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Epilim Chrono 200mg Controlled Release Tablets

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Document: leaflet MAH BRAND_PLPI 40854-0003 change

Do not take this medicine if any of the above apply to you. If

you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before

taking Epilim Chrono.

United Kindom

You can also report side effect directly via the Yellow Card

Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard

PACKAGE LEAFLET:

INFORMATION FOR THE USER

topiramate are taken at the same time or if the Epilim Chrono starting dose is high or has been suddenly increased

•    Changes in the amount of ammonia in the blood.

Symptoms of this condition are being sick, problems with balance and co-ordination, feeling lethargic or less alert

•    Feeling shaky (tremor), sleepy or unsteady when walking or jerky muscle movements

•    Feeling tired or confused with loss of consciousness sometimes accompanied by hallucinations or fits

•    Blisters with the skin flaking away

•    Rapid, uncontrollable movement of the eyes

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects get serious or lasts longer than a few days, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet:

•    Feeling sick, stomach ache or diarrhoea, especially when starting treatment. This may be helped by taking the tablets with food or taking the Epilim Gastro-resistant Tablets instead

•    Fainting

•    Hearing loss

•    Skin problems such as rashes. These happen rarely, but more often in people also taking lamotrigine

•    Acne

•    Hair loss which is usually temporary. When it grows back it may be more curly than before

•    Hair, including body or facial hair grows more than normal in women

•    Skin rash caused by narrow or blocked blood vessels (vasculitis)

•    Changes in women's periods and increased hair growth in women

•    Breast enlargement in men

•    Swelling of the feet and legs (oedema)

•    Weight gain - as your appetite may be increased

•    Kidney problems, bedwetting or increased need to pass urine

•    Headache

•    Aggression, agitation, disturbance in attention, abnormal behaviour, restlessness/hyperactivity, and learning disorder

•    Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet

Bone Disorders

There have been reports of bone disorders including osteopenia and osteoporosis (thinning of the bone) and fractures. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are on long-term antiepileptic medication, have a history of osteoporosis, or take steroids.

Blood tests

Epilim Chrono can change levels of liver enzymes, salts or sugars shown up on blood and urine tests.

Male Fertility

Taking Epilim Chrono can be a contributing factor in male infertility.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the side effects gets serious or lasts longer than a few days, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet.

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.


Malta

ADR Reporting, The Medicines Authority, Post-Licensing Directorate, 203 Level 3, Rue D’Argens, GZR-1368 Gzira Website: www.medicinesauthority.gov. mt Email: postlicensing.medicinesauthority@gov.mt By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.


5. How to store Epilim Chrono


Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

Do not take this medicine after the expiry date shown on the blister and carton after EXP.

The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

Do not remove the tablets from the foil until just before you take them. Do not cut the blister strips. Store in a dry place below 30C.


Medicines should not be disposed of via household wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help protect the environment.


6. Further information


What Epilim Chrono contains

•    Each 200mg controlled release tablet contains a mixture of 133.2mg sodium valproate and 58mg Valproic Acid, equivalent to 200mg of the active substance sodium valproate

•    The other ingredients are: hypromellose (E464), ethylcellulose, hydrated silica, titanium dioxide (E171), erythrosine BS aluminium lake (E127), indigo carmine aluminium lake FD and C Blue No 2 (E132), iron oxide black (E172), macrogol 400


What Epilim Chrono looks like and contents of the pack

Epilim Chrono tablets are unmarked, lilac coloured, oval shape, biconvex film-coated tablets. The tablets are supplied in blister packs of 100

Product Licence Holder and Manufacturer

This product is procured from within the EU by the Product Licence Holder:

IMED Healthcare Ltd, New Road, Buncrana, Co. Donegal, Ireland

Manufacturer

Fawdon Manufacturing Centre, Edgefield Avenue, Fawdon, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE3 3TT, UK

PLPI 40854/0003 Epilim Chrono 200mg Controlled Release Tablets


This leaflet does not contain all the information about your medicine. If you have any questions or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist.


POM

Epilim® Chrono 200mg Controlled Release Tablets

(sodium valproate)

Is this leaflet hard to see or read? Phone 08453727101 for help

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 further questions, please 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

•    Epilim Chrono also available in 300mg and 500mg strength tablets



In this leaflet:

1.    What Epilim Chrono is and what it is used for

2.    Before you take Epilim Chrono

3.    How to take Epilim Chrono

4.    Possible side effects

5.    How to store Epilim Chrono

6.    Further information


1. What Epilim Chrono is and what it is used for


What Epilim Chrono is

The name of your medicine is Epilim Chrono 200mg Controlled Release Tablets (called Epilim Chrono in this leaflet). “Controlled release” means that the active ingredient sodium valproate is slowly released from the tablets over a period of time.


What Epilim Chrono contains

Epilim Chrono contains sodium valproate. It belongs to a group of medicines called anti-convulsants or anti-epileptic agents.

It works by helping to calm the brain down.

What Epilim Chrono is used for

Epilim Chrono is used to treat epilepsy (fits) in adults and children.


2. Before you take Epilim Chrono


Gafl Do not take Epilim Chrono and tell your doctor if:

x You are allergic (hypersensitive) to sodium valproate or any of the other ingredients of Epilim Chrono (see Section 6: Further information)

Signs of an allergic reaction include: a rash, swallowing or breathing problems, swelling of your lips, face, throat or tongue

x You have liver problems or you or your family have a history of liver problems x You have a rare illness called porphyria



Take special care with Epilim Chrono

A small number of people being treated with anti-epileptics such as sodium valproate have had thoughts of harming or killing themselves. If at any time you have these thoughts, immediately contact your doctor.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine if:

▲    You have diabetes. This medicine may affect the results of urine tests

▲    You have kidney problems. Your doctor may give you a lower dose

▲    You have fits (epilepsy), brain disease or a metabolic condition affecting your brain

▲    You have a ‘urea cycle disorder’ where too much ammonia builds up in the body.

