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.
WARNING: Important safety information is provided in a boxed warning in the
full CMI. Read before using this medicine.
1. Why am I using Panamax Co?
Panamax Co contains the active ingredients paracetamol and codeine phosphate hemihydrate.
Panamax Co is used to relieve moderate pain. For more information, see Section
1. Why am I using Panamax Co? in the full CMI.
2. What should I know before I use Panamax Co?
Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Panamax Co or any of the ingredients
listed at the end of the CMI.
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 Panamax Co? in the full CMI.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
4. How do I use Panamax Co?
The usual dose for Adults is 1 to 2 tablets. This dosage may be repeated every 4 to
6 hours if necessary.
More instructions can be found in Section
4. How do I use Panamax Co? in the full CMI.
5. What should I know while using Panamax Co?
6. Are there any side effects?
Tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you notice any of the following side
effects shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing, swelling of the face,
lips, tongue, or other parts of the body, rash, itching or hives on the skin. They
may be the signs of an allergic reaction.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any of the following and they worry you:
nausea or vomiting; drowsiness or dizziness; constipation; stomach pain; skin rashes;
sweating. These are the more common side effects of your medicine. They are usually
mild.
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WARNING:
Limitations of use
Panamax Co should only be used if your doctor decides other treatment options are
not able to effectively manage your pain or you cannot tolerate them.
Hazardous and harmful use
Panamax Co contains codeine which may be habit forming. Panamax Co poses risks of
abuse, misuse and addiction which can lead to overdose and death. Your doctor will
assess your risks and monitor you regularly during treatment.
Life threatening respiratory depression
Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression (shallow or difficulty
breathing) may occur with the use of Panamax Co even when used as recommended. These
problems can occur at any time during use, but the risk is higher when first starting
Panamax Co and after a dose increase, if you are older, or have an existing problem
with your lungs. Your doctor will monitor you and change the dose as appropriate.
Use of other medicines while using Panamax Co
Using Panamax Co with other medicines that can make you feel drowsy such as sleeping
tablets (e.g. benzodiazepines), other pain relievers, antihistamines, antidepressants,
antipsychotics, gabapentinoids (e.g. gabapentin and pregabalin), cannabis and alcohol
may result in severe drowsiness, decreased awareness, breathing problems, coma and
death. Your doctor will minimize the dose and duration of use and monitor you regularly
for signs and symptoms of breathing difficulties and sedation. You must not drink
alcohol while taking Panamax Co.
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Active ingredients:
paracetamol and codeine phosphate hemihydrate
Full Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)
This leaflet provides important information about using Panamax Co. 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 Panamax Co.
Where to find information in this leaflet:
1. Why am I using Panamax Co?
Panamax Co
contains the active ingredients paracetamol and codeine phosphate hemihydrate.
Paracetamol and codeine work together to stop the pain messages from getting through
to the brain. Your doctor may have prescribed this medicine for another use.
Panamax Co is a type of analgesic intended for short term use to relieve moderate
pain.
2. What should I know before I use Panamax Co?
Warnings
Do not use Panamax Co if:
you are allergic to paracetamol or codeine phosphate hemihydrate, 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 severe and/or acute respiratory diseases
you have acute breathing difficulties such as bronchitis, unstable asthma, emphysema
(serious lung disease), respiratory depression (shallow breathing) or respiratory
insufficiency (difficulty breathing).
you have Glucose-6-phosphatedehydrogenase deficiency (an enzyme deficiency)
you are an ultra-rapid metaboliser of CYP 2D6
you have diarrhoea caused by antibiotics or poisoning
you have chronic constipation
you have liver failure
Do not take codeine if you have a history of drug dependence, including alcohol dependence.
Do not given Panamax Co to children under 12 years.
Do not give Panamax Co to children aged between 12-18 years who have undergone tonsillectomy
and/or adenoidectomy to treat sleep apnoea.
Do not take Panamax Co during the third trimester of pregnancy.
Do not take codeine during labour, especially if the baby is premature.
Do not take it if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed.
Do not take this medicine after the expiry date (EXP) printed on the pack.
If you take it after the expiry has passed, it may not work as well.
Do not take this medicine if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.
