INFORMATION FOR CONSUMERS
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This leaflet answers some common questions about Dipentum. It does not
contain all the available information.
It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you
taking Dipentum against the benefits it is expected to have for you.
If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Keep this leaflet with the medicine. You may need to read it again.
Dipentum is used to treat a disease of the bowel called ulcerative colitis.
Dipentum is available only with a doctor's prescription.
There is no evidence that Dipentum is addictive.
Do not take Dipentum if:
Symptoms of an allergic reaction to Dipentum may include skin rash, itching and breathlessness. If you are not sure if you have or have had an allergic reaction to Dipentum, check with your doctor.
Do not take Dipentum after the expiry date (EXP) printed on the pack. If you take this medicine after the expiry date has passed, it may not work as well.
Do not take Dipentum if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.
Do not take Dipentum to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.
Do not give this medicine to anyone else.
Use in infants under two years of age is not recommended.
Tell your doctor about any other medicines you are taking including medicines that you buy without a prescription, in a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop. These medicines may affect the way Dipentum works.
Your doctor will tell you how many capsules or tablets should be taken each day. The directions your doctor gives you should be strictly followed.
Dipentum should be swallowed after meals with water at regular intervals during the day.
When you first start taking Dipentum you may get some loose stools. However, this usually goes away. You should therefore begin by taking Dipentum in a small dose, and then increase the dose slowly. If you are getting diarrhoea, decrease the number of capsules or tablets you are taking then build up the dose again slowly.
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, and then go back to taking it as you would normally.
Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed.
If you have trouble remembering to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some hints.
Immediately telephone your doctor or the National Poisons Information Centre (telephone 03 474 7000) for advice, or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital if you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much Dipentum. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. You may need urgent medical attention.
Advise your doctor immediately if you notice any unusual symptoms.
Ensure you drink plenty of fluids.
Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.
If you are about to start taking any new medicines, tell your doctor or pharmacist that you are taking Dipentum.
Tell all doctors, dentists and pharmacists who are treating you, that you are taking Dipentum.
Ensure that you keep all doctors appointments for check-ups and any tests that your doctor may order for you.
Do not stop taking Dipentum or change the dose without first checking with your doctor.
Do not give Dipentum to anyone else even if they have the same condition as you.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you have any problems while taking Dipentum, even if you do not think the problems are connected with the medicine or are not listed in this leaflet.
Like other medicines, Dipentum can cause some side effects. If they occur, most are likely to be minor and temporary. However, some may be serious and need medical attention.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.
Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following and they worry you:
Diarrhoea, nausea, stomach pain, upset stomach, rash, hives, headache and joint pain.
Some rare reports are: vomiting, rectal bleeding, inflammation of the liver (hepatitis), tremors, sleeplessness, mood swings, irritability, fevers, chills, loss of hair, sensitivity to light, hot flushes, redness of skin, dizziness, light-headedness, muscle cramps, chest pain, irregular heart beat, shortness of breath, frequent urination, difficulty achieving erections, blood cell changes, dry mouth, dry eyes, watery eyes, blurred vision.
If these effects do not go away or they are worrying to you, tell your doctor.
Other side effects not listed above may occur in some people.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand anything in this list.
Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them.
Your Dipentum tablets or capsules should be stored in their original container in a place where the temperature stays below 25°C Make sure the container is well closed after use.
Do not store Dipentum or any other medicines in a bathroom or near a sink. Do not leave it in the car or on window sills. Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.
Keep Dipentum where children cannot reach it. A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.
If your doctor tells you to stop taking Dipentum or it has passed its expiry date, ask your pharmacist what to do with any medicine that is left over.
There are two different strengths of Dipentum: 250 mg and 500 mg.
The 250 mg strength is a capsule and is beige in colour and either marked 'Dipentum 250mg' at one end or not marked at all. The 250mg capsules are available in plastic bottles of 100 capsules.
The 500 mg strength is a tablet and is yellow in colour and capsule-shaped. The tablets are marked with 'KPh' and '110' and scored on one side. The 500mg tablets are available in plastic bottles of 100 tablets.
The active ingredient in Dipentum tablets and capsules is olsalazine sodium.
The inactive ingredients in the capsules are magnesium stearate, gelatin, caramel (E150), titanium dioxide (E171), iron oxide (E172).
The inactive ingredients in the tablets are magnesium stearate, silica-colloidal anhydrous, povidone and crospovidone.
Dipentum tablets and capsules do not contain gluten, lactose, sucrose, tartrazine or other azo dyes.
Dipentum is supplied in New Zealand by:
Pharmacia
PO Box 11-282
Ellerslie
Auckland
For medical enquiries call (09) 580 4300.
This leaflet was prepared in April 2002.