The tablets have been made so that after you have swallowed them the medicine is

slowly released in your body. This means that you only have to remember to take your

tablets once each day. "XL" in the name of the tablets stands for "Extra Long" action.

Your doctor has prescribed these tablets for you to lower your blood pressure. Sometimes doctors tell patients to take these tablets with other tablets or capsules - ask your doctor to explain the reasons if you are asked to do this.

• Are you taking any other medicines or have you been taking any other medicines recently?
• Are you allergic to the medicine known as nifedipine?
• Do you have any liver or kidney problems?
• Do you suffer from heart problems?
• Do you have diabetes?
• Is there a possibility that you may become pregnant?
• Are you pregnant or breastfeeding a baby?
• Have these tablets been prescribed for a child?

Is YES the answer to any of these questions? If so, tell your doctor or pharmacist before you use these tablets.

• It is important to take these tablets at the right time each day. You must take them as directed by your doctor. The pharmacist's label on the carton will tell you how many tablets to take. It will also tell you when to take the tablets. Make sure you

• You should take your tablets with, or immediately after eating some food.
• If you forget to take a dose, take a dose as soon as you remember.
• Your doctor will tell you how long you should continue to take the tablets.
• If you have accidentally taken more than the right number of tablets, tell your doctor immediately or contact your nearest hospital casualty department.
• If someone else has swallowed any of your tablets, contact your nearest hospital casualty department or tell a doctor immediately.
• If you have to go to a doctor, dentist or hospital for any reason, tell them that you are taking NIFENSAR XL Tablets. This is especially important if you are likely to have an operation.

• NIFENSAR XL Tablets are generally well tolerated.

Occasionally, patients get a headache or a skin rash or may feel flushed, dizzy, sick or tired. You may notice that your ankles become swollen or your hands shake. Rarely, patients' gums become swollen or sore; some patients become impotent.

Occasionally, patients become sensitive to light (their skin becomes red or develops a rash after they have been out in bright light or in the sun). If you get any of these effects, you should tell your doctor.

• If you get any pains in your chest after you have taken your tablets, you should tell your doctor immediately.
• In extremely rare instances, patients may develop jaundice (their skin becomes yellow). If you feel unwell in any way, you must tell your doctor immediately.

• Keep your tablets in a safe place where children cannot reach them. Your tablets could harm children.
• You should store your tablets in a cool, dry place.
• You should always keep your tablets in their blister pack so that they are protected from light.
• If your doctor decides to stop treatment, return any left over tablets to your pharmacist. Only keep them if your doctor tells you to.

NIFENSAR XL Tablets are manufactured by Elan Pharma Limited,

Athlone, Co. Westmeath, Ireland.

® denotes registered trademark

Text issued 11/91