Lodine SR Tablets (Etodolac)

Lodine SR Tablets 600mg (Etodolac)

WHAT LODINE SR TABLETS ARE AND WHAT THEY ARE USED FOR

Lodine SR Tablets are used to treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis by reducing inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. Each tablet contains 600mg of the active ingredient etodolac. In this tablet, the medicine is released slowly which means that you only have to take one tablet each day.

Lodine SRis one of a group of medicines called “non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs” (NSAIDs) which are usually taken to relieve the pain, stiffness, inflammation and swelling which is often associated with arthritis.

BEFORE YOU TAKE LODINE SR TABLETS

DO NOT take Lodine SR Tablets if you:

• have had an allergic reaction or asthmatic type reaction (e.g. wheezing, itching or skin rash) after taking aspirin, Lodine or another NSAID
• have a peptic ulcer (a small erosion or hole in the stomach or duodenum) or bleeding in your stomach, or have had two or more episodes of peptic ulcers, stomach bleeding or perforation.
• have severe heart failure
• are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are breast feeding
• are allergic to etodolac or any of the ingredients of the tablet.

Lodine SR Tablets are not recommended for use in children.

Take special care with Lodine SR Tablets

Tell your doctor or pharmacist before taking Lodine SR Tablets if you:

• suffer from kidney, heart or liver disease, or a blood disorder, especially if you are also taking diuretics (water tablets). The dose should be as low as possible and you should have regular checks
• are already on long-term therapy with a medicine other than Lodine, since your doctor will want to arrange regular check-ups, especially if you are elderly
• suffer from fluid retention, (swelling of legs, ankles or feet)
• suffer from high blood pressure or heart failure
• suffer from, or have ever suffered from, asthma or breathing difficulties
• have heart problems, previous stroke or think that you might be at risk of these conditions (for example if you have high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol or are a smoker)

Medicines such as Lodine SR Tablets may be associated with a small increased risk of heart attack (myocardial infarction) or stroke. Any risk is more likely with high doses and prolonged treatment. Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration of treatment.

If you have heart problems, previous stroke or think that you might be at risk of these conditions (for example if you have high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol or are a smoker) you should discuss your treatment with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious gastrointestinal side effects such as bleeding, ulceration and perforation can occur at any time with or without warning symptoms in patients treated with NSAIDs. If any sign of gastrointestinal bleeding occurs, Lodine SR Tablets should be stopped immediately.

Taking other medicines

You should tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without prescription. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines before taking Lodine SR Tablets:

• warfarin – for blood thinning
• ciclosporin – following transplantation
• digoxin – for heart problems
• lithium – for mental illness
• methotrexate – used to treat conditions such as psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis
• corticosteroids (such as prednisolone)
• quinolone antibiotics e.g. ciprofloxacin
• aspirin
• other NSAIDs e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac
• drugs to control high blood pressure
• mifepristone(a drug to induce abortion) in the last 12 days

If you have a blood or urine test, tell your doctor that you are taking Lodine SR Tablets, as the drug may affect the results.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

Do not use Lodine SR Tablets if you are pregnant or likely to be pregnant, unless your doctor has advised you.

Do not use Lodine SR Tablets if you are breast-feeding.

Lodine SR Tablets may make it more difficult to become pregnant. You should inform your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant or if you have problems becoming pregnant.

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

Driving and using machines

Lodine SR Tablets may cause dizziness, drowsiness or abnormal vision. If you find that you are affected in this way, you should not drive or operate machinery whilst taking Lodine SR Tablets.

Important information about some of the ingredients of Lodine SR Tablets

Lactose is an ingredient in Lodine SR Tablets. If you have been told that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking the tablets.

HOW TO TAKE LODINE SR TABLETS

Always take Lodine SR Tablets exactly as your doctor told you You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. Check the pharmacist’s label for the dose recommended for you.

The usual adult dose is one Lodine SR 600mg tablet a day. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Take with or after food. Do not chew or crush the tablet. Lodine SR Tablets are not recommended for use in children.

If you take more tablets than you should

If you take more tablets than you should (an overdose), seek medical attention immediately. Always take the bottle (or packaging) with you, even if empty.

If you forget to take Lodine SR Tablets

If you forget to take your medicine, do not take a double dose to make up for the forgotten dose. Take your tablet as soon as you remember and continue to take your medicine as usual, but do not take more than one tablet a day.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

Like all medicines, Lodine SR Tablets can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

These side effects may be temporary. However, you should tell your doctor if the side effects become troublesome, or last for more than a few days. Medicines such as Lodine SR Tablets may be associated with a small increased risk of heart attack (myocardial infarction) or stroke.

Side effects may include:

• Heart and blood problems such as; high blood pressure, palpitations (throbbing of heart), heart disorders, anaemia or other blood disorders, unexpected bleeding.
• Sensory disorders such as; headache, ringing or buzzing in ears, dizziness, abnormal vision.
• Gastrointestinal problems such as; mouth ulcers, sore mouth, nausea, vomiting, stomach upsets, diarrhoea, constipation, wind, heartburn, indigestion.
• Liver problems such as; jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin), abdominal pain, liver function problems.
• Skin disorders such as; swelling of tissues, burning or prickling sensations, increased sensitivity to light, itching of the skin, rash, redness.
• Kidney problems such as; difficulty or pain when passing urine, discolouration of urine or urinating more or less often than usual.
• General disorders such as; fever, drowsiness, weakness, sleeplessness, shaking, nervousness, depression, confusion.

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.

If you suffer from any of the following at any time during your treatment STOP TAKING the medicine and seek immediate medical help:

• Pass blood in your faeces (stools/motions)
• Pass Black tarry stools
• Vomit any blood or dark particles that look like coffee grounds STOP TAKING the medicine and tell your doctor if you experience:
• Indigestion or heartburn
• Abdominal pain (pains in your stomach) or other abnormal stomach symptoms.
• Urinary problems such as high blood pressure, feet swelling, passing little or no urine or passing blood. These might be a sign of kidney failure or toxicity.
• Allergic reactions such as extensive rash, peeling or blistering of the skin, continuous itching, swelling, wheezing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

HOW TO STORE LODINE SR TABLETS

Keep out of the reach and sight of children.

Lodine SR Tablets should be kept at room temperature (below 25 °C).

Do not use Lodine SR Tablets after the expiry date which is stated on the carton after “EXP”: The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

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

FURTHER INFORMATION

What Lodine SR Tablets contain The active ingredient is etodolac (600mg).

The other ingredients are: hypromellose, dibasic sodium phosphate, ethylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, hydroxypropyl cellulose, macrogol 400, macrogol 6000 and colourings titanium dioxide (E171) and iron oxide (El 72).

What Lodine SR Tablets look like and contents of the pack

Lodine SR Tablets are oval shaped, light grey film coated tablets, and embossed on one side with “Lodine SR600″.

The tablets are supplied in blister packs of 2,28 or 30 tablets or in plastic bottles of 28 or 30 tablets. However, your doctor may prescribe a different number of tablets for you.