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This is a text only leaflet, designed for the visually impaired. Please visit our electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC) website to view the original document which may contain images or tables.

You may be able to get this leaflet in large print, Braille or as an audio CD, call the RNIB Medicine Leaflet line on 0800 198 5000 for more information.

The product code for this leaflet is: PL 00014/0155R

 

Boots Aspirin and Codeine Tablets BP

Company Details

THE BOOTS COMPANY PLC


1 Thane Road WestBeestonNottinghamNG2 3AA
Telephone:
Fax:
[view all information leaflets from this company]

Information for the user

Boots Aspirin & Codeine Tablets B.P.

Read all of this leaflet carefully because it contains important information for you.

This medicine is available without prescription to treat minor conditions. However, you still need to take it carefully to get the best results from it.

  • This medicine can only be used for the short term treatment of acute moderate pain such as headache, migraine, toothache, rheumatic pains, neuralgia and period pain that is not relieved by aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol alone
  • You should only take this product for a maximum of 3 days at a time. If you need to take it for longer than 3 days you should see your doctor or pharmacist for advice
  • This medicine contains codeine which can cause addiction if you take it continuously for more than 3 days. This can give you withdrawal symptoms from the medicine when you stop taking it
  • If you take this medicine for headaches for more than 3 days it can make them worse
  • Keep this leaflet, you may need to read it again
  • Ask your pharmacist if you need more information or advice
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What this medicine is for

This medicine contains Aspirin and Codeine, which belong to a group of medicines called analgesics which act to relieve pain. Aspirin also reduces inflammation (swelling).

It can be used for the short term treatment of acute moderate pain such as headache, migraine, toothache, rheumatic pains, neuralgia and period pain that is not relieved by aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol alone.

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Before you take this medicine

  • This medicine contains codeine which can cause addiction if you take it continuously for more than 3 days. This can give you withdrawal symptoms from the medicine when you stop taking it
  • If you take a painkiller for headaches for more than 3 days it can make them worse

This medicine can be taken by adults and children of 16 years and over. However, some people should not take this medicine or should seek the advice of their pharmacist or doctor first.

Do not take:

  • If you are allergic to any of the ingredients in this medicine (see “What is in this medicine”)
  • If you have ever had a bad reaction after taking aspirin or any other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (you have had asthma, swelling of the lips or face, itchy skin or runny nose after taking them)
  • If you have a stomach ulcer, or have had one in the past
  • If you have severe liver, kidney or breathing problems
  • If you have a blood clotting disorder (e.g. haemophilia)
  • If you have gout
  • If you have a head injury or a condition where there is a raised pressure in the head
  • If you are dependent on alcohol
  • If you are constipated or if your doctor has told you to avoid becoming constipated
  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Talk to your pharmacist or doctor:

  • If you have other liver, kidney or breathing problems (see “Do not take”)
  • If you have asthma or allergic disease
  • If you have inflammation of the bowel, or other bowel problems
  • If you are elderly or if you are dehydrated
  • If you have fits or epilepsy
  • If you have myasthenia gravis, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency or a hormone imbalance
  • If you have an underactive thyroid, low blood pressure, or are in shock
  • If you are a man with prostate problems

Other important information

There is a possible association between aspirin and Reye’s syndrome when given to children. Reye’s syndrome is a very rare disease, which can be fatal. For this reason aspirin should not be given to children aged under 16 years, unless on the advice of a doctor.

Do not drink alcohol (e.g. wine, beer, spirits) whilst taking this medicine. Alcohol increases the risk of side effects occurring and may make you feel more drowsy.

Driving and using machinery: This medicine may sometimes make you feel dizzy or drowsy. If you are affected do not drive or use machines.

Information about some of the ingredients in this medicine: Sodium metabisulphite (E223) may rarely cause severe allergic reactions, tightness of the chest or difficulty in breathing.