▲    You have an illness called “systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)” - a disease of the immune system which affects skin, bones, joints and internal organs

If you are not sure if any of the above apply to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Epilim Chrono

Weight gain

Taking Epilim Chrono may make you put on weight. Talk to your doctor about how this will affect you.

Blood tests

Your doctor may wish to do blood tests before you start taking Epilim Chrono and during your treatment.



Taking Epilim Chrono with other medicines

Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines. This includes medicines you buy without a prescription, including herbal medicines. This is because Epilim Chrono can affect the way some other medicines work. Also some medicines can affect the way Epilim Chrono works.

The following medicines can increase the chance of you getting side effects, when taken with Epilim Chrono:

•    Some medicines used for pain and inflammation (salicylates) such as aspirin.

•    Some other medicines used to treat fits (epilepsy) - see page 2, section 3, “Patients taking other medicines for ‘fits’”. This includes medicines such as phenobarbital, primidone, phenytoin, carbamazepine, topiramate, lamotrigine and felbamate


Epilim Chrono may increase the effect of the following medicines:

•    Medicines used for thinning the blood (such as warfarin)

•    Zidovudine used to treat HIV infection

•    Temozolomide used to treat cancer

•    Medicines for depression

•    Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) such as moclobemide, selegiline, linezolid

•    Medicines used to calm emotional and mental


conditions such as diazepam and olanzapine


The following medicines can affect the way Epilim Chrono works:

•    Some medicines used for the prevention and treatment of malaria such as mefloquine and chloroquine

•    Cimetidine used for stomach ulcers

•    Carbapenem agents (antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections) such as imipenem, meropenem, rifampicin and erythromycin. The combination of Epilim Chrono and carbapenems should be avoided because it may decrease the effect of your medicine.

•    Colestyramine used to lower blood fat (cholesterol) levels

Taking Epilim Chrono with food and drink

Alcohol intake is not recommended during treatment.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding Women who could become pregnant You should not take this medicine if you are pregnant or a women of child-bearing age unless explicitly advised by your doctor.

Before you start taking Epilim Chrono, your doctor should discuss with you the possible problems when it is taken in pregnancy.

•    Unplanned pregnancy is not desirable in women taking Epilim Chrono

•    You should use an effective method of contraception and talk to your doctor before planning pregnancy.

Epilim Chrono has no effect on how well the oral contraceptive pill works.

Well before you become pregnant it is important to discuss pregnancy and epilepsy with your doctor and, if you have one, your epilepsy specialist. This is to make sure that you and your doctor agree that you should have Epilim if you become pregnant.

Women taking Epilim during pregnancy have a higher risk than other women of having a child with an abnormality. The chance of abnormalities is increased if you are also taking other medicines for epilepsy at the same time. These abnormalities include:

•    Head and face deformities including cleft palate (a gap or depression in the lip)

•    Deformities of the bones, including hip dislocation

•    Malformations of the arms and legs

•    Deformities of the tube from the bladder to the penis, where the opening is formed in a different place

•    Heart and blood vessel malformations with heart defects

•    Defects of the lining of the spinal cord

•    An abnormality of the spinal cord called ‘Spina bifida’

•    Malformations of the urethra

Women who take Epilim Chrono during pregnancy may be more likely to have a baby with spina bifida. Taking folic acid 5mg each day as soon as you stop contraception may lower the risk of having a baby with spina bifida.

There is also an increased risk of other birth defects. These other defects can usually be detected in the first 3 months of the pregnancy using routine antenatal screening blood tests and ultrasound scans.

Pregnant mothers who take Epilim Chrono may have babies with:

•    blood clotting problems (such as blood not clotting or not clotting very well). This may appear as bruising or bleeding which takes a long time to stop.

•    Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)

•    Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland, which can cause tiredness or weight gain).

Some babies born to mothers who took Epilim Chrono during pregnancy may develop less quickly than normal or have autistic disorders. These children may require additional educational support.

Talkto your doctor before you stop taking Epilim Chrono if you want to become pregnant. Do not stop taking Epilim Chrono suddenly, as it is likely that your fits will come back.

Women who are planning to get Pregnant

If you become pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking Epilim Chrono, you must tell your doctor straight away.

•    Your doctor will give you appropriate counselling and will suggest changes to your treatment or dose

•    He or she will also want to check your progress while you are pregnant

It is very important that you discuss your treatment with your doctor well before you become pregnant.

Breast-feeding

Very little Epilim Chrono gets into the breast milk. However, talkto your doctor about whether you should breast-feed your baby.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.

Driving and using machines:

You may feel sleepy when taking Epilim Chrono. If this happens to you, do not drive or use any tools or machines. Taking other medicines used to treat fits or calm emotional and mental health problems may increase sleepiness.

3. How to take Epilim Chrono

Always take Epilim Chrono exactly as your doctor has told

you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you

are not sure.

Taking this medicine

•    Your doctor will decide how much Epilim Chrono to give you or your child depending on your or your child’s body weight

•    Take this medicine by mouth

•    Take Epilim Chrono with or after food. This will help to stop the feelings of sickness that may happen after taking Epilim Chrono.

•    Do not crush or chew the tablets

•    If you feel the effect of your medicine is too weak or too strong, do not change the dose yourself but ask your doctor


How much to take Adults (including the elderly)

•    The starting dose is 600mg daily. Your doctor will gradually increase this dose by 200mg every 3 days depending on your condition

•    The usual dose is generally between 1000mg and 2000mg (20-30mg per kilogram of body weight) each day

•    This may be increased to 2500mg each day depending on your illness

Children over 20 kilograms

•    The starting dose should be 400mg daily. Your doctor should increase this dose depending on your child’s illness

•    The usual dose is then between 20mg and 30mg for each kilogram of body weight each day

•    This may be further increased to 35mg for each kilogram of body weight each day depending on your child’s illness

Children under 20 kilograms

Epilim Chrono is not recommended in children that weigh less than 20 kilograms. Epilim Liquid (sugar free) or Epilim Syrup is recommended instead.

