Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary
The
full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine,
speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
1. Why am I using ERYC capsules?
ERYC capsules contain the active ingredient erythromycin. They are used to treat infections
in different parts of the body caused by bacteria and prevent infections in patients
with a history of rheumatic disease who may be allergic to penicillin. For more information,
see Section
1. Why am I using ERYC capsules? in the full CMI.
2. What should I know before I use ERYC capsules?
Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to erythromycin or any of the
ingredients listed at the end of the CMI. Do not use if you have severe liver problems.
Do not use if you have ever had changes in the rhythm or rate of the heartbeat, or
disturbances in your electrolyte levels.
Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines,
or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. For more information, see Section
2. What should I know before I use ERYC capsules? in the full CMI.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
4. How do I use ERYC capsules?
For treating most infections, the usual adult dose of ERYC capsules is one 250 mg
capsule four times a day or two 250 mg capsules twice a day. For the long-term prevention
of streptococcal infections in persons with a history of rheumatic heart disease and
an allergy to penicillin, the usual dose is one 250 mg capsule twice a day.
Swallow the capsules whole with a full glass of water. Do not chew or crush the capsule.
Do not take with food.
5. What should I know while using ERYC capsules?
|
Things you should do
|
Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using erythromycin.
Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if you get
severe diarrhoea, if you get a sore, white mouth or tongue while taking or soon after
stopping ERYC capsules, if you get vaginal itching or discharge or if you become pregnant.
|
|
Things you should not do
|
Do not take the capsules to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you
to.
Do not give your medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as
you.
Do not stop taking your medicine or lower the dosage because you are feeling better,
unless advised by your doctor.
|
|
Driving or using machines
|
Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how ERYC capsules affect
you.
|
|
Looking after your medicine
|
Keep your capsules in the pack until it is time to take them.
Keep your capsules in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.
|
6. Are there any side effects?
Common side effects include mild stomach upsets such as feeling sick, diarrhoea, or
mild stomach pains, vomiting and loss of appetite. Serious side effects include yellowing
of the skin and eyes, difficulty hearing, hallucinations or confusion, increasingly
poor appetite, signs of an allergic reaction (rash, itching or hives on the skin;
swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body; shortness of breath,
wheezing or difficulty breathing), chest pain, changes in the rhythm or rate of the
heartbeat, convulsions (fits), watery and severe diarrhoea, which may also be bloody,
severe abdominal cramps, stomach cramps or stomach pain. For more information, including
what to do if you have any side effects, see Section
6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.
Active ingredient(s):
erythromycin (s) (phonetic pronunciation – eh-RITH-roe-MYE-sin)
Full Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)
This leaflet provides important information about using ERYC capsules. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information
or if you have any concerns or questions about using ERYC capsules.
Where to find information in this leaflet:
1. Why am I using ERYC capsules?
ERYC capsules contain the active ingredient erythromycin. Erythromycin is an antibiotic which belongs to a group of medicines called macrolides.
ERYC capsules are used to treat infections in different parts of the body caused by
bacteria and to prevent infections in patients with a history of rheumatic disease
who may be allergic to penicillin. This medicine works by killing or stopping the growth of bacteria which cause infections.
It will not work against viral infections such as colds or flu.
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why this medicine has been prescribed
for you. Your doctor may have prescribed it for another reason.
This medicine is not addictive.
2. What should I know before I use ERYC capsules?
Warnings
Do not use ERYC capsules if:
you are allergic to erythromycin, or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this
leaflet. Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.
you have ever had changes in the rhythm or rate of the heartbeat, or disturbances
in your electrolyte levels.
you have severe liver problems.
you are taking any of the following medications:
cisapride, a medicine which helps move food through the digestive system
pimozide, a medicine used to treat some psychiatric (mental) conditions
ergotamine or dihydroergotamine, medicines used to treat migraine headache
astemizole or terfenadine, medicines used to treat allergy
some medicines used to treat irregular heartbeats
medicines used to lower high blood cholesterol, such as lovastatin, simvastatin and
atorvastatin.
