Summary of medicine characteristics - IBUPROFEN 200 MG SOFT CAPSULES, BELLS HEALTHCARE PERIOD PAIN RELIEF 200 MG SOFT CAPSULES, BELLS HEALTHCARE BACK AND MUSCLE PAIN RELIEF 200 MG SOFT CAPSULES, BELLS HEALTHCARE FEVER AND HEADACHE RELIEF 200 MG SOFT CAPSULES, NUMARK BACK & MUSCLE PAIN RELIEF
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCTIbuprofen 200mg Soft Capsules
Bells Healthcare Migraine Relief 200mg Soft Capsules
Bells Healthcare Period Pain Relief 200mg Soft Capsules
Bells Healthcare Fever and Headache Relief 200 mg Soft Capsules
Bells Healthcare Back and Muscle Pain Relief 200 mg Soft Capsules
Well Pharmaceuticals Ibuprofen 200mg Soft Capsules
Numark Back & Muscle Pain Relief 200 mg Soft Capsules
2 QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION
Each capsule contains Ibuprofen 200 mg.
Excipient(s): sorbitol (E420), ponceau 4R red (E124)
For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1.
3 PHARMACEUTICAL FORM
Capsule, soft.
Wine red colour oval shaped soft gelatin capsules containing pink to dark pink coloured viscous liquid, printed ‚142‘ in white colour on capsule shell.
4 CLINICAL PARTICULARS
4.1 Therapeutic indications
Ibuprofen 200mg Soft Capsules are indicated adults and children over 12 years for the symptomatic relief of:
rheumatic or muscular pain
backache
neuralgia
migraine
headache
dental pain
dysmenorrhoea
feverishness
colds and influenza symptoms
4.2 Posology and method of administration
For oral administration and short-term use only.
Adults, the elderly and children over 12 years:
Take one or two capsules, up to three times a day as required.
Leave at least 4 hours between doses.
Do not take more than 6 capsules in any 24 hour period.
Not suitable for children under 12 years.
The lowest effective dose should be used for the shortest time necessary to relieve symptoms.
The patient should consult a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen, or if the product is required for more than 10 days.
Adolescents (age range: > 12 years to < 18 years) : If this medicinal product is required for more than 3 days, or if symptoms persist or worsen, consult your doctor.
4.3 Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to ibuprofen or to any of the excipients.
Patients who have previously shown hypersensitivity reactions (e.g. asthma, rhinitis, angioedema or urticaria), in response to ibuprofen, aspirin or other non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs.
Active or history of recurrent peptic ulcer/haemorrhage (two or more distinct episodes of proven ulceration or bleeding).
History of gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation, related to previous NSAIDs therapy.
Severe heart failure (NYHA Class IV), renal failure or hepatic failure (see section 4.4).
Last trimester of pregnancy (see section 4.6).
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use
Severe skin reactions
Serious skin reactions, some of them fatal, including exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis have been reported rarely in association with the use of NSAIDSs (see section 4.8). Patients appear to be at highest risk of these reactions early in the course of therapy, the onset of the reaction occurring in the majority of cases within the first month of treatment. Acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) has been reported in relation to ibuprofen-containing products. Ibuprofen should be discontinued, at the first appearance of signs and symptoms of severe skin reactions, such as skin rash, mucosal lesions, or any other sign of hypersensitivity.
Undesirable effects may be minimised by using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms (see GI and cardiovascular risks below).
The elderly have an increased frequency of adverse reactions to NSAIDs especially gastrointestinal bleeding and perforation which may be fatal.
Respiratory:
Bronchospasm may be precipitated in patients suffering from, or with a history of, bronchial asthma or allergic disease.
Other NSAIDs:
The use of ibuprofen with concomitant NSAIDs including cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitors should be avoided (see section 4.5)
SLE and mixed connective tissue disease:
Systemic lupus erythematosus and mixed connective tissue disease – increased risk of aseptic meningitis (see section 4.8).
Renal:
Renal impairment as renal function may further deteriorate (see sections 4.3 and 4.8) There is a risk of renal impairment in dehydrated children and adolescents.
Hepatic:
Hepatic dysfunction (see Sections 4.3 and 4.8)
Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular effects:
Caution (discussion with doctor or pharmacist) is required prior to starting treatment in patients with a history of hypertension and/or heart failure as fluid retention, hypertension and oedema have been reported in association with NSAID therapy.
Clinical studies suggest that the use of ibuprofen, particularly at a high dose (2400 mg daily) may be associated with a small increased risk of arterial thrombotic (for example myocardial infarction or stroke). Overall, epidemiological studies do not suggest that low dose ibuprofen (e.g.<1200mg daily) is associated in an increased risk of arterial thrombotic events.