Patients with kidney problems

•    Your doctor may decide to adjust your or your child’s dose

Patients taking other medicines for ‘fits’ (epilepsy)

•    You or your child may be taking other medicines for epilepsy at the same time as Epilim Chrono. If so, your doctor should gradually initiate treatment depending on your or your child’s condition

•    Your doctor may increase the dose of Epilim Chrono by 5 to 10mg for each kilogram of body weight each day depending on which other medicines you are taking

If you take more Epilim Chrono than you should

If you take more Epilim Chrono than you should, tell a doctor or go to a hospital casualty department straight away. Take the medicine pack with you. This is so the doctor knows what you have taken.

The following effects may happen: feeling sick or being sick, pupils of the eye become smaller, dizziness, loss of consciousness, weak muscles and poor reflexes, breathing problems, headaches, fits (seizures), confusion, memory loss and unusual or inappropriate behaviour.

If you forget to take Epilim Chrono

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you stop taking Epilim Chrono

Keep taking until your doctor tells you to stop.

Do not stop taking Epilim Chrono just because you feel better.

If you stop your fits may come back.

Tests

Make sure you or your child keep your regular appointments for a check up. They are very important as your or your child’s dose may need to be changed. Epilim Chrono can change the levels of liver enzymes shown up in blood tests. This can mean that your or your child’s liver is not working properly.

If you or your child go into hospital or visit another doctor or a dentist, tell them you are taking Epilim Chrono.

If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

4. Possible side effects

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

Tell your doctor straight away if you notice any of the following serious side effects - you may need urgent medical treatment:

•    You have an allergic reaction. The signs may include: a rash, joint pain, fever (systemic lupus erythematosus), swallowing or breathing problems, swelling of your lips, face, throat or tongue. Hands, feet or genitals may also be affected. More severe allergic reactions can lead to lymph node enlargement and possible impairment of other organs.

•    Liver problems and problems of the pancreas may show as a sudden illness which may happen in the first six months of treatment. This happens in a very small number of people taking Epilim Chrono. It includes feeling and being sick many times, being very tired, sleepy and weak, stomach pain including very bad upper stomach pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes), loss of appetite, swelling (especially of the legs and feet but may include other parts of the body), worsening of your fits or a general feeling of being unwell

Your doctor may tell you to stop taking Epilim Chrono immediately if you have these symptoms

•    You have a skin rash or skin lesions with a pink/red ring and a pale centre which may be itchy, scaly or filled with fluid. The rash may appear especially on the palms or soles of your feet. These could be signs of a serious allergy to the medicine called ‘erythema multiforme’

•    Blistering or bleeding of the skin around the lips, eyes, mouth, nose and genitals. Also flu-like symptoms and fever. This may be something called ‘Stevens-Johnson syndrome’

•    Severe blistering rash where layers of the skin may peel off to leave large areas of raw exposed skin over the body.

Also a feeling of being generally unwell, fever, chills and aching muscles. This may be something called Toxic epidermal necrolysis’

•    Bruising more easily and getting more infections than usual. This could be a blood problem called ‘thrombocytopenia’. It can also be due to a fall in the number of white blood cells, bone marrow depression or another condition that affects red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets (pancytopenia) or how the blood clots

•    Blood clotting problems (bleeding for longer than normal), bruising or bleeding for no reason

•    Changes in mood, loss of memory, lack of concentration and deep loss of consciousness (coma)

•    Underactive thyroid gland, which may cause tiredness or weight gain (hypothyroidism)

•    Breathing difficulty and pain due to inflammation of the lungs (pleural effusion)

Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you have any of the following side effects:

•    Changes in behaviour including being very alert, and sometimes also aggressive, hyper-active and unusual or inappropriate behaviour. This is more likely if other medicine to treat fits such as phenobarbital and

topiramate are taken at the same time or if the Epilim Chrono starting dose is high or has been suddenly increased

•    Changes in the amount of ammonia in the blood.

Symptoms of this condition are being sick, problems with balance and co-ordination, feeling lethargic or less alert

•    Feeling shaky (tremor), sleepy or unsteady when walking or jerky muscle movements

•    Feeling tired or confused with loss of consciousness sometimes accompanied by hallucinations or fits

•    Blisters with the skin flaking away

•    Rapid, uncontrollable movement of the eyes

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects get serious or lasts longer than a few days, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet:

•    Feeling sick, stomach ache or diarrhoea, especially when starting treatment. This may be helped by taking the tablets with food or taking the Epilim Gastro-resistant Tablets instead

•    Fainting

•    Hearing loss

•    Skin problems such as rashes. These happen rarely, but more often in people also taking lamotrigine

•    Acne

•    Hair loss which is usually temporary. When it grows back it may be more curly than before

•    Hair, including body or facial hair grows more than normal in women

•    Skin rash caused by narrow or blocked blood vessels (vasculitis)

•    Changes in women's periods and increased hair growth in women

•    Breast enlargement in men

•    Swelling of the feet and legs (oedema)

•    Weight gain - as your appetite may be increased

•    Kidney problems, bedwetting or increased need to pass urine

•    Headache

•    Aggression, agitation, disturbance in attention, abnormal behaviour, restlessness/hyperactivity, and learning disorder

•    Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet

Bone Disorders

There have been reports of bone disorders including osteopenia and osteoporosis (thinning of the bone) and fractures. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are on long-term antiepileptic medication, have a history of osteoporosis, or take steroids.

