INFORMATION FOR CONSUMERS
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This leaflet answers some common questions about TOPICIL. It does not contain all the available information.
It does not take the place of talking to your doctor and pharmacist.
All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor or pharmacist has weighed the risks of you using TOPICIL against the benefits this medicine is expected to have for you.
If you have any concerns about using this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep this leaflet with the medicine
You may need to read it again.
TOPICIL contains the active ingredient clindamycin.
TOPICIL is an antibiotic solution which is applied to the skin for the treatment of acne which has not been responsive to non-antibiotic therapy. TOPICIL works by stopping the growth of bacteria which cause infection.
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why TOPICIL has been prescribed for you.
This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription.
Do not use TOPICIL if you have had an allergy to:
Do not use TOPICIL if you have a history of inflammation of the large bowel, small intestine or antibiotic-associated inflammation to these areas.
Do not use TOPICIL if you are breastfeeding.
Do not use TOPICIL if you are under 12 years of age.
Do not use TOPICIL if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering or if the solution show visible signs of deterioration.
Do not use TOPICIL near heat or flame.
Do not use TOPICIL after the expiry date (EXP) printed on the pack.
If you use this medicine after the expiry date has passed, it may not work as
well.
TOPICIL contains alcohol. Avoid contact with eyes, mouth or mucus membranes while using TOPICIL. If contact occurs, apply copious amounts of water to the affected area.
Symptoms may develop after a few days, weeks or months after therapy begins. Symptoms may also be observed several weeks after therapy finishes. Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are using TOPICIL.
TOPICIL is unlikely to produce an effect on the ability to drive or use machinery, however, care should be taken until you know how this medicine affects you.
There is no evidence this medicine is addictive.
Tell your doctor if you are using any other medicines, including medicines that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop. Some medicines may interfere with TOPICIL. These include products containing benzoyl peroxide.
Your doctor and pharmacist may have more information on medicines to be careful with or avoid while using this medicine.
Carefully follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist. If you do not understand the instructions on the label, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.
If your acne does not improve or becomes worse, see your doctor or pharmacist.
Apply TOPICIL when you remember, unless it is almost time for your next application, in which case wait and apply at the next application time.
This medicine is not to be taken internally.
If you become pregnant while you are using TOPICIL tell your doctor.
If you are about to start taking a new medicine tell your doctor and pharmacist that you are using TOPICIL.
Do not give TOPICIL to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
Do not use TOPICIL to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.
All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not.
Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following and they worry you:
Tell your doctor immediately, or go to the nearest Accident and Emergency Department if you notice any of the following side effects during use or several weeks after stopping treatment with TOPICIL:
Do not take any diarrhoea medicine without checking with your doctor first.
Other side effects not listed above may occur in some patients.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that is making you unwell.
Do not be alarmed by this list. They are rare side effects. You may not experience any of them.
Immediately telephone a doctor, or the Poisons Information Centre (telephone 0800 POISON and 0800 764 766) or go to the accident and Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, if you think you or anyone else may be experiencing severe side effects due to TOPICIL (see side effects). In the event of accidental ingestion, contact the above numbers even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Store TOPICIL between 15-30°C. Keep TOPICIL away from heat and flame. Do not leave it in the car or on a window sill.
Heat can destroy some medicines.
Keep it out of reach of children. A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.
When you have stopped using TOPICIL or if it has passed it's expiry date, ask your pharmacist what to do with any left over solution.
TOPICIL is a clear alcoholic solution in a 30 mL clear glass bottle with dab-o-matic top.
Purified water, Isopropyl alcohol and Propylene glycol.
Douglas Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Central Park Drive, Lincoln
Auckland 1008
Date of Preparation: 4th August 2004