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

The name of this medicine is OPILON. It contains thymoxamine. It is one of a group of medicines called vasodilators . OPILON works by widening the blood vessels. OPILON can be prescribed for conditions requiring improved blood circulation or sometimes for other purposes.

re are more details about OPILON on the back of this leaflet.

1. Before taking OPILON check that it is safe for you to do so. (Please see the next section for details).
1. You must take OPILON regularly as directed by your doctor and always read the label carefully.
1. OPILON can sometimes cause problems. (Please see the section After taking Opilon for details).
1. As with all medicines keep it out of the reach of children.
1. If you go into hospital or see a dentist or another doctor remember to tell the medical staff that you are taking OPILON.
1. Remember to return any unused tablets to your pharmacist.

• Are you pregnant breast-feeding or thinking of becoming pregnant?
• Are you a diabetic?
• Are you taking medicine for depression?
• Are you on a medicine to reduce blood pressure?
• Do you suffer from heart disease?
• Are you allergic to OPILON?
• Is the person that this medicine is prescribed for under the age of twelve?

If the answer is YES to any of these questions the use of OPILON is not recommended please discuss it further with your doctor or pharmacist before you start taking OPILON.

• It is important to take your medicine at the right times. You must take it as directed by your doctor.
• The dosage for OPILON varies from person to person depending on their individual condition. You will probably be taking either one or two tablets four times a day. However your doctor may suggest a different dose.
• The label will tell you how much to take and how often. If it doesn’t. or you are not sure ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• The tablets should be swallowed whole with a drink.
• If you forget to take a dose take it as soon as you remember. If this coincides with the next dose do not take a double dose. If you are in doubt about dosing ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
• In the event of an accidental overdose tell your doctor or nearest hospital casualty department as soon as you can.
• Don t stop taking OPILON or alter the dosage without telling your doctor

OPILON can sometimes cause side-effects in some people. The most frequently

reported side-effects are:

• mild nausea.
• diarrhoea
• headache
• flushing of the face
• giddiness

• As with all medicines store OPILON in a sate place where it is cool and dry and where children cannot reach them.

• OPILON is not prescribed for children and could be dangerous to them.

• Check the expiry date and do not use the tablets it the date has passed.

• It the tablets look as it they are deteriorating in any way do not take them and return them to your doctor or pharmacist.

• It your doctor decides to stop the treatment return any left-over tablets to the pharmacist. Only keep them it your doctor tells you to.

• Check that your OPILON tablets are the same as your previous set of OPILON tablets.

OPILON tablets are small pale yellow round tablets. They contain the active ingredient Thymoxamine hydrochloride BP equivalent to 40 mg of thymoxamine. This is also known as Moxisylyte (rlNN).

They also contain lactose microcrystalline cellulose silicon dioxide maize starch and magnesium stearate with a coating containing methyl hydroxypropyl cellulose propylene glycol E104 E124 E132 and E171 . These ingredients help in the composition of the tablet of OPILON but are not active ingredients.

OPILON is a drug which improves blood circulation. There are several things you can also do to help improve blood circulation:

• Stop Smoking. Nicotine from any kind of tobacco narrows all small blood vessels in skin heart and brain

• Keep your home warm. Cold cuts down blood supply to the skin even before you feel cold.

• Warm clothing. Wrap up well it you go out in the cold. Take particular care to wear warm gloves and socks.

• Exercise. Regular exercise helps to develop a better blood supply. Your doctor will advise you on how much and what type of exercise is suitable for you.

• Care of hands and feet. Avoid damage and infection of hands legs and feet. Examine regularly and report any changes to your doctor.

The Product Licence/Authorisation holder for OPILON is Parke Davis & Company Usk Road Pontypool Gwent NP4 0YH. OPILON is a registered trade mark.

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

For further information about OPILON contact: Parke Davis Lambert Court Chestnut Avenue Eastleigh Hampshire S053 3ZQ.

Further information about diseases causing poor blood circulation may be obtained from The Raynaud’s Association, 112 Crewe Road, Alsager, Cheshire ST7 2JA.

Telephone (01270) 872776.