Blood tests

Epilim Chrono can change levels of liver enzymes, salts or sugars shown up on blood and urine tests.

Male Fertility

Taking Epilim Chrono can be a contributing factor in male infertility.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the side effects gets serious or lasts longer than a few days, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet.

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.


POM



Malta

ADR Reporting, The Medicines Authority, Post-Licensing Directorate, 203 Level 3, Rue D’Argens, GZR-1368 Gzira Website: www.medicinesauthority.gov. mt Email: postlicensing.medicinesauthority@gov.mt By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

5. How to store Epilim Chrono

Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

Do not take this medicine after the expiry date shown on the blister and carton after EXP.

The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

Do not remove the tablets from the foil until just before you take them. Do not cut the blister strips. Store in a dry place below 30C.

Medicines should not be disposed of via household wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help protect the environment.

6. Further information

What Epilim Chrono contains

•    Each 300mg controlled release tablet contains a mixture of 199.8mg sodium valproate and 87mg Valproic Acid, equivalent to 300mg of the active substance sodium valproate

•    The other ingredients are: hypromellose (E464), ethylcellulose, hydrated silica, titanium dioxide (E171), erythrosine BS aluminium lake (E127), indigo carmine aluminium lake FD and C Blue No 2 (E132), iron oxide black (E172), macrogol 400

What Epilim Chrono looks like and contents of the pack

Epilim Chrono tablets are unmarked, lilac coloured, oval shape, biconvex film-coated tablets. The tablets are supplied in blister packs of 100

Product Licence Holder and Manufacturer

This product is procured from within the EU by the Product Licence Holder:

IMED Healthcare Ltd, New Road, Buncrana, Co. Donegal, Ireland

Manufacturer

Fawdon Manufacturing Centre, Edgefield Avenue, Fawdon, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE3 3TT, UK

PLPI 40854/0004 Epilim Chrono 300mg Controlled Release Tablets

This leaflet does not contain all the information about your medicine. If you have any questions or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Epilim® Chrono 300mg Controlled Release Tablets

(sodium valproate)

Is this leaflet hard to see or read? Phone 08453727101 for help

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 further questions, please 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

•    Epilim Chrono also available in 200mg and 500mg strength tablets

In this leaflet:

1.    What Epilim Chrono is and what it is used for

2.    Before you take Epilim Chrono

3.    How to take Epilim Chrono

4.    Possible side effects

5.    How to store Epilim Chrono

6.    Further information

1. What Epilim Chrono is and what it is used for

What Epilim Chrono is

The name of your medicine is Epilim Chrono 300mg Controlled Release Tablets (called Epilim Chrono in this leaflet). “Controlled release” means that the active ingredient sodium valproate is slowly released from the tablets over a period of time.

What Epilim Chrono contains

Epilim Chrono contains sodium valproate. It belongs to a group of medicines called anti-convulsants or anti-epileptic agents.

It works by helping to calm the brain down.

What Epilim Chrono is used for

Epilim Chrono is used to treat epilepsy (fits) in adults and children.

2. Before you take Epilim Chrono

CBS Do not take Epilim Chrono and tell your doctor if:

x You are allergic (hypersensitive) to sodium valproate or any of the other ingredients of Epilim Chrono (see Section 6: Further information)

Signs of an allergic reaction include: a rash, swallowing or breathing problems, swelling of your lips, face, throat or tongue

x You have liver problems or you or your family have a history of liver problems x You have a rare illness called porphyria


Take special care with Epilim Chrono

A small number of people being treated with anti-epileptics such as sodium valproate have had thoughts of harming or killing themselves. If at any time you have these thoughts, immediately contact your doctor.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine if:

▲    You have diabetes. This medicine may affect the results of urine tests

▲    You have kidney problems. Your doctor may give you a lower dose

▲    You have fits (epilepsy), brain disease or a metabolic condition affecting your brain

▲    You have a ‘urea cycle disorder’ where too much ammonia builds up in the body.

▲    You have an illness called “systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)” - a disease of the immune system which affects skin, bones, joints and internal organs

If you are not sure if any of the above apply to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Epilim Chrono

Weight gain

Taking Epilim Chrono may make you put on weight. Talk to your doctor about how this will affect you.

Blood tests

Your doctor may wish to do blood tests before you start taking Epilim Chrono and during your treatment.



Taking Epilim Chrono with other medicines

Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines. This includes medicines you buy without a prescription, including herbal medicines. This is because Epilim Chrono can affect the way some other medicines work. Also some medicines can affect the way Epilim Chrono works.

The following medicines can increase the chance of you getting side effects, when taken with Epilim Chrono:


•    Some medicines used for pain and inflammation (salicylates) such as aspirin.

•    Some other medicines used to treat fits (epilepsy) - see page 2, section 3, “Patients taking other medicines for ‘fits’”. This includes medicines such as phenobarbital, primidone, phenytoin, carbamazepine, topiramate, lamotrigine and felbamate


Epilim Chrono may increase the effect of the following medicines:

•    Medicines used for thinning the blood (such as warfarin)

•    Zidovudine used to treat HIV infection

•    Temozolomide used to treat cancer

•    Medicines for depression

•    Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) such as moclobemide, selegiline, linezolid

•    Medicines used to calm emotional and mental


conditions such as diazepam and olanzapine


The following medicines can affect the way Epilim Chrono works:

•    Some medicines used for the prevention and treatment of malaria such as mefloquine and chloroquine

•    Cimetidine used for stomach ulcers

•    Carbapenem agents (antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections) such as imipenem, meropenem, rifampicin and erythromycin. The combination of Epilim Chrono and carbapenems should be avoided because it may decrease the effect of your medicine.

•    Colestyramine used to lower blood fat (cholesterol) levels

Taking Epilim Chrono with food and drink

Alcohol intake is not recommended during treatment.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding Women who could become pregnant You should not take this medicine if you are pregnant or a women of child-bearing age unless explicitly advised by your doctor.

