PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET

CARISOMA® TABLETS

(CARISOPRODOL)

What you should know about Carisoma Tablets

Please read this leaflet before you take your Carisoma Tablets. It contains all the information you need to know. If there is anything you do not understand, ask your doctor or pharmacist (chemist) to explain it to you.

What is in the tablets?

Carisoma Tablets contain 125mg or 350mg of a medicine called carisoprodol. It acts as a muscle relaxant. Carisoma Tablets also contain the following inactive ingredients which assist manufacture of the tablets: alginic acid, magnesium stearate, methylcellulose, corn starch.

Carisoma Tablets 125mg and 350mg are available in bottles containing 100 tablets.

What are Carisoma Tablets used for?

Carisoma Tablets are designed to relax muscles. This will reduce pain in illnesses where muscle spasm (involuntary tightening) is a symptom.

Before you take Carisoma Tablets

• 1. Have you reacted badly to Carisoma Tablets or any tablets containing carisoprodol or meprobamate in the past?
• 2. Are you pregnant or breast feeding a baby?
• 3. Do you suffer from the disease acute porphyria (a very rare inherited blood condition)?
• 4. Do you have liver or kidney failure?
• 5. Have you ever suffered from alcohol or drug dependence or from personality disorders?
• 6. Is the patient a child?

If the answer is YES to any of these questions and your doctor is not aware - do not take Carisoma Tablets - but tell your doctor or pharmacist.

If you are using any medicines which your doctor is not aware of, especially oral steroids, oral contraceptives, phenytoin, griseofulvin, rifampicin, phenothiazines or tricyclic antidepressants please discuss this with your doctor before taking Carisoma Tablets.

IMPORTANT

Carisoma Tablets may make you sleepy or tired and you should not drive or operate machinery while you are taking the tablets. If you have been told by your doctor that you are a "poor metaboliser" you are more likely to feel drowsy. Alcoholic drinks such as wine, beer or spirits may make the tiredness worse and alcohol should be avoided while taking Carisoma Tablets.

How do I take Carisoma Tablets?

The tablets should be swallowed with a small amount of water. The normal dose is one 350mg tablet to be taken three times a day. Suitable times would be one tablet when you wake up in the morning, one at about 3 o'clock in the afternoon and one at bedtime. Elderly patients may be prescribed lower doses. The dosage that your doctor has decided is most suitable for you will be written on the bottle label and you must follow this carefully.

After taking Carisoma Tablets

Occasionally people may suffer unwanted effects after taking Carisoma Tablets. These may include drowsiness and weakness, lack of energy, vertigo, dizziness, nausea (feeling sick), flushing of the skin, headache, irritability, constipation or skin rashes. Other rare reactions include fainting, a rapid heart rate, confusion, breathing difficulty and temporary paralysis of the arms and legs. If you develop a rash, have breathing difficulty or notice swelling stop taking the tablets and tell your doctor at once. Very rarely dependence has occurred and if you feel unwell after stopping your course of treatment you should contact your doctor.

If you think that Carisoma Tablets have upset you in any way or your illness has not improved please tell your doctor.

Storing Carisoma Tablets

Keep your medicine out of the reach and sight of children. Do not store above 25°C. Store in a dry place such as a medicine cabinet. Do not use after the use by end date printed on the label.

If you have questions or worries about your medicine ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.