Patients with uncontrolled hypertension, congestive heart failure (NYHA II-III), established ischaemic heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, and/or cerebrovascular disease should only be treated with ibuprofen after careful consideration and high doses (2400 mg/day) should be avoided.
Careful consideration should also be exercised before initiating long-term treatment of patients with risk factors for cardiovascular events (e.g. hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes mellitus, smoking), particularly if high doses of ibuprofen (2400 mg/day) are required.
Impaired female fertility:
There is some evidence that drugs which inhibit cyclo-oxygenase/ prostaglandin synthesis may cause impairment of female fertility by an effect on ovulation. This is reversible on withdrawal of treatment.
Gastrointestinal:
NSAIDs should be given with care to patients with a history of gastrointestinal disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease) as these conditions may be exacerbated (see section 4.8).
GI bleeding, ulceration or perforation, which can be fatal, has been reported with all NSAIDs at anytime during treatment, with or without warning symptoms or a previous history of GI events.
The risk of GI bleeding, ulceration or perforation is higher with increasing NSAID doses, in patients with a history of ulcer, particularly if complicated with haemorrhage or perforation (see section 4.3), and in the elderly. These patients should commence treatment on the lowest dose available.
Patients with a history of GI toxicity, particularly the elderly, should report any unusual abdominal symptoms (especially GI bleeding) particularly in the initial stages of treatment.
Caution should be advised in patients receiving concomitant medications which could increase the risk of ulceration or bleeding, such as oral corticosteroids, anticoagulants such as warfarin, selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors or anti-platelet agents such as aspirin (see section 4.5).
When GI bleeding or ulceration occurs in patients receiving ibuprofen, the treatment should be withdrawn.
Dermatological:
Serious skin reactions, some of them fatal, including exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis, have been reported very rarely in association with the use of NSAIDs (see section 4.8). Patients appear to be at highest risk for these reactions early in the course of therapy: the onset of the reaction occurring in the majority of cases within the first month of treatment. Ibuprofen should be discontinued at the first appearance of skin rash, mucosal lesions, or any other sign of hypersensitivity.
Exceptionally, varicella can be at the origin of serious cutaneous and soft tissue infectious complications. To date, the contributing role of NSAIDs in the worsening of these infections cannot be ruled out. Thus, it is advisable to avoid use of Ibuprofen in case of varicella (see section 4.8).
The label will include:
Read the enclosed leaflet before taking this product
Do not take if you:
have (or have had two or more episodes of ) a stomach ulcer, perforation or bleeding
are allergic to ibuprofen, to any of the ingredients, or to aspirin or other painkillers
are taking other NSAID pain killers or aspirin with a daily dose above 75mg
Speak to a pharmacist or your doctor before taking if you:
have or have had asthma, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, a stroke, heart, liver, kidney or bowel problems
are a smoker
are pregnant
This medicine contains 17.4 mg of potassium per dose.
To be taken into consideration by patients on a controlled potassium diet.
Contains 58.6 mg of sorbitol per dose, a source of 14.6 mg of fructose per dose.
Patients with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance should not take this medicine.
If symptoms persist or worsen, or if new symptoms occur, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
This medicine contains Ponceau 4R. May cause allergic reactions.
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Ibuprofen should be avoided in combination with:
Aspirin: unless low-dose aspirin (not above 75mg daily) has been advised by a doctor as this may increase the risk of adverse reactions (see Section 4.4).
Experimental data suggest that ibuprofen may inhibit the effect of low dose aspirin on platelet aggregation when they are dosed concomitantly. However, the limitations of these data and the uncertainties regarding extrapolation of ex vivo data to the clinical situation imply that no firm conclusions can be made for regular ibuprofen use, and no clinically relevant effect is considered to be likely for occasional ibuprofen use (see section 5.1).
Other NSAIDs including cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitors: Avoid concomitant use of two or more NSAIDs as this may increase the risk of adverse effects (see section 4.4)
Ibuprofen should be used with caution in combination with:
Corticosteroids: as these may increase the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding (see Section 4.4)
Antihypertensives and diuretics: since NSAIDs may diminish the effects of these drugs. Diuretics can increase the risk of nephrotoxicity of NSAIDs.
Anticoagulants: NSAIDs may enhance the effects of anti-coagulants, such as warfarin (See section 4.4).
Anti-platelet agents and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (see section 4.4).
