ZIMBACOL XL TABLETS
WHAT IS IN ZIMBACOL XL TABLETS?
The name of your medicine is Zimbacol XL tablets.
Zimbacol XL tablets contain bezafibrate 400mg as the active ingredient. They also contain maize starch, sodium starch glycolate, lactose, poly(ethyl aery late-methyl methacrylate), magnesium stearate, polysorbate 80, hypromellose (E464), talc, calcium carbonate (E170), povidone, arabic gum, titanium dioxide (E171), glucose, sucrose, purified water and macrogol 6000.
WHEN SHOULD YOU NOT TAKE ZIMBACOL XL TABLETS?
You should not take Zimbacol XL tablets:
- if you have received bezafibrate previously and had a bad reaction such as an allergy or wheezing,
- if you have a severe liver disease (except that caused by increased fat in the liver),
- if you have a gall bladder disease,
- if you have poor kidney function or kidney disease.
BEFORE TAKING YOUR MEDICINE
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following apply:
- if you are being treated for diabetes or depression,
- if you are being treated with any other lipid-regulating drugs,
- if you are taking medicine to ‘thin’ your blood,
- if you are currently taking any other medicines,
- if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant,
- if you are breast-feeding.
HOW TO TAKE YOUR MEDICINE
It is important that you take your medicine as directed by your doctor.
Normally your doctor will tell you to take one tablet a day, and the tablet should be swallowed whole with a little fluid after a meal, either in the morning or the evening.
Keep taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop. If you forget to take a dose take another as soon as you remember and then carry on as before.
The length of time needed for the medicine to work can vary from person to person and your doctor will check from time to time how well it is working.
In the event of an accidental overdose, consult your nearest hospital casualty department or doctor immediately.
DO ZIMBACOL XL TABLETS HAVE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
As well as benefits, all medicines may occasionally have unwanted effects in some patients. These are called side effects.
Zimbacol XL tablets may cause side effects. These may include nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, indigestion, flatulence (wind) and stomach discomfort, particularly when you first start taking your medicine. These effects should not last for long, if they do consult your doctor.
Other effects which occur less frequently include weight gain, headache, dizziness, tiredness or drowsiness, skin rashes, itching or hair loss. Rarely, muscle cramps or weakness may occur.
If you notice any of these side effects or any other changes in your health whilst taking this medicine tell your doctor immediately.
Do not be alarmed by this list of possible events. Most people take Zimbacol XL tablets without any problems.
EXPIRY DATE
You must not take these tablets after the expiry date. This is given on the carton and the blister as ‘EXP’ followed by the month and year. Tablets should not be used after the end of that month. If you are not sure when this is check with your doctor or pharmacist.
STORAGE OF YOUR ZIMBACOL XL TABLETS
Keep your medicine in a safe place where children cannot reach it. These tablets are not prescribed for children and could be dangerous for them.
Do not store your medicine above 25°C.
When your doctor tells you to stop taking the tablets return any left over to your pharmacist.
REMEMBER: This medicine is only for you. Only a doctor can prescribe it for you. Never give it to someone else. It may harm them even if their symptoms are similar to yours.
Jennifer is a clinical pharmacologist. She helps doctors of all medical specialties choose medications. Jennifer consults about drug dosage, interactions, and side effects.