SUSCARD 2 mg, 3mg or 5mg BUCCAL TABLETS
Glyceryl Trinitrate
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine.
- Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
- If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- This medicine has been prescribed for you. Do not pass it on to others.
It may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours. - If any of the side effects get serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
In this leaflet:
1. What Suscard is and what it is used for
2. Before you use Suscard
3. How to use Suscard
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Suscard
6. Further information
What Suscard Is And What It Is Used For
Suscard Buccal Tablets are tablets designed to release glyceryl trinitrate slowly when held correctly in the mouth. It belongs to a group of medicines called ‘nitrates’ which cause widening of blood vessels, and reduce the work that the heart must do to pump blood through them. In addition, nitrates may improve blood supply to the heart itself.
Suscard Buccal Tablets are used to relieve and prevent the chest pain caused by angina pectoris. This occurs when there is an inadequate supply of oxygen for the work the heart is performing.
They may also be given to patients suffering from unstable angina which is a condition that should be treated in hospital, and to help patients with heart failure.
Before You Use Suscard
Do not use Suscard:
- If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to glyceryl trinitrate or any of the other ingredients of Suscard (see Section 6 for full list of ingredients);
- If you are anaemic (suffering from low iron content in your blood);
- If you have glaucoma (disease of the eye);
- If you have you ever suffered from a (stroke) or a serious head injury.
Take special care with Suscard:
- If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product. This medicine contains lactose;
- If you have trouble with your teeth and gums especially tooth decay (dental caries). See Section 4 for further information.
If you have any of the following consult your doctor before taking Suscard;
- Hypothyroidism (a condition where there is insufficient thyroid hormone)
- Malnutrition
- Hepatic (liver) problems
- Renal (kidney) problems
- Hypothermia
- Low oxygen content in your blood
Using other medicines
Do not take Viagra (sildenafil) or similar products for male erectile problems whilst using Suscard. If you use Viagra while using nitrate preparations, such as Suscard, a severe and possibly dangerous fall in blood pressure can occur.
Taking Suscard with food and drink
Suscard should not interfere with your eating or drinking, but some patients prefer to remove their tablet before meals and replace it with a fresh tablet after eating.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
Your doctor will not normally prescribe Suscard Buccal if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Driving and using machines
Suscard may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness you should not drive or operate machinery. This is more likely at the beginning of your treatment, if your dose is increased, if you start taking another medicine or if you drink alcohol.
How To Use Suscard
Dosage
Always take Suscard exactly as your doctor has told you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Suscard is suitable for adults and the elderly. It is not suitable for children.
If your doctor has decided that you should use Suscard on a regular basis they are usually used three times a day, but this can vary from person to person. Your doctor will have decided on a suitable dose and tablet strength to suit your particular condition. Read the pharmacy label carefully.
- If you suffer chest pains only occasionally, Suscard can be used to provide relief whenever pain occurs.
- If you experience pain when attempting certain activities, such as gardening or playing golf, or in other physical, or stressful situations, use a tablet a few minutes beforehand and leave it in place for as long as required.
- If you suffer from unstable angina, your doctor will decide the correct dose and may prescribe Suscard in addition to your existing angina medicine. For severe attacks, a 5mg dosage of Suscard may be required to relieve symptoms. Your doctor will monitor your condition closely.
- In cases of acute heart failure, your doctor may administer an initial dose of 5mg of Suscard which he may repeat, depending on how well you respond to the treatment.
- For congestive heart failure, a 5mg dosage is administered three times daily. For more severe cases this dosage may be increased to 10mg (2 x 5mg tablets) three times daily for a period of three to four days. This is achieved by using two tablets, placing one tablet on each side of the front teeth between the upper lip and the gum.
If you have a chest pain while a Suscard Buccal Tablet is in place, an additional tablet may be positioned on the opposite side of the mouth as described above. Your doctor should be told about this when you next see him, as he may wish to change the strength or number of tablets that you are using.
If you find that you cannot control your chest pain with your tablets contact your doctor at once.
