Tegretol®

Tegretol^®

Geigy

What you should know about Tegretol

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

Tegretol contains a substance called carbamazepine. This is one of the group of medicines called anticonvulsants which are used to treat epilepsy. Tegretol is also used to treat a painful condition of the face called trigeminal neuralgia. Tegretol is sometimes used for other conditions.

Things to remember about Tegretol

Make sure it is safe for you to take Tegretol (see the back of this leaflet).

Take your tablets as directed by your doctor. Read carefully the instructions on the label.
Do not stop taking your tablets suddenly. Ask your doctor first.
These tablets may cause unwanted effects in some people. You can find information about them on the back of this leaflet.
Keep the 400mg tablets in a dry place. Keep all tablets out of reach of children.
Remember to return any unused tablets to your pharmacist.

This leaflet has been written for patients as part of our

'Partners in Health Care' theme by:–

Geigy Pharmaceuticals, Horsham, West Sussex, England.

This leaflet is produced in accordance with guidance issued by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry.

The information in it applies only to Tegretol.

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PL 0001/5028R

PL 0001/0088

PA 11/1/2

PA 11/1/3

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Tegretol is an anticonvulsant used to treat epilepsy. It is also used to treat a painful condition of the face called trigeminal neuralgia. Tegretol is sometimes used for other conditions.

What's in your medicine

Tegretol tablets are white and come in three sizes containing 100mg, 200mg or 400mg of carbamazepine.

Before taking your medicine

If the answer to either of the questions below is YES, DO NOT TAKE the tablets without

talking to your doctor again.

Have you ever developed a rash or other possible allergy to carbamazepine?
Do you suffer from any serious heart disease?
If the answer to any of the questions below is YES, tell your doctor or pharmacist.
Do you suffer from any serious liver or kidney disease?
Are you taking oral contraceptives (birth control pills)?
Are you taking anticoagulants (blood thinning tablets like warfarin)?
Are you taking or have you recently taken any other medicines which your doctor does not know about?
Are you pregnant or breast feeding?

Taking your medicine

Take your tablets as directed by your doctor. It is important to take them at the right times. The label will tell you how many to take and how often. If it does not or you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

The tablets should be swallowed with a drink of water or milk. If necessary, the tablets may be broken in half along the scored line.

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then go on as before.

Do not stop taking your tablets suddenly. Always ask your doctor first.

If you accidentally take too many tablets, contact your nearest hospital casualty department or tell your doctor immediately.

After taking your medicine

These tablets sometimes cause unwanted effects in some people. If you get any of the

following tell your doctor:

A rash or peeling of the skin or unexplained bruising.
A persistent sore throat or raised temperature or both.
Any yellowing of the whites of your eyes or your skin.
Swelling of the ankles, feet or lower legs.

Other effects which may occur are:

Dizziness, drowsiness or headache.
Double vision or blurred vision.
Dry mouth.
Upset stomach.

These effects are often mild and may wear off after a few days' treatment. If they are severe or last for more than a few days, tell your doctor. Also, if your tablets upset you in any other

way, tell your doctor.

Precautions

When you start taking Tegretol, your doctor may want you to have a number of blood tests. This is quite usual and nothing to worry about.

If you get dizzy or drowsy when you start to take your tablets, do not drive or operate machinery until this effect has worn off.

Do not drink alcohol whilst taking these tablets without first asking your doctor.

REMEMBER: This medicine Is for you. Only a doctor can prescribe It for you. Never give It to others. It may harm them even If they have the same symptoms as you.