What you should know about Transiderm Nitro

What you should know about Transiderm Nitro

Please read this carefully before you start to use the patches. This leaflet does not contain the complete information about your patches. If you have any questions or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

The name of these patches is Transiderm Nitro and they contain a substance called glyceryl trinitrate. This is one of the group of medicines called

nitrates, which help to relieve the symptoms of angina.

Angina means a painful tightness "in the chest". This is a good description of a typical attack, although the pain may also be felt in the arm or neck. The pain really comes from the heart muscle and is a sign that part of it is not getting enough oxygen for the amount of work it has to do.

Transiderm Nitro is an adhesive patch containing a supply of glyceryl trinitrate which it releases through the skin and into the blood vessels. The diagram alongside shows how it works.

(Diagram A)

Things to remember about Transiderm Nitro

Instructions for using these patches are on the back of this leaflet, please read them carefully.
Change your patch as directed by your doctor and read the label on the box.
Do not stop using the patches suddenly. Consult your doctor first.
These patches may cause unwanted effects in some people, you can find information about them on the back of this leaflet.
Keep your patches in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children. Do not refrigerate.
Dispose of your used patches carefully, they will still contain some active medication, so make sure that children cannot get them.
Transiderm Nitro is not suitable for children.

This leaflet has been written for patients as part of our 'Partners in Healthcare' theme by:

CIBA LABORATORIES, HORSHAM, WEST SUSSEX, ENGLAND.

Made by CIBA-GEIGY LIMITED, BASLE, SWITZERLAND.

PL0001/0094

PL 0001/0095

PA28/50/1

PA28/50/2

The name of these patches is Transiderm Nitro. They come in two sizes containing 25mg or 50mg of glyceryl trinitrate.

Before using your patch

Are you allergic to any anti-angina treatments?
Do you suffer from low blood pressure?
Do you suffer from heart or blood vessel disorders other than angina?

If the answer to any of these questions is YES, DO NOT USE the patches without consulting your doctor again.

Have you had a recent heart attack?
Are you taking medicines for lowering blood pressure?
Are you taking medicines for anxiety or depression?
Are you taking medicines for migraine?
Are you pregnant or trying to become pregnant?
Are you breast feeding?

If the answer to any of these questions is YES, tell your doctor or pharmacist before using the patches.
Using your patch


Decide where you will put the patch. It is important that you put it on a hairless area to ensure that it sticks well. The front or side of the chest is recommended, the upper abdomen or upper arm are other suitable places.	Wash the skin and dry it thoroughly to make sure the patch sticks well. Wait a minute until the skin feels quite dry. Do not use powder.


Remove one sachet from the box and tear open the sachet at the notch. Use your fingers as cutting with scissors might damage the patch inside. Remove the patch from the sachet.	Peel off the white plastic backing and discard it. Do not touch the sticky surface of the patch.	Place the sticky side of the patch on the clean skin, press firmly while you count slowly up to five.

6/7 Run your finger around the edge of the patch to make sure no air or water can get in. If you have applied the patch correctly you can bathe, shower or swim with little risk of the patch coming off.

Changing your patch

Your doctor will advise you about when to change your patch. You would normally apply a new patch at roughly the same time each day. You may be advised to wear each patch either for 24 hours, or for only part of each day. Dispose of the old patch carefully, as it will still contain some active medication. Apply the new patch to a different area of clean, dry skin.
If you forget to change your patch, put on a new one as soon as you remember. Then go on as before.

While wearing your patch

These patches may cause unwanted effects in some people.

Headaches. These will probably wear off after a few days. If necessary you can take mild painkillers (e.g. paracetamol).
Reddening of the skin at the site of the patch. Be sure to put your patch in a different place each day.
Faintness, dizziness, lightheadedness and flushing of the face.
Fast heart beat or palpitations.

If any of these effects are very severe or last for more than a few days, you should tell your doctor. Also, if the

patches upset you in any other way, tell your doctor.

Precautions

If you get dizzy when you start to use the patches, do not drive or operate machinery until this effect has worn off.
Be careful when drinking alcohol - it may affect you more than usual.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medicines whilst you are on Transiderm Nitro.
Do not stop using the patches suddenly. ConsuIt your doctor first.

REMEMBER: this medicine was prescribed for YOU. Never give it to someone else.

This leaflet is produced in accordance with guidance issued by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry. The information in it applies only to Transiderm Nitro.