Omeprazole

LOSEC (omeprazole) CAPSULES

Your doctor has prescribed your medicine for 

• Peptic ulcer (stomach or the upper part of the Intestine) . 
• Inflammation of the gullet (reflex oesophagitis). 
• Ulcers infected with Helicobacter pylori (Hp).

Q. What is an ulcer ?  

A. An ulcer is a break (hole) in the Fining of the stomach (gastric ulcer) or the upper part of the intestine (duodenal ulcer).

Q. What is Helicobacter pylori ? 

A.  H. pylori are bacteria (bugs) which live in the protective lining of the gut and have been recognised as an important cause of many ulcers. It is unknown as to why some people ore infected with Hp and others are not

Q. What causes an ulcer ? 

A. Usually there is a balance between the protection of the lining of the stomach or duodenum and the attack from acid Ulcers form when there is either too much acid or not enough protection Because Hp is involved in peptic ulcers treatment to eradicate the bug should ensure that ulcers are unlikely to return once they are healed.

Q. What is reflex oesophagitis ? 

A. When digestive juices containing acid rise into the gullet (oesophagus) this is called reflex The gullet unlike the stomach does not have a protective lining so when it is exposed to the acid it becomes inflamed and painful This leads to symptoms such as heartburn

HOW CAN I HELP MYSELF?

Reflux Disease

• DO NOT EAT BEFORE GOING TO BED
• LOSE WEIGHT IF NEEDED
• DO NOT WEAR TIGHT CLOTHING
• RAISE THE HEAD OF THE BED BY 20 cm

Reflux and Ulcer Disease

•  STOP SMOKING
• EAT HESS FAT AND MORE PROTEIN
• DO NOT EAT OR DRINK FOODS WITH CAFFEINE OR ALCOHOL. AVOID CITRUS JUICES, TOMATOES AND HOT SPICY FOOD

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT LOSEC® (omeprazole) CAPSULES

10mg, 20mg and 40mg

Please read this leaflet carefully BEFORE you take your medicine. If you have any questions or are unsure about anything to do with your medicine please ask your doctor or pharmacist (chemist). Remember this medicine is only for you. Only a doctor can prescribe it. Never give it to anyone else even if their symptoms are similar to yours.

YOUR MEDICINE IS CALLED LOSEC CAPSULES

Each capsule contains the active ingredient omeprazole. Each capsule also contains mannitol hydroxypropyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, anhydrous lactose, sodium lauryl sulphate, disodium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methacrylic acid copolymer, polyethylene glycol, colours E171 and E172, gelatin and magnesium stearate. Losec Capsules come in three strengths containing either 10mg, 20mg or 40mg of omeprazole. Each strength of capsule is a different colour: 10mg capsules are pink 20mg capsules are pink/reddish brown 40mg capsules are reddish brown.

Your capsules will come in a bottle or blister carton containing 7, 14 or 28 capsules. 

Losec is a type of drug called a proton pump inhibitor. It reduces the production of acid in your stomach.

WHO HAS MADE YOUR MEDICINE?

The Product Licences for Lasec Capsules 10mg, 20mg and 40mg are held by Astra Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Home Park, Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, England, WD4 8DH.

Lasec Capsules are manufactured by Astra AB, Södertälje, Sweden.

WHAT IS YOUR MEDICINE USED FOR?

Lasec Capsules are used for treating the following conditions:

• Heartburn, when fluid from the stomach escapes into the food pipe (reflux oesophagitis and oesophageal reflex disease).
• Ulcers in the upper part of the intestine (duodenal ulcer)
• Stomach ulcers (gastric ulcer).
• Ulcers which are infected with bacteria called Helicobacter pylori
• Prevention of damage to the lungs caused by breathing in stomach fluids (acid aspiration). For Instance, it may be used before an operation.
• Excess acid in the stomach caused by a tumour in the pancreas – (Zollinger Ellison syndrome).