Before you start taking Epilim Chrono, your doctor should discuss with you the possible problems when it is taken in pregnancy.

•    Unplanned pregnancy is not desirable in women taking Epilim Chrono

•    You should use an effective method of contraception and talk to your doctor before planning pregnancy.

Epilim Chrono has no effect on how well the oral contraceptive pill works.

Well before you become pregnant it is important to discuss pregnancy and epilepsy with your doctor and, if you have one, your epilepsy specialist. This is to make sure that you and your doctor agree that you should have Epilim if you become pregnant.

Women taking Epilim during pregnancy have a higher risk than other women of having a child with an abnormality. The chance of abnormalities is increased if you are also taking other medicines for epilepsy at the same time. These abnormalities include:

•    Head and face deformities including cleft palate (a gap or depression in the lip)

•    Deformities of the bones, including hip dislocation

•    Malformations of the arms and legs

•    Deformities of the tube from the bladder to the penis, where the opening is formed in a different place

•    Heart and blood vessel malformations with heart defects

•    Defects of the lining of the spinal cord

•    An abnormality of the spinal cord called ‘Spina bifida’

•    Malformations of the urethra

Women who take Epilim Chrono during pregnancy may be more likely to have a baby with spina bifida. Taking folic acid 5mg each day as soon as you stop contraception may lower the risk of having a baby with spina bifida.

There is also an increased risk of other birth defects. These other defects can usually be detected in the first 3 months of the pregnancy using routine antenatal screening blood tests and ultrasound scans.

Pregnant mothers who take Epilim Chrono may have babies with:

•    blood clotting problems (such as blood not clotting or not clotting very well). This may appear as bruising or bleeding which takes a long time to stop.

•    Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)

•    Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland, which can cause tiredness or weight gain).

Some babies born to mothers who took Epilim Chrono during pregnancy may develop less quickly than normal or have autistic disorders. These children may require additional educational support.

Talkto your doctor before you stop taking Epilim Chrono if you want to become pregnant. Do not stop taking Epilim Chrono suddenly, as it is likely that your fits will come back.

Women who are planning to get Pregnant

If you become pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking Epilim Chrono, you must tell your doctor straight away.

•    Your doctor will give you appropriate counselling and will suggest changes to your treatment or dose

•    He or she will also want to check your progress while you are pregnant

It is very important that you discuss your treatment with your doctor well before you become pregnant.

Breast-feeding

Very little Epilim Chrono gets into the breast milk. However, talkto your doctor about whether you should breast-feed your baby.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.

Driving and using machines:

You may feel sleepy when taking Epilim Chrono. If this happens to you, do not drive or use any tools or machines. Taking other medicines used to treat fits or calm emotional and mental health problems may increase sleepiness.

3. How to take Epilim Chrono

Always take Epilim Chrono exactly as your doctor has told

you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you

are not sure.

Taking this medicine

•    Your doctor will decide how much Epilim Chrono to give you or your child depending on your or your child’s body weight

•    Take this medicine by mouth

•    Take Epilim Chrono with or after food. This will help to stop the feelings of sickness that may happen after taking Epilim Chrono.

•    Do not crush or chew the tablets

•    If you feel the effect of your medicine is too weak or too strong, do not change the dose yourself but ask your doctor


How much to take Adults (including the elderly)

•    The starting dose is 600mg daily. Your doctor will gradually increase this dose by 200mg every 3 days depending on your condition

•    The usual dose is generally between 1000mg and 2000mg (20-30mg per kilogram of body weight) each day

•    This may be increased to 2500mg each day depending on your illness

Children over 20 kilograms

•    The starting dose should be 400mg daily. Your doctor should increase this dose depending on your child’s illness

•    The usual dose is then between 20mg and 30mg for each kilogram of body weight each day

•    This may be further increased to 35mg for each kilogram of body weight each day depending on your child’s illness

Children under 20 kilograms

Epilim Chrono is not recommended in children that weigh less than 20 kilograms. Epilim Liquid (sugar free) or Epilim Syrup is recommended instead.

Patients with kidney problems

•    Your doctor may decide to adjust your or your child’s dose

Patients taking other medicines for ‘fits’ (epilepsy)

•    You or your child may be taking other medicines for epilepsy at the same time as Epilim Chrono. If so, your doctor should gradually initiate treatment depending on your or your child’s condition

•    Your doctor may increase the dose of Epilim Chrono by 5 to 10mg for each kilogram of body weight each day depending on which other medicines you are taking

If you take more Epilim Chrono than you should

If you take more Epilim Chrono than you should, tell a doctor or go to a hospital casualty department straight away. Take the medicine pack with you. This is so the doctor knows what you have taken.

The following effects may happen: feeling sick or being sick, pupils of the eye become smaller, dizziness, loss of consciousness, weak muscles and poor reflexes, breathing problems, headaches, fits (seizures), confusion, memory loss and unusual or inappropriate behaviour.

If you forget to take Epilim Chrono

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you stop taking Epilim Chrono

Keep taking until your doctor tells you to stop.

Do not stop taking Epilim Chrono just because you feel better.

If you stop your fits may come back.

Tests

Make sure you or your child keep your regular appointments for a check up. They are very important as your or your child’s dose may need to be changed. Epilim Chrono can change the levels of liver enzymes shown up in blood tests. This can mean that your or your child’s liver is not working properly.

If you or your child go into hospital or visit another doctor or a dentist, tell them you are taking Epilim Chrono.

If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

4. Possible side effects

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

Tell your doctor straight away if you notice any of the following serious side effects - you may need urgent medical treatment:

•    You have an allergic reaction. The signs may include: a rash, joint pain, fever (systemic lupus erythematosus), swallowing or breathing problems, swelling of your lips, face, throat or tongue. Hands, feet or genitals may also be affected. More severe allergic reactions can lead to lymph node enlargement and possible impairment of other organs.