Cardiac glycosides: NSAIDs may exacerbate cardiac failure, reduce GFR and increase plasma glycoside levels.
Lithium. There is evidence for potential increase in plasma levels of lithium.
Methotrexate: There is evidence for the potential increase in plasma levels of methotrexate.
Ciclosporin: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity.
Mifepristone: NSAIDs should not be used for 8–12 days after mifepristone administration as NSAIDs can reduce the effect of mifepristone.
Tacrolimus: Possible increased risk of nephrotoxicity when NSAIDs are given with tacrolimus.
Zidovudine: Increased risk of haematological toxicity when NSAIDs are given with zidovudine. There is evidence of an increased risk haemarthroses and haematoma in HIV (+) haemophiliacs receiving concurrent treatment with zidovudine and ibuprofen.
Quinolone antibiotics:Animal data indicate that NSAIDs can increase the risk of convulsions associated with quinolone antibiotics. Patients taking NSAIDs and quinolones may have an increased risk of developing convulsions.
4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Whilst no teratogenic effects have been demonstrated in animal experiments, the use of Ibuprofen 200mg Soft Capsules should, if possible, be avoided during the first 6 months of pregnancy.
During the 3rd trimester, ibuprofen is contraindicated as there is a risk of premature closure of the foetal ductus arteriosus with possible persistent pulmonary hypertension. The onset of labour may be delayed and the duration increased with an increased bleeding tendency in both mother and child. (See section 4.3 Contraindications).
In limited studies, ibuprofen appears in the breast milk in very low concentration and is unlikely to affect the breast-fed infant adversely.
See section 4.4 regarding female fertility.
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines
None expected at recommended dose and duration of therapy.
4.8 Undesirable effects
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Not known: Acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP)
The following list of adverse effects relates to those experienced with ibuprofen at OTC doses, for short-term use. In the treatment of chronic conditions, under longterm treatment, additional adverse effects may occur.
The adverse effects have been listed in order of decreasing frequency, using the following convention:
Very common (>1/10); common (>1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (>1/1,000 to <1/100); rare (>1/10,000 to <1/1,000); very rare (<1/10,000), not known (cannot be estimated form the available data).
Infections and infestations:
Very rare: Exacerbation of infection-related inflammations (e.g. development of necrotising fasciitis) coinciding with the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs has been described. This is possibly associated with the mechanism of action of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. If signs of an infection occur or get worse during use of Ibuprofen the patient is therefore recommended to go to a doctor without delay. It is to be investigated whether there is an indication for anti-infective/antibiotic therapy.
Blood and the lymphatic system disorders:
Very rare: Haematopoietic disorders (anaemia, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia, agranulocytosis). First signs are: fever, sore throat, superficial mouth ulcers, flu-like symptoms, severe exhaustion, unexplained bleeding and bruising. Immune system disorders:
Uncommon: Hypersensitivity reactions with urticaria and pruritus.
Very rare: Severe hypersensitivity reactions. Symptoms could include: facial, tongue and laryngeal swelling, dyspnoea, tachycardia, hypotension (anaphylaxis, angioedema or severe shock).
Not known:
Respiratory tract reactivity (e.g. asthma, aggravated asthma and bronchospasm).
Various skin reactions including exfoliative and bullous dermatoses (including epidermal necrolysis and erythema multiforme).
In patients with existing auto-immune disorders (such as systemic lupus erythematosus, mixed connective tissue disease) during treatment with ibuprofen, single cases of symptoms of aseptic meningitis, such as stiff neck, headache, nausea, vomiting, fever or disorientation have been observed (see section 4.4).
Nervous system disorders: Uncommon: Headache
Vary rare: Aseptic Meningitis – single cases have been reported very rarely.
Cardiac disorders:
Not known: Oedema, hypertension and cardiac failure have been reported in association with NSAID treatment.
Clinical studies suggest that use of ibuprofen (particularly at high doses 2400mg daily) may be associated with a small increased risk of arterial thrombotic events (for example myocardial infarction or stroke) (see section 4.4).
Gastrointestinal disorders:
The most commonly observed adverse events are gastrointestinal in nature. Uncommon: Abdominal pain, nausea and dyspepsia.
Rare: Diarrhoea, flatulence, constipation and vomiting.
Very rare: Peptic ulcer, perforation or gastrointestinal haemorrhage, malaena, haematemesis, sometimes fatal, particularly in the elderly, ulcerative stomatitis, gastritis.
Exacerbation of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease (see section 4.4).
Hepatobiliary disorders:
Very rare: Liver disorders.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders:
Uncommon: Various skin rashes.
