casualty department immediately. Please take this leaflet, any remaining tablets and the container with you.

4.    POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

Like all medicines, aspirin can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Serious side effects

STOP taking the tablets and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:

•    An asthma attack or other allergic reaction, such as wheezing or difficulty breathing, skin rashes or itching, swelling of the lips, tongue or face.

•    Stomach ulcer irritation or bleeding (symptoms may include stomach pain, vomiting of blood, passing black tarry-looking stools).

Other side effects

•    an increase in nosebleeds or bruising more easily

•    anaemia

•    hearing disturbances such as ringing in the ears

•    vertigo (giddiness or dizziness)

•    mental confusion.

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.

5.    HOW TO STORE DISPERSIBLE ASPIRIN TABLETS 75mg Keep out of the reach and sight of children.

Do not store above 25 °C. Store in a dry place in the original package.

Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack.

6.    FURTHER INFORMATION What these tablets contain:

•    The active ingredient in each tablet is aspirin 75mg.

•    The other ingredients are calcium carbonate, starch, lactose, citric acid anhydrous, talc, sodium saccharin and sodium lauryl sulphate.

What these tablets look like and contents of the pack:

The tablets are white, flat and round with 'ASP' and '75' either side of a breakline on one side, and plain on the other.

They are available in blister packs of 10, 14, 16, 20, 24, 28, 30, 32, 40, 42, 50, 56, 60, 70, 80, 84, 90, 98 and 100 tablets. Plastic containers of 25, 50, 100 and 1,000 tablets are also available. Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer: M & A Pharmachem Ltd, Bolton BL5 2AL, UK.

Date of Approval: 10/2011    PP 1147/1