•    Liver problems and problems of the pancreas may show as a sudden illness which may happen in the first six months of treatment. This happens in a very small number of people taking Epilim Chrono. It includes feeling and being sick many times, being very tired, sleepy and weak, stomach pain including very bad upper stomach pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes), loss of appetite, swelling (especially of the legs and feet but may include other parts of the body), worsening of your fits or a general feeling of being unwell

Your doctor may tell you to stop taking Epilim Chrono immediately if you have these symptoms

•    You have a skin rash or skin lesions with a pink/red ring and a pale centre which may be itchy, scaly or filled with fluid. The rash may appear especially on the palms or soles of your feet. These could be signs of a serious allergy to the medicine called ‘erythema multiforme’

•    Blistering or bleeding of the skin around the lips, eyes, mouth, nose and genitals. Also flu-like symptoms and fever. This may be something called ‘Stevens-Johnson syndrome’

•    Severe blistering rash where layers of the skin may peel off to leave large areas of raw exposed skin over the body.

Also a feeling of being generally unwell, fever, chills and aching muscles. This may be something called Toxic epidermal necrolysis’

•    Bruising more easily and getting more infections than usual. This could be a blood problem called ‘thrombocytopenia’. It can also be due to a fall in the number of white blood cells, bone marrow depression or another condition that affects red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets (pancytopenia) or how the blood clots

•    Blood clotting problems (bleeding for longer than normal), bruising or bleeding for no reason

•    Changes in mood, loss of memory, lack of concentration and deep loss of consciousness (coma)

•    Underactive thyroid gland, which may cause tiredness or weight gain (hypothyroidism)

•    Breathing difficulty and pain due to inflammation of the lungs (pleural effusion)

Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you have any of the following side effects:

•    Changes in behaviour including being very alert, and sometimes also aggressive, hyper-active and unusual or inappropriate behaviour. This is more likely if other medicine to treat fits such as phenobarbital and

topiramate are taken at the same time or if the Epilim Chrono starting dose is high or has been suddenly increased

•    Changes in the amount of ammonia in the blood.

Symptoms of this condition are being sick, problems with balance and co-ordination, feeling lethargic or less alert

•    Feeling shaky (tremor), sleepy or unsteady when walking or jerky muscle movements

•    Feeling tired or confused with loss of consciousness sometimes accompanied by hallucinations or fits

•    Blisters with the skin flaking away

•    Rapid, uncontrollable movement of the eyes

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects get serious or lasts longer than a few days, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet:

•    Feeling sick, stomach ache or diarrhoea, especially when starting treatment. This may be helped by taking the tablets with food or taking the Epilim Gastro-resistant Tablets instead

•    Fainting

•    Hearing loss

•    Skin problems such as rashes. These happen rarely, but more often in people also taking lamotrigine

•    Acne

•    Hair loss which is usually temporary. When it grows back it may be more curly than before

•    Hair, including body or facial hair grows more than normal in women

•    Skin rash caused by narrow or blocked blood vessels (vasculitis)

•    Changes in women's periods and increased hair growth in women

•    Breast enlargement in men

•    Swelling of the feet and legs (oedema)

•    Weight gain - as your appetite may be increased

•    Kidney problems, bedwetting or increased need to pass urine

•    Headache

•    Aggression, agitation, disturbance in attention, abnormal behaviour, restlessness/hyperactivity, and learning disorder

•    Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet

Bone Disorders

There have been reports of bone disorders including osteopenia and osteoporosis (thinning of the bone) and fractures. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are on long-term antiepileptic medication, have a history of osteoporosis, or take steroids.

Blood tests

Epilim Chrono can change levels of liver enzymes, salts or sugars shown up on blood and urine tests.

Male Fertility

Taking Epilim Chrono can be a contributing factor in male infertility.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the side effects gets serious or lasts longer than a few days, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet.

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.


Malta

ADR Reporting, The Medicines Authority, Post-Licensing Directorate, 203 Level 3, Rue D’Argens, GZR-1368 Gzira Website: www.medicinesauthority.gov. mt Email: postlicensing.medicinesauthority@gov.mt By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.


5. How to store Epilim Chrono


Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

Do not take this medicine after the expiry date shown on the blister and carton after EXP.

The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

Do not remove the tablets from the foil until just before you take them. Do not cut the blister strips. Store in a dry place below 30C.


Medicines should not be disposed of via household wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help protect the environment.


6. Further information


What Epilim Chrono contains

•    Each 500mg controlled release tablet contains a mixture of 333mg sodium valproate and 145mg Valproic Acid, equivalent to 500mg of the active substance sodium valproate

•    The other ingredients are: hypromellose (E464), ethylcellulose, hydrated silica, titanium dioxide (E171), erythrosine BS aluminium lake (E127), indigo carmine aluminium lake FD and C Blue No 2 (E132), iron oxide black (E172), macrogol 400


What Epilim Chrono looks like and contents of the pack

Epilim Chrono tablets are unmarked, lilac coloured, oval shape, biconvex film-coated tablets. The tablets are supplied in blister packs of 100

Product Licence Holder and Manufacturer

This product is procured from within the EU by the Product Licence Holder:

IMED Healthcare Ltd, New Road, Buncrana, Co. Donegal, Ireland

Manufacturer

Fawdon Manufacturing Centre, Edgefield Avenue, Fawdon, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE3 3TT, UK

PLPI 40854/0005 Epilim Chrono 500mg Controlled Release Tablets


This leaflet does not contain all the information about your medicine. If you have any questions or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist.