Very rare: Severe forms of skin reactions such as bullous reactions, including Stevens Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme and toxic epidermal necrolysis can occur. Not known: In exceptional cases, severe skin infections and soft-tissue complications may occur during a varicella infection (see also „Infections and infestations“). Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS syndrome).
Renal and urinary disorders:
Very rare: Acute renal failure, papillary necrosis, especially in long-term use, associated with increased serum urea and oedema.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
4.9 Overdose
In children ingestion of more than 400 mg/kg may cause symptoms. In adults the dose response effect is less clear cut. The half-life in overdose is 1.5–3 hours.
Symptoms
Most patients who have ingested clinically important amounts of NSAIDs will develop no more than nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, or more rarely diarrhoea. Tinnitus, headache and gastrointestinal bleeding are also possible. In more serious poisoning, toxicity is seen in the central nervous system, manifesting as drowsiness, occasionally excitation and disorientation or coma. Occasionally patients develop convulsions. In serious poisoning metabolic acidosis may occur and the prothrombin time/ INR may be prolonged, probably due to interference with the actions of circulating clotting factors. Acute renal failure and liver damage may occur. Exacerbation of asthma is possible in asthmatics.
Management
Management should be symptomatic and supportive and include the maintenance of a clear airway and monitoring of cardiac and vital signs until stable. Consider oral administration of activated charcoal if the patient presents within 1 hour of ingestion of a potentially toxic amount. If frequent or prolonged, convulsions should be treated with intravenous diazepam or lorazepam. Give bronchodilators for asthma.
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
ATC Code: M01A E01 Propionic acid derivative
Ibuprofen is a propionic acid derivative NSAID that has demonstrated its efficacy by inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. In humans, ibuprofen reduces inflammatory pain, swellings and fever. Furthermore, ibuprofen reversibly inhibits platelet aggregation.
Clinical evidence demonstrates that when 400mg of ibuprofen is taken the pain relieving effects can last for up to 8 hours.
Experimental data suggest that ibuprofen may inhibit the effect of low dose aspirin on platelet aggregation when they are dosed concomitantly. In one study, when a single dose of ibuprofen 400mg was taken within 8 h before or within 30 min after immediate release aspirin dosing (81mg), a decreased effect of ASA on the formation of thromboxane or platelet aggregation occurred.
Although there are uncertainties regarding extrapolation of these data to the clinical situation, the possibility that regular, long term use of ibuprofen may reduce the cardioprotective effect of low-dose acetylsalicylic acid cannot be excluded.
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties
Ibuprofen is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Ibuprofen is extensively bound to plasma proteins.
Ibuprofen 200mg Soft Capsules consist of ibuprofen 200 mg dissolved in a hydrophilic solvent inside a gelatin shell. On ingestion, the gelatin shell disintegrates in the gastric juice releasing the solubilised ibuprofen immediately for absorption. The median peak plasma concentration is achieved approximately 30 minutes after administration.
The median peak plasma concentration for Ibuprofen tablets is achieved approximately 1–2 hours after administration.
Ibuprofen is metabolised in the liver to two major metabolites with primary excretion via the kidneys, either as such or as major conjugates, together with a negligible amount of unchanged ibuprofen. Excretion by the kidney is both rapid and complete.
Elimination half-life is approximately 2 hours.
No significant differences in pharmacokinetic profile are observed in the elderly.
5.3 Preclinical safety data
No relevant information, additional to that contained elsewhere in the SPC.
6 PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS
6.1 List of excipients
Capsule contents:
Macrogol 400
Sorbitan mono-oleate
Sorbitol
Potassium hydroxide (E525) Water, purified.
Capsule shell:
Gelatin (E441)
Macrogol 400
Sorbitol (E420)
Ponceau 4 R red (E124)
Water, purified.
Triglycerides – medium chain
Capsule printing:
Shellac, glaze
Titanium dioxide (E171)
Propylene glycol
6.2 Incompatibilities
Not applicable.
6.3 Shelf life
3 years
6.4 Special precautions for storage
Store below 25°C
Store in the original pack.
6.5 Nature and contents of container
Blisters PVC / Aluminium and PVdC / Aluminium packed into cartons. Each carton may contain 10, 12 or 16 capsules in blister strips Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
6.6 Special precautions for disposal
6.6 Special precautions for disposalNo special requirements.
7 MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER
Bell, Sons & Co (Druggists) Ltd
Gifford House
Slaidburn Crescent
Southport
Merseyside, PR9 9AL
MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)
PL 01305/0105
9 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION
17/04/2014