Always make sure that you have enough tablets, and do not run out.
Administration
Suscard Buccal Tablets are designed to be held under the upper lip as shown below.
Place the tablet high up between the upper lip and the gum, to either side of the front teeth, as shown in the diagram below. Use your finger, or place the tablet on the tip of your tongue, and push it into position. If you suffer from a dry mouth, moisten the area where you wish to place the tablet with your tongue or a little water BEFORE you apply the tablet.
DO NOT:
- Put the tablet under the tongue;
- Chew or swallow the tablet;
- Move the tablet around the mouth with your tongue as this will cause it to dissolve more rapidly than intended;
- Brush your teeth while a tablet is in place.
When you have placed the tablet as shown, it will soften quite quickly and stick to the gum. It may then be left in place to dissolve, slowly releasing the active ingredient.
Some people may be aware of the tablet against the gum and find it slightly uncomfortable at first, but they get used to the feeling quickly.
You can alternate the placing of the tablet to the left or right of the mouth if you find this more comfortable.
If you wear false teeth, place the tablet in any comfortable position between the upper lip and the gum. Avoid contact with the surface of the teeth or the dental plate supporting them.
If you accidentally swallow a tablet
If you accidentally swallow a tablet it will not cause you any harm. Simply replace with another tablet.
If you take more Suscard than you should
If you or anybody else takes an overdose of your medicine, medical attention should be sought immediately. Take the tablet or container with you to your doctor or to the nearest hospital accident and emergency department.
If you forget to take Suscard
If you are using this medicine regularly and you miss a dose, use it as soon as possible. However, if the next scheduled dose is due within 6 hours, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Do NOT double your usual dose.
If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Possible Side Effects
Like all medicines, Suscard can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
You may notice a tingling sensation when you first use the tablet, but this will usually pass after a few minutes.
Suscard Buccal Tablets may occasionally cause headache, dizziness, flushing of the face or skin and giddiness if you stand up too quickly. These effects are usually mild, but if you find them troublesome, remove the tablet and they should stop within a few minutes. Suscard Buccal Tablets may also cause blisters inside the mouth and on the tongue. If these become troublesome, contact your doctor.
Rarely, people who use this type of medicine regularly or over a long period may find increased tooth decay (dental caries). You may reduce the chance of this happening to you by:
- Placing the tablet as high up between the lip and the gum and away from the teeth as you find comfortable, as shown in the diagram above;
- Placing tablets on opposite sides of the mouth alternately;
- Cleaning your teeth and gums regularly, particularly in the region where the tablets are applied. (Do not brush your teeth while a tablet is in place);
- Visiting your dentist regularly and following their advice on general dental hygiene.
If any of the side effects get serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
How To Store Suscard
Keep out of reach and sight of children.
Do not use Suscard after the expiry date which is stated on the packaging. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Do not store above 25°C.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.
Further Information
What Suscard contains
The active substance is glyceryl trinitrate. The 2mg tablet contains 2mg glyceryl trinitrate, the 3mg tablet contains 3mg glyceryl trinitrate and the 5mg tablet contains 5mg glyceryl trinitrate.
The other ingredients are lactose, hypromellose, peppermint and spearmint flavours, stearic acid and silica gel.
What Suscard looks like and contents of the pack
Suscard Buccal Tablets are round, white tablets. The 2mg tablet has the number 2 imprinted on one side. The 3mg tablet has the number 3 imprinted on one side. The 5mg tablet has the number 5 imprinted on one side.
Suscard Buccal Tablets are available in blister packs of 100 tablets.
Marketing Authorisation Holder
Kent
Manufacturer
This leaflet was last approved in:
July 2009
Other formats:
To listen to or 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 Suscard Buccal Tablet 2mg
Reference Number 0108/0069
Product Name Suscard Buccal Tablet 3mg
Reference Number 0108/0073
Product Name Suscard Buccal Tablet 5mg
Reference Number 0108/0071
This is a service provided by the Royal National Institute for Blind People.
No comments:
Post a Comment