PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET

Potter’s Herbals ( logo)

VARICOSE OINTMENT

HAMAMELIS WATER, ZINC OXIDE AND CADE OIL PLEASE READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USE

This medicine is available without prescription. However, you still need to take Potter’s Varicose Ointment carefully to get the best results from it.

•    Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.

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

•    You must contact a doctor or a pharmacist if your symptoms worsen or do not improve after 2 weeks.

•    If you experience any of the side effects listed in the leaflet, or if you notice any other side effects, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

IN THIS LEAFLET:

1.    What Potter’s Varicose Ointment is and what it is used for

2.    Before you use Potter’s Varicose Ointment

3.    How to use Potter’s Varicose Ointment

4.    Possible side effects

5.    How to store Potter’s Varicose Ointment

6.    Further information

1.    WHAT POTTER’S VARICOSE OINTMENT IS AND WHAT IT IS USED FOR:

A traditional herbal medicinal product used for the relief of minor skin inflammation and irritation due to varicose veins in the lower legs, based on traditional use only.

Containing Hamamelis Water, Zinc Oxide and Cade Oil.

For full details, see section 6.

2.    BEFORE YOU USE POTTER’S VARICOSE OINTMENT:

Do not use Potter’s Varicose Ointment:

•    if you are allergic to any of the ingredients

•    if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

•    if you are under 18 years of age.

•    if you have broken or ulcerated skin

•    if the varicose veins are bleeding or start to bleed

Contact your doctor immediately:

If the varicose veins start to bleed , if ulcers develop or if severe leg pain is experienced or if any unusual changes in the skin occur.

Taking other medicines:

Please ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.

Special warnings and precautions for use:

Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.

Important information about some of the ingredients in Potter’s Varicose Ointment:

This product contains lanolin and butylated hydroxyanisole (E320) which may cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis). Butylated hydroxyanisole (E320) may also cause irritation to the eyes and mucous membranes.

3. HOW TO USE POTTER’S VARICOSE OINTMENT:

It is important that you follow these instructions carefully.

Wash hands before and after using the ointment.

For external use.

This product is for application to the skin only.

Adults and the elderly: Apply to the affected area once in the morning and once in the evening.

Not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age.

Do not apply to broken or ulcerated skin.

Do not exceed the stated dose.

If your symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If the varicose vein starts to bleed and does not stop, if ulcers develop or if any unusual changes in the skin occur, a doctor or qualified healthcare practitioner should be consulted.

If you forget to use Potter’s Varicose Ointment:

If you miss applying the product at the correct time, proceed with the next application at the usual time.

If you apply too much Potter’s Varicose Ointment:

If you apply to much ointment, wipe off the excess with a clean tissue.

Always consult your doctor or pharmacist if you need further advice.

4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS:

Like all medicines this product can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them. If the following or other side effects occur, stop taking this product and consult your doctor or pharmacist:

Allergic contact dermatitis may occur in sensitive patients with hamamelis use. The frequency is not known.

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 POTTER’S VARICOSE OINTMENT:

Keep out of the reach and sight of children.

Do not store above 25°C. Store in the original packaging.

Do not use Potter’s Varicose Ointment after the expiry date. The expiry date is printed on the label.

Return any unused medicine to your pharmacist for safe disposal.

The active ingredient in Potter’s Varicose Ointment is:

Each 1 g ointment contains:

7.4 % w/w Hamamelis Water (Hamamelis virginiana L.),

3.6% w/w Zinc Oxide,

2.3% w/w Cade Oil (Juniperus oxycerus).

This product also contains:

Emulsifying Wax, Acetated Wool Alcohols (Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol), Hard Paraffin, Butylated Hydroxyanisole (E320), Ariabel Russett 300405, (synthetic iron oxide colour), Ariabel Mocha 3000408, (synthetic iron oxide colour), Yellow Soft Paraffin, Maltodextrin.

1 g of ointment contains 16 mg of Wool fat( lanolin) and 0.5 mg of butylated hydroxyanisole.

What Potter’s Varicose Ointment looks like and the contents of the pack:

Pink/brown colour ointment in containers of 28 g.

Traditional Herbal Registration Holder and Manufacturer:

Potters, Wigan WN5 0JZ

Traditional Herbal Registration number:

THR 44893/0017

For further information, call 01202 449752

If you would like a version of this leaflet in an alternative format, please call 01942 219960

Product code: VAR02LEA Leaflet last revised:

July 2015

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