POM

Epilim® Chrono 500mg Controlled Release Tablets

(sodium valproate)

Is this leaflet hard to see or read? Phone 08453727101 for help

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 further questions, please 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

•    Epilim Chrono also available in 200mg and 300mg strength tablets



In this leaflet:

1.    What Epilim Chrono is and what it is used for

2.    Before you take Epilim Chrono

3.    How to take Epilim Chrono

4.    Possible side effects

5.    How to store Epilim Chrono

6.    Further information


1. What Epilim Chrono is and what it is used for


What Epilim Chrono is

The name of your medicine is Epilim Chrono 500mg Controlled Release Tablets (called Epilim Chrono in this leaflet). “Controlled release” means that the active ingredient sodium valproate is slowly released from the tablets over a period of time.


What Epilim Chrono contains

Epilim Chrono contains sodium valproate. It belongs to a group of medicines called anti-convulsants or anti-epileptic agents.

It works by helping to calm the brain down.

What Epilim Chrono is used for

Epilim Chrono is used to treat epilepsy (fits) in adults and children.


2. Before you take Epilim Chrono


Gafl Do not take Epilim Chrono and tell your doctor if:

x You are allergic (hypersensitive) to sodium valproate or any of the other ingredients of Epilim Chrono (see Section 6: Further information)

Signs of an allergic reaction include: a rash, swallowing or breathing problems, swelling of your lips, face, throat or tongue

x You have liver problems or you or your family have a history of liver problems x You have a rare illness called porphyria



Take special care with Epilim Chrono

A small number of people being treated with anti-epileptics such as sodium valproate have had thoughts of harming or killing themselves. If at any time you have these thoughts, immediately contact your doctor.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine if:

▲    You have diabetes. This medicine may affect the results of urine tests

▲    You have kidney problems. Your doctor may give you a lower dose

▲    You have fits (epilepsy), brain disease or a metabolic condition affecting your brain

▲    You have a ‘urea cycle disorder’ where too much ammonia builds up in the body.

▲    You have an illness called “systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)” - a disease of the immune system which affects skin, bones, joints and internal organs

If you are not sure if any of the above apply to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Epilim Chrono

Weight gain

Taking Epilim Chrono may make you put on weight. Talk to your doctor about how this will affect you.

Blood tests

Your doctor may wish to do blood tests before you start taking Epilim Chrono and during your treatment.



Taking Epilim Chrono with other medicines

Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines. This includes medicines you buy without a prescription, including herbal medicines. This is because Epilim Chrono can affect the way some other medicines work. Also some medicines can affect the way Epilim Chrono works.

The following medicines can increase the chance of you getting side effects, when taken with Epilim Chrono:

•    Some medicines used for pain and inflammation (salicylates) such as aspirin.

•    Some other medicines used to treat fits (epilepsy) - see page 2, section 3, “Patients taking other medicines for ‘fits’”. This includes medicines such as phenobarbital, primidone, phenytoin, carbamazepine, topiramate, lamotrigine and felbamate


Epilim Chrono may increase the effect of the following medicines:

•    Medicines used for thinning the blood (such as warfarin)

•    Zidovudine used to treat HIV infection

•    Temozolomide used to treat cancer

•    Medicines for depression

•    Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) such as moclobemide, selegiline, linezolid

•    Medicines used to calm emotional and mental


conditions such as diazepam and olanzapine


The following medicines can affect the way Epilim Chrono works:

•    Some medicines used for the prevention and treatment of malaria such as mefloquine and chloroquine

•    Cimetidine used for stomach ulcers

•    Carbapenem agents (antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections) such as imipenem, meropenem, rifampicin and erythromycin. The combination of Epilim Chrono and carbapenems should be avoided because it may decrease the effect of your medicine.

•    Colestyramine used to lower blood fat (cholesterol) levels

Taking Epilim Chrono with food and drink

Alcohol intake is not recommended during treatment.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding Women who could become pregnant You should not take this medicine if you are pregnant or a women of child-bearing age unless explicitly advised by your doctor.

Before you start taking Epilim Chrono, your doctor should discuss with you the possible problems when it is taken in pregnancy.

•    Unplanned pregnancy is not desirable in women taking Epilim Chrono

•    You should use an effective method of contraception and talk to your doctor before planning pregnancy.

Epilim Chrono has no effect on how well the oral contraceptive pill works.

Well before you become pregnant it is important to discuss pregnancy and epilepsy with your doctor and, if you have one, your epilepsy specialist. This is to make sure that you and your doctor agree that you should have Epilim if you become pregnant.

Women taking Epilim during pregnancy have a higher risk than other women of having a child with an abnormality. The chance of abnormalities is increased if you are also taking other medicines for epilepsy at the same time. These abnormalities include:

•    Head and face deformities including cleft palate (a gap or depression in the lip)

•    Deformities of the bones, including hip dislocation

•    Malformations of the arms and legs

•    Deformities of the tube from the bladder to the penis, where the opening is formed in a different place

•    Heart and blood vessel malformations with heart defects

•    Defects of the lining of the spinal cord

•    An abnormality of the spinal cord called ‘Spina bifida’

•    Malformations of the urethra

Women who take Epilim Chrono during pregnancy may be more likely to have a baby with spina bifida. Taking folic acid 5mg each day as soon as you stop contraception may lower the risk of having a baby with spina bifida.

There is also an increased risk of other birth defects. These other defects can usually be detected in the first 3 months of the pregnancy using routine antenatal screening blood tests and ultrasound scans.

Pregnant mothers who take Epilim Chrono may have babies with:

•    blood clotting problems (such as blood not clotting or not clotting very well). This may appear as bruising or bleeding which takes a long time to stop.

•    Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)

•    Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland, which can cause tiredness or weight gain).

Some babies born to mothers who took Epilim Chrono during pregnancy may develop less quickly than normal or have autistic disorders. These children may require additional educational support.