Check with your doctor if you:
have any other medical conditions, especially:
liver problems
irregular or very slow heartbeat
myasthenia gravis, a condition in which the muscles become weak and tire easily.
have allergies to any other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes.
take any medicines for any other condition.
need any surgical procedures. This medicine is not suitable prior to surgery relating
to the gastrointestinal tract or genital and urinary organs.
During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important
you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information
under Section
6. Are there any side effects?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.
Your doctor can discuss with you the risks and benefits involved.
The active ingredient of ERYC may cross the placenta in pregnant women and is excreted
in breast milk. Information from studies regarding the risk of birth defects is inconsistent, but
some studies have reported heart defects following erythromycin use in early pregnancy.
Erythromycin should be used by women during pregnancy or while breast-feeding only
if clearly needed.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any
medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy,
supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines and ERYC capsules may interfere with each other. These include:
theophylline, a medicine used to treat asthma
methylprednisolone or other corticosteroids given by mouth, by injection or inhaled
(used to help suppress the body's immune system - this is useful in treating a wide
range of conditions)
some medicines used for epilepsy such as carbamazepine, phenytoin and valproate
alfentanil, a medicine used to relieve pain and produce anaesthesia
digoxin, a drug used to treat heart failure or heart disease
some medicines used to treat irregular heartbeats, such as quinidine, disopyramide,
procainamide, amiodarone and sotalol
medicines used to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis
medicines used to treat or prevent malaria such as hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine
some medicines used to treat high blood pressure or angina such as verapamil, amlodipine
and diltiazem
alprazolam, triazolam or midazolam, medicines used to produce sleep or drowsiness
and to relieve anxiety
medicines used to prevent blood clots, such as warfarin and rivaroxaban
medicines used to prevent organ transplant rejection or to treat certain problems
with the immune system, such as cyclosporin and tacrolimus
medicines used to lower high blood cholesterol, such as lovastatin, simvastatin and
atorvastatin
the antibiotics clindamycin, lincomycin, penicillin and rifabutin
medicines used to treat fungal infections such as ketoconazole, itraconazole and fluconazole
colchicine, a medicine used in the treatment of gout
some medicines for migraine headache such as ergotamine or dihydroergotamine
pimozide, a medicine used to treat some psychiatric (mental) conditions
cisapride, a medicine which helps food move through the digestive system
astemizole or terfenadine, medicines used to treat allergy
bromocriptine, a medicine use to treat Parkinson's disease
sildenafil, a medicine used to treat impotence
vinblastine, a medicine used in the treatment of some types of cancer
cimetidine, a medicine used to treat stomach problems, such as ulcers
zopiclone, a medicine used for sleeping problems
the contraceptive pill (birth control pill). ERYC capsules may decrease the effectiveness
of some birth control pills. Your doctor may advise you to use an additional method of contraception such as a
barrier method while taking ERYC capsules and for seven days after finishing the course
of ERYC capsules. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Some medicines may interfere with ERYC capsules and affect how they work.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins
or supplements you are taking and if these affect ERYC capsules.
4. How do I use ERYC capsules?
How much to take
Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you how many capsules you will need to take each
day. This depends on your condition and whether or not you are taking any other medicines.
For treating most infections, the usual adult dose of ERYC capsules is one 250 mg
capsule four times a day (every 6 hours) or two 250 mg capsules twice a day (every
12 hours).
For the long-term prevention of streptococcal infections in persons with a history
of rheumatic heart disease and an allergy to penicillin, the usual dose is one 250
mg capsule twice a day.
Swallow the capsules whole with a full glass of water.
Do not chew or crush the capsule.
Your doctor may ask you to take a different dose, depending on your condition and
how you react to the medicine.
For treating infections, this medicine is usually taken for one to two weeks. However,
your doctor may prescribe it for longer periods.
Keep taking this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel
better after a few days.
If you do not complete the full course prescribed by your doctor, the infection may
not clear up completely or your symptoms may return.
Follow the instructions provided when ERYC capsules were prescribed, including the
number of days it should be taken.
When to take ERYC capsules
Take your medicine on an empty stomach, for example one hour before food or two hours
after food.
Food can interfere with the absorption of this medicine.
