ACAMPROSATE CALCIUMProduct code SKU16149

Brand Name(s) : Campral EC


ACAMPROSATE CALCIUM USES

What is it used for?

    Acamprosate is used to maintain abstinence from alcohol in patients who have been dependent (addicted) to alcohol.
    It is used to maintain abstinence from alcohol in patients who are alcohol-dependent but already abstaining from alcohol, and is used together with counselling.
    In general this drug is used to treat alcohol dependence.
    Benefits of being on this drug include preventing the need for alcohol in people who have successfully overcome alcohol dependence.

Listed below are the typical uses of acamprosate.

    Therapy to maintain abstinence from alcohol in alcohol-dependent patients. It should be combined with counselling.

On occasion your doctor may prescribe this medicine to treat a condition not on the above list. Such conditions are listed below. None known.
HOW TO USE/TAKE

How often do I take it?

    Take this medication by mouth, usually three-times daily, with meals.
    Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it.
    Remember to use it at the same time each day - unless specifically told otherwise by your doctor.
    It may take some time before the full benefit of this drug takes effect.
    Certain medical conditions may require different dosage instructions as directed by your doctor.

What dose?

    Dosage is based on your age, gender, medical condition, response to therapy, and use of certain interacting medicines.

Do I need to avoid anything?

    Drinking alcohol whilst on this medicine can make you feel very unwell. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

When can I stop?

    It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well, unless your doctor tells you to stop.

Details

ACAMPROSATE CALCIUM INTERACTIONS

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious, possibly fatal interactions may occur: none known. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and non-prescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: none known. This information does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using acamprosate, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use.


ACAMPROSATE CALCIUM SIDE EFFECTS

    Diarrhoea
    Feeling sick (nausea)
    Vomiting
    Stomach pain
    Increased or decreased sex drive
    Impotence or frigidity
    Itching
    Macropapular rash (red area of skin covered with small bumps)
    Bullous skin reactions (blistering of the skin).

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If any of these persist or you consider them severe then inform doctor or pharmacist.

Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms: none known.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the UK you may report side-effects to the MHRA


ACAMPROSATE CALCIUM OVERDOSE

An overdose of acamprosate may cause: diarrhoea, but serious adverse effects are unlikely to occur with an overdose.

If you think you, or someone you care for, might have accidentally taken more than the recommended dose of acamprosate or intentional overdose is suspected, contact your local hospital, GP or if in the UK call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.


MISSED DOSE

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

ACAMPROSATE CALCIUM PRECAUTIONS

Before taking acamprosate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other drugs used to prevent substance dependence; or if you have any other allergies.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: severe liver problems, or severe kidney problems.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially any of the following: any liver or kidney problems, or continued use of alcohol.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.

Does alcohol intake affect this drug?

    Continued drinking of alcohol prevents this medication from working.

The elderly: acamprosate should not be used in the elderly.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding - please ensure you read the detailed information below.


PREGNANCY

Acamprosate is not safe to take if you are, or are planning to become, pregnant.

It is sensible to limit use of medication during pregnancy whenever possible. However, your doctor may decide that the benefits outweigh the risks in individual circumstances and after a careful assessment of your specific health situation.

If you have any doubts or concerns you are advised to discuss the medicine with your doctor or pharmacist.


BREAST FEEDING

Acamprosate is not safe to take if you are breastfeeding.

It is sensible to limit use of medication during breastfeeding whenever possible. However, your doctor may decide that the benefits outweigh the risks in individual circumstances and after a careful assessment of your specific health situation.

If you have any doubts or concerns you are advised to discuss the medicine with your doctor or pharmacist.


ACAMPROSATE CALCIUM WARNINGS

Acamprosate should be used with caution in: patients who continue to abuse alcohol.

It should not be used in: children, the elderly, women who are pregnant or who are breastfeeding, those with severe liver problems, or severe kidney problems.

Also see list of precautions and interactions.


STORAGE

No special storage conditions are required.