Talkto your doctor before you stop taking Epilim Chrono if you want to become pregnant. Do not stop taking Epilim Chrono suddenly, as it is likely that your fits will come back.

Women who are planning to get Pregnant

If you become pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking Epilim Chrono, you must tell your doctor straight away.

•    Your doctor will give you appropriate counselling and will suggest changes to your treatment or dose

•    He or she will also want to check your progress while you are pregnant

It is very important that you discuss your treatment with your doctor well before you become pregnant.

Breast-feeding

Very little Epilim Chrono gets into the breast milk. However, talkto your doctor about whether you should breast-feed your baby.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.

Driving and using machines:

You may feel sleepy when taking Epilim Chrono. If this happens to you, do not drive or use any tools or machines. Taking other medicines used to treat fits or calm emotional and mental health problems may increase sleepiness.

3. How to take Epilim Chrono

Always take Epilim Chrono exactly as your doctor has told

you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you

are not sure.

Taking this medicine

•    Your doctor will decide how much Epilim Chrono to give you or your child depending on your or your child’s body weight

•    Take this medicine by mouth

•    Take Epilim Chrono with or after food. This will help to stop the feelings of sickness that may happen after taking Epilim Chrono.

•    Do not crush or chew the tablets

•    If you feel the effect of your medicine is too weak or too strong, do not change the dose yourself but ask your doctor


How much to take Adults (including the elderly)

•    The starting dose is 600mg daily. Your doctor will gradually increase this dose by 200mg every 3 days depending on your condition

•    The usual dose is generally between 1000mg and 2000mg (20-30mg per kilogram of body weight) each day

•    This may be increased to 2500mg each day depending on your illness

Children over 20 kilograms

•    The starting dose should be 400mg daily. Your doctor should increase this dose depending on your child’s illness

•    The usual dose is then between 20mg and 30mg for each kilogram of body weight each day

•    This may be further increased to 35mg for each kilogram of body weight each day depending on your child’s illness

Children under 20 kilograms

Epilim Chrono is not recommended in children that weigh less than 20 kilograms. Epilim Liquid (sugar free) or Epilim Syrup is recommended instead.

Patients with kidney problems

•    Your doctor may decide to adjust your or your child’s dose

Patients taking other medicines for ‘fits’ (epilepsy)

•    You or your child may be taking other medicines for epilepsy at the same time as Epilim Chrono. If so, your doctor should gradually initiate treatment depending on your or your child’s condition

•    Your doctor may increase the dose of Epilim Chrono by 5 to 10mg for each kilogram of body weight each day depending on which other medicines you are taking

If you take more Epilim Chrono than you should

If you take more Epilim Chrono than you should, tell a doctor or go to a hospital casualty department straight away. Take the medicine pack with you. This is so the doctor knows what you have taken.

The following effects may happen: feeling sick or being sick, pupils of the eye become smaller, dizziness, loss of consciousness, weak muscles and poor reflexes, breathing problems, headaches, fits (seizures), confusion, memory loss and unusual or inappropriate behaviour.

If you forget to take Epilim Chrono

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you stop taking Epilim Chrono

Keep taking until your doctor tells you to stop.

Do not stop taking Epilim Chrono just because you feel better.

If you stop your fits may come back.

Tests

Make sure you or your child keep your regular appointments for a check up. They are very important as your or your child’s dose may need to be changed. Epilim Chrono can change the levels of liver enzymes shown up in blood tests. This can mean that your or your child’s liver is not working properly.

If you or your child go into hospital or visit another doctor or a dentist, tell them you are taking Epilim Chrono.

If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

4. Possible side effects

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

Tell your doctor straight away if you notice any of the following serious side effects - you may need urgent medical treatment:

•    You have an allergic reaction. The signs may include: a rash, joint pain, fever (systemic lupus erythematosus), swallowing or breathing problems, swelling of your lips, face, throat or tongue. Hands, feet or genitals may also be affected. More severe allergic reactions can lead to lymph node enlargement and possible impairment of other organs.

•    Liver problems and problems of the pancreas may show as a sudden illness which may happen in the first six months of treatment. This happens in a very small number of people taking Epilim Chrono. It includes feeling and being sick many times, being very tired, sleepy and weak, stomach pain including very bad upper stomach pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes), loss of appetite, swelling (especially of the legs and feet but may include other parts of the body), worsening of your fits or a general feeling of being unwell

Your doctor may tell you to stop taking Epilim Chrono immediately if you have these symptoms

•    You have a skin rash or skin lesions with a pink/red ring and a pale centre which may be itchy, scaly or filled with fluid. The rash may appear especially on the palms or soles of your feet. These could be signs of a serious allergy to the medicine called ‘erythema multiforme’

•    Blistering or bleeding of the skin around the lips, eyes, mouth, nose and genitals. Also flu-like symptoms and fever. This may be something called ‘Stevens-Johnson syndrome’

•    Severe blistering rash where layers of the skin may peel off to leave large areas of raw exposed skin over the body.

Also a feeling of being generally unwell, fever, chills and aching muscles. This may be something called Toxic epidermal necrolysis’

•    Bruising more easily and getting more infections than usual. This could be a blood problem called ‘thrombocytopenia’. It can also be due to a fall in the number of white blood cells, bone marrow depression or another condition that affects red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets (pancytopenia) or how the blood clots

•    Blood clotting problems (bleeding for longer than normal), bruising or bleeding for no reason

•    Changes in mood, loss of memory, lack of concentration and deep loss of consciousness (coma)

•    Underactive thyroid gland, which may cause tiredness or weight gain (hypothyroidism)

•    Breathing difficulty and pain due to inflammation of the lungs (pleural effusion)

Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you have any of the following side effects:

•    Changes in behaviour including being very alert, and sometimes also aggressive, hyper-active and unusual or inappropriate behaviour. This is more likely if other medicine to treat fits such as phenobarbital and

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