PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET

What is in DHC CONTINUS tablets?

The prolonged release tablets contain the active ingredient dihydrocodeine tartrate 90 mg or 120 mg. Dihydrocodeine belongs to a group of medicines called analgesics or 'painkillers'.

The tablets also contain the following inactive ingredients:

• Lactose
• Cetostearyl alcohol
• Purified talc
• Hydroxyethylcellulose
• Magnesium stearate

In each box there are 56 tablets. Your pharmacist will give you the number of tablets your doctor has prescribed.

What are the tablets for?

The tablets are used to relieve severe pain.

Who can take the tablets?

Adults, the elderly, and children over 12 years can take the tablets. They are not recommended for children under 12 years.

Who may not be able to take the tablets?

Some people should not take the tablets, or may need a different dose to others.

Do not take the tablets if:

• you are sensitive or allergic to dihydrocodeine or any of the other tablet ingredients;
• you have difficulty breathing, obstructive airways disease, or if you are having an asthma attack;
• you have raised intracranial pressure (severe headache, feeling sick) or a head injury;
• you abuse alcohol;
• you have paralytic ileus (a type of bowel problem);
• you have an intolerance to some sugars (e.g. lactose).

If you are pregnant or breast feeding do not take this medicine until you have talked to your doctor.

 

Also tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any condition shown in the list below:

• Asthma or other breathing problems;
• Chronic bronchitis;
• Thyroid problems;
• Kidney problems;
• Liver problems;
• Biliary problems;
• Difficulty passing urine
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas);
• Constipation or other bowel problems;
• Cor pulmonale (a heart problem after long-term lung disease);
• You are inclined to abuse medicines.

If you take DHC CONTINUS tablets with some other medicines, the effect of the DHC CONTINUS tablets or the other medicine may be increased. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if:

• you are taking medicines to help you sleep (for example tranquillisers, hypnotics or sedatives);
• you are taking medicines to treat depression called monoamine oxidase inhibitors or if you have taken this type of medicine in the last two weeks.

Drinking alcohol during your treatment with DHC CONTINUS tablets may make you drowsy.

Only take the tablets if they have been prescribed for you. Never give them to other people, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.

DHC CONTINUS tablets may make you feel sleepy. If affected you should not drive or use machinery.

Taking dihydrocodeine regularly for a long time can lead to addiction or dependence, which might cause you to feel restless and irritable when you stop the tablets.

Taking a painkiller for headaches too often or for too long can make them worse.

How do I take my tablets?

The label on your medicine will tell you how many tablets to take and how often. If you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Do not take for longer than directed by your doctor.

Swallow your tablets whole with water. Don't break, crush or chew them. If a tablet is broken, chewed or crushed the entire 12-hour dose may be absorbed rapidly into your body. This can be dangerous, causing serious problems such as an overdose.

The usual dose for adults and children over 12 years is 60 mg to 120 mg every 12 hours. Elderly people may need a smaller dose than other adults. Children under 12 years should not take the tablets.

You should take your tablets every 12 hours. For instance, if you take a tablet at 8 o'clock in the morning, you should take your next tablet at 8 o'clock in the evening.

Will I have any problems?

Like all medicines, DHC CONTINUS tablets may occasionally cause side effects in some people. In patients treated with DHC CONTINUS tablets, the following side effects have been reported:

Common: constipation, feeling sick, vomiting, headache, sleepiness, itching and rash.

Uncommon: inability to pass urine, ureteric or biliary spasm, dry mouth, mood changes, blurred vision, sweating, decreased libido, flushing, abdominal pain, low blood pressure, paraesthesia (tingling in fingers and toes), confusion, dizziness, hallucinations, itchy rash, paralytic ileus (loss of intestinal movement), difficulty breathing.

Addiction, tolerance or dependence (reliance on the medicine) may occur.

If you experience any of these or any other side effects, they are troubling you, and you think they may be caused by your treatment, you may wish to discuss this with your doctor.

How long and where should I keep my tablets?

There is a 'use-by' date on the label. For example, EXP 8.2005 means that you should not use the tablets after the end of August 2005. After the 'use-by' date, take any tablets you have left to a pharmacy.

Do not keep your tablets above 25°C (77°F). Keep them in a safe place where children cannot see or reach them.