BEFORE TAKING YOUR MEDICINE

Make sure you have told your doctor about any other medicines that you are taking including those you have bought without a prescription. The questions below are to check that it is safe for you to take this medicine. If you can answer YES to any of these, you should discuss it with

your doctor or pharmacist BEFORE taking the medicine

• Are you allergic to any of the ingredients in Lasec Capsules ?
• Are you pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or considering becoming pregnant ?
• Are you breast feeding ?
• Are you taking any of the following medicines ? daizepam (for your nerves), phenytoin (for epilepsy) or warfarin (for thinning of the blood), digoxin (for the heart).
• Do you have any liver problems ? If so you should discuss this with your doctor as he may wish to reduce the dose

TAKING YOUR MEDICINE

Losec Capsules are only for adults and should not be token by children. You may take your capsules at any time of the day. Your doctor will tell you how many capsules to take, and when to take them. The strength of capsule you take and the length of time you take them for will depend on what condition you are suffering from. You can take your capsules with food or on an empty stomach. The capsules should not be chewed or crushed, they should always be swallowed whole, with a drink of water.

Treatment for heartburn (reflex oesophagitis and oesophageal reflex disease).

The usual dose is Losec 20mg once a day for 4 weeks. Your doctor may tell you to continue taking the capsules or increase the dose depending on how you respond to treatment. To stop your symptoms returning, your doctor may tell you to continue taking your Losec 20mg capsules or reduce the dose to 10mg.

Treatment for stomach ulcers (gastric ulcer) and ulcers in the upper port of the intestine {duodenal ulcer).  The usual dose is Lasec 20mg once a day. Your doctor will tell you how long to take your capsules for. This will usually be between 4 to 8 weeks. The dose may need to be increased depending on how you respond to treatment. To stop your ulcer coming back, the usual dose is Losec 10mg once a day unless your symptoms return. If your symptoms return, your doctor may increase the dose.

Treatment for ulcers caused by infection with bacteria called Helicobacter pylori.

The usual dose is Losec 40mg once daily or 20mg twice a day. Your doctor will also tell you to take one or two of the following antibiotics:

Amoxycillin, Clarithromycin, Metronidazole (or Tinidazole). The usual treatment time is 1 or 2 weeks. Follow the directions for taking your medicine very carefully and if you are unsure about anything, ask your doctor.

Before a hospital operation when you are to be given a general anaesthetic.

The usual dose is Loses 40mg the evening before surgery, and then another Losec 40mg one to four hours before surgery.

Treatment for excess acid in the stomach caused by a tumour in the pancreas (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome}.  The normal starting dose is Losec 60mg once a day. If the dose is more than 80mg a day, half the dose should be taken in the morning and half at night. Your doctor will tell you how many capsules to take and when to take them.

What happens if you take too many? If you take more than the recommended number of

capsules, contact your doctor or pharmacist (chemist) straight away.

What to do if you forget to take a dose? If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, do not take the missed dose, just take the next dose on time.

AFTER TAKING YOUR MEDICINE

Like all medicines, Losec Capsules may sometimes cause side effects, as well as the effects that are needed. These are usually mild and go away when you stop taking this medicine. You may get a skin rash, itchy skin, diarrhoea or a headache, constipation, feel sick or be sick, wind, stomach ache, dizziness, feeling faint or pins and needles.

Very rarely you may have sensitivity to light, skin blisters, swollen lips, swelling or soreness of the mouth and throat, dry mouth, hair loss, feel sleepy or hove difficulty sleeping, sore joints and muscles, blurred vision, swollen limbs, increased sweating, larger breasts, blood or taste disorders, a high temperature, wheezing, brain swelling (if you already have severe liver disease) and kidney or liver problems.

If you are very ill you may feel confused, nervous, depressed or hallucinate. It is not known whether these side effects are caused directly by Losec Capsules. If you suffer from any of these side effects or if you get any other unusual or unexpected symptoms, talk to your doctor or pharmacist (chemist).

STORING YOUR MEDICINE

• Do not take your capsules after the expiry date shown on the bottle or carton.
• Keep your medicine in a safe place where children cannot reach it
• Keep this medicine at room temperature (below 30C).
• If your capsules are supplied in a bottle, always replace the cap firmly after use.
• Keep in the original container.
• If your capsules are supplied in a bottle, use within 3 months of opening the bottle.
• Remember to return any unused capsules to your pharmacist (chemist)