If you do not understand it or want to know more, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Keep this leaflet, you may want to read it again.

The name of your medicine is Surgam 200mg Tablets . Each tablet contains 200mg of the active ingredient tiaprofenic acid.

The tablets also contain maize starch, pluronic F68, magnesium stearate and purified talc. Surgam 200mg tablets are available in blister packs of 84 tablets.

The marketing authorisation for Surgam 200mg tablets is held by Roussel Laboratories Ltd., Broadwater Park, North Orbital Road, Denham, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB9 5HP.

They are manufactured by Roussel Laboratories Ltd., Covingham, Swindon and by Roussel UCLAF, Romainville, France.

Tiaprofenic acid, the active ingredient, belongs to a group of medicines called "nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents". It is used to treat pain, inflammation and stiffness affecting your joints and muscles in the following conditions: rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, low back pain, sprains and strains, pain and inflammation following an operation and other painful inflammatory conditions in joints or muscle.

If you can answer yes to any of the following questions, you must tell your doctor before taking this medicine.

It is important to mention to your doctor and pharmacist all the medicines you are taking, including those bought without a prescription. This is important because some medicines may be affected by Surgam. These medicines include those used to stop your blood clotting, medicines used to treat diabetes, water tablets (diuretics), phenytoin or lithium. Your doctor knows about these, and will alter your treatment if it is considered necessary

Always take the number of tablets your doctor has asked you to take. Usually this will be one tablet three times a day Some patients, especially the elderly, may be more likely to suffer

side effects whilst taking Surgam tablets. In such cases, the doctor may reduce the number of tablets to be taken. Your doctor's directions should be written on the dispensing label on the box. If you are not sure, your pharmacist will be able to help you. You should not take more than your doctor has prescribed.

You should take the tablets after meals with a glass of water or a milky drink. Take the tablets for as long as your doctor has asked - some conditions require longer periods of treatments than others.

If you accidentally take too much medicine, contact your doctor immediately.

If you forget to take a dose of your medicine at the correct time, don't worry. Don't take twice the dose next time. Just take the next dose at the correct time. Carry on as before.

Like all medicines, Surgam may cause you some problems. Some patients find that they suffer from indigestion or heartburn, stomach pain, feeling sick, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation, flatulence (wind), anorexia (decreased appetite), inflammation (swelling) in the mouth, headache or drowsiness. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. If any of the symptoms continue or are troublesome contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Very rarely, there may be more serious effects - you may have a stomach ulcer and could experience coughing or vomiting up blood, severe stomach pains or pass dark, tarry faeces (stools). You may develop itching, wheezing, or swelling of the lips or eyes. If any of these serious effects occur, stop taking the tablets straight away and contact your doctor immediately.

Urinary problems may occur such as pain on passing water or increased frequency of passing water and, very rarely, blood in the urine. In extreme cases you may experience kidney toxicity, characterised by fluid retention, possibly accompanied by fatigue and a feeling of being unwell. If any of these symptoms occur stop taking the tablets straight away and contact your doctor immediately.

Skin reactions can occur which include rash, redness and itching, a reaction to light or sun lamps, swelling of the skin and hair loss.

If you have any other problems and think that your medicine may be causing them, tell your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not use your medicine after the expiry date shown on the label.

Keep this medicine at normal room temperature and protect from light. Keep it in the pack in which it was given to you. Do not transfer your medicine to another container.

Keep this medicine in a safe place where children cannot get at it. Your medicines could harm them.

If your doctor tells you to stop treatment, return any left over medicine to the pharmacist. Only keep it if your doctor tells you to.

Date of Preparation: August 1994

SUE 22801