If you take other medicines

Before you take these tablets, make sure that you tell your pharmacist about ANY other medicines you might be using at the same time, particularly the following:

  • Warfarin or other blood thinners
  • Methotrexate (for cancer, psoriasis, rheumatic problems, Crohn’s disease)
  • Corticosteroids (used for many conditions such as pain, swelling, allergy, asthma, rheumatism and skin problems)
  • Tablets for diabetes
  • Medicines that make you sleepy or drowsy
  • Medicines for mental health conditions or depression
  • Mexiletine (for heart rhythm problems)
  • Medicines for gout
  • Metoclopramide or domperidone (for feeling sick or being sick)

If you are unsure about interactions with any other medicines, talk to your pharmacist. This includes medicines prescribed by your doctor and medicine you have bought for yourself, including herbal and homeopathic remedies.

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How to take this medicine

Check the cap seal is not broken before first use. If it is, do not take the tablets.

Adults and children of 16 years and over: One or two tablets, every 4 hours if you need to, up to 4 times in 24 hours. Don’t take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours.

Swallow each tablet with water.

Do not take for more than 3 days. If you need to use this medicine for more than 3 days you must speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not give to children under 16 years.

Do not take more than the amount recommended.

If symptoms do not go away talk to your doctor.

If you take too many tablets: Talk to a doctor straight away. Take your medicine and this leaflet with you.

Possible withdrawal effects when stopping treatment

This medicine contains codeine and can cause addiction if you take it continuously for more than 3 days. When you stop taking it you may get withdrawal symptoms. You should talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you think you are suffering from withdrawal symptoms

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Possible side effects

Most people will not have problems, but some people may have side effects when taking this medicine. If you have any unwanted side effects you should seek advice from your doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.

Also you can help to make sure that medicines remain as safe as possible by reporting any unwanted side effects via the internet at www.yellowcard.gov.uk; alternatively you can call Freephone 0808 100 3352 (available between 10 am - 2 pm Monday-Friday) or fill in a paper form available from your local pharmacy.

If you get any of these serious side effects, stop taking the tablets. See a doctor at once:

  • You are sick and it contains blood or dark particles that look like coffee grounds
  • You pass blood in your stools or pass black tarry stools
  • Severe stomach pain
  • Rash, swelling of the face, runny nose, tight chest, wheezing (severe allergic reactions)

These other effects are less serious. If they bother you talk to a pharmacist:

  • Indigestion, feeling sick, being sick, constipation, abdominal pain or discomfort
  • Increased bleeding time if you cut yourself
  • Drowsiness, dizziness, restlessness, confusion, changes in mood, headache, hallucinations
  • Fast, slow or irregular heartbeat, palpitations, fainting on standing up, low body temperature
  • Reduced sex drive or impotence
  • Dry mouth, sweating, facial flushing, difficulty in passing urine, itchy skin
  • Difficulty focusing, difficulty breathing
  • Water retention and worsening of existing kidney problems
  • Rarely, liver problems

If any side effect becomes severe, or you notice any side effect not listed here, please tell your pharmacist or doctor.

How do I know if I am addicted?

If you take the medicine according to the instructions on the pack it is unlikely that you will become addicted to the medicine. However, if the following apply to you it is important that you talk to your doctor:

  • You need to take the medicine for longer periods of time
  • You need to take more than the recommended amount
  • When you stop taking the medicine you feel very unwell but you feel better if you start taking the medicine again
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How to store this medicine

Do not store above 25°C.

Keep this medicine in a safe place out of the sight and reach of children, preferably in a locked cupboard.

Use by the date on the label edge or the end flap of the carton. After this date return any unused product to your nearest pharmacy for safe disposal.

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What is in this medicine

Each tablet contains Aspirin 400 mg, Codeine Phosphate 8 mg, which are the active ingredients.

As well as the active ingredients, the tablets also contain maize starch, sodium metabisulphite (E223).

This pack contains 32 white round tablets that have a score line on one side.

Who makes this medicine

Manufactured for the Marketing Authorisation holder

The Boots Company PLC
Nottingham
NG2 3AA

by

Bristol Laboratories Ltd
Northbridge Road
Berkhamsted
Herts
HP4 1EG
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Leaflet prepared October 2011

If you would like any further information about this medicine contact

The Boots Company PLC
Nottingham
NG2 3 AA

Other formats

To request a copy of this leaflet in Braille, large print or audio please call, free of charge:

0800 198 5000 (UK only)

Please be ready to give the following information:

Product name: Boots Aspirin and Codeine Tablets B.P.

Reference number: 00014/0155

This is a service provided by the Royal National Institute of Blind People.


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