If you forget to use ERYC capsules
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 your medicine
as you would normally.
Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.
This may increase the chance of you getting an unwanted side effect.
If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If you have trouble remembering to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some
hints.
If you take too many ERYC capsules
If you think that you have taken too many ERYC capsules, you may need urgent medical
attention.
You should immediately:
phone the Poisons Information Centre
(by calling
13 11 26), or
contact your doctor, or
go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.
You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
You may need urgent medical attention.
If you take too many ERYC capsules you may feel sick (nauseous) or vomit, experience
diarrhoea or hearing problems. Other effects may include those listed in the Serious
Side Effects section.
5. What should I know while using ERYC capsules?
Things you should do
Call your doctor straight away if you:
are taking ERYC capsules for an infection and your symptoms do not improve within
a few days, or if they become worse.
get severe diarrhoea. Do this even if it occurs several weeks after ERYC capsules
have been stopped.
Diarrhoea may mean that you have a serious condition affecting your bowel. You may
need urgent medical care. Do not take any diarrhoea medicine without first checking with your doctor.
get a sore, white mouth or tongue while taking or soon after stopping ERYC capsules.
get vaginal itching or discharge.
This may mean you have a fungal infection called thrush. Sometimes the use of ERYC
capsules allows fungi to grow and the above symptoms to occur. ERYC capsules do not
work against fungi.
Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using ERYC capsules.
If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, tell your doctor immediately.
If you have to have any blood or urine tests, tell your doctor you are taking this
medicine. It may interfere with the results of some tests.
Things you should not do
Do not take ERYC capsules to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you
to.
Do not give your medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as
you.
Do not stop taking your medicine or lower the dosage because you are feeling better,
unless advised by your doctor.
If you do not complete the full course prescribed by your doctor, all of the bacteria
causing your infection may not be killed. These bacteria may continue to grow and
multiply so that your infection may not clear completely, or it may return.
Driving or using machines
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how ERYC capsules
affect you.
This medicine generally does not cause any problems with your ability to drive a car
or operate machinery. However, as with many other medicines, it may cause dizziness
in some people. If this occurs do not drive, operate machinery or do anything else
that could be dangerous.
Drinking alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
Looking after your medicine
Follow the instructions in the carton on how to take care of your medicine properly.
Keep your capsules in the pack until it is time to take them.
If you take the capsules out of the pack, they may not keep well.
Keep your capsules in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.
Store it in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight; for example, do
not store it:
in the bathroom or near a sink, or
in the car or on windowsills.
Keep it 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.
When to discard your medicine
If your doctor tells you to stop taking this medicine or the expiry date has passed,
ask your pharmacist what to do with any medicine that is left over.
Getting rid of any unwanted medicine
If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy
for safe disposal.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date printed on the pack or if the packaging
is torn or shows signs of tampering.
6. Are there any side effects?
All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of
them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.
If you are over 65 years of age you may have an increased chance of getting side effects.
See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you
have any further questions about side effects.
Less serious side effects
Serious side effects
Contact a doctor immediately if you experience a serious skin reaction: a red, scaly
rash with bumps under the skin and blisters (exanthematous pustulosis). The frequency
of this side effect is not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you
feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.
Reporting side effects
After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can
report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at
www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems . By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of
this medicine.
Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop
taking any of your medicines.
7. Product details
This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.
What ERYC capsules contain
|
Active ingredient
(main ingredient)
|
250 mg erythromycin
|
|
Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)
|
lactose monohydrate
povidone
cellacefate
diethyl phthalate
gelatin
shellac
monobasic potassium phosphate
erythrosine
indigo carmine
sunset yellow FCF
carbon black
purified water
|
|
Potential allergens
|
This medicine does not contain sucrose or gluten
|
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.
What ERYC capsules look like
ERYC capsules are transparent red/yellow capsules, marked Eryc in black. The capsules
are filled with white coated pellets. They are available in bottles of 25 capsules
(Aust R 63154).
Who distributes ERYC capsules
Mayne Pharma International Pty Ltd
1538 Main North Road
Salisbury South, SA 5106
This leaflet was prepared in August 2023.