If it has expired or is damaged, return it to your pharmacist for disposal.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have or have had any of the following
medical conditions:
difficulty breathing, wheezing, chronic cough, asthma, or other chronic breathing
conditions
compromised respiratory function (due to emphysema, kyphoscoliosis or obesity)
known analgesic intolerance
a history of drug dependence, including alcohol dependence
pre-existing opioid dependence
chronic alcohol use including recent cessation of alcohol intake
low glutathione reserves
Gilbert's syndrome
recent surgery on the stomach, intestine or urinary tract
chronic constipation
head injury or trauma
prostate problems
heart, liver or kidney problems
urinary, bowel or gallbladder conditions
Addison's disease
Multiple sclerosis
low blood pressure
underactive thyroid
convulsions, fits or seizures
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have allergies to aspirin, other NSAIDs, any
other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you plan to have surgery.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you take sedatives (medicines used to help you relax
or sleep).
If you are not sure whether you should start taking this medicine, talk to your doctor
or pharmacist.
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
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
Do not take Panamax Co during the third trimester of pregnancy.
Do not take codeine during labour, especially if the baby is premature.
This medicine may produce withdrawal effects in the newborn baby.
Do not take it if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed.
Panamax Co passes into breast milk and there is a possibility your baby may be affected.
If you have not told your doctor or pharmacist about any of the above, tell them before
start taking Panamax Co.
Addiction
You can become addicted to Panamax Co even if you take it exactly as prescribed. Panamax
Co may become habit forming causing mental and physical dependence. If abused it may
become less able to reduce pain.
Dependence
As with all other opioid containing products, your body may become used to you taking
Panamax Co. Taking it may result in physical dependence. Physical dependence means
that you may experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking Panamax Co suddenly,
so it is important to take it exactly as directed by your doctor.
Tolerance
Tolerance to Panamax Co may develop, which means that the effect of the medicine may
decrease. If this happens, more may be needed to maintain the same effect.
Withdrawal
Continue taking your medicine for as long as your doctor tells you. If you stop having
this medicine suddenly, your pain may worsen and you may experience some or all of
the following withdrawal symptoms:
nervousness, restlessness, agitation, trouble sleeping or anxiety
body aches, weakness or stomach cramps
loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
increased heart rate, breathing rate or pupil size
watery eyes, runny nose, chills or yawning
increased sweating.
Panamax Co given to the mother during labour can cause breathing problems and signs
of withdrawal in the newborn.
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 Panamax Co may interfere with each other. These include:
medicines used to help you relax, sleep or relieve anxiety, such as barbiturates,
sedatives, tranquillisers, hypnotics, gabapentinoids, cannabis and centrally-active
anti-emetics
benzodiazepines (medicines used as sedatives or to treat anxiety)
medicines containing alcohol (ethanol), e.g. some cough syrups
antihistamines (medicines used to treat allergies)
medicines which thin the blood
medicines to treat epilepsy or fits
metoclopramide or domperidone, medicines used to control nausea and vomiting
propantheline, a drug used to relieve stomach cramps or spasms
medicines used to prevent travel sickness and to treat Parkinson's disease
medicines used to treat high blood pressure
medicines for diarrhoea, such as kaolin, pectin, and loperamide
medicines used to treat depression
monoamine oxidase inhibitors, medicines used to treat depression, taken within the
last 14 days
other opioid analgesics used to treat pain
quinidine, a medicine used to treat abnormal or irregular heartbeat
phenothiazines and antipsychotic agents, medicines used to treat mental disorders
chloramphenicol, an antibiotic used to treat ear and eye infections
flucloxacillin, zidovudine or rifampicin, drugs used to treat infections
chelating resin
medicines used to treat alcohol and/or opioid dependence (e.g. naltrexone, buprenorphine
or methadone)
medicines used to control electrolytes levels in kidney disease
These medicines may be affected by Panamax Co or may affect how well Panamax Co works.
You may need different amounts of your medicines, or you may need to take different
medicines.
If you have not told your doctor or pharmacist about any of these things, tell him/her
before you take any Panamax Co.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins
or supplements you are taking and if these affect Panamax Co.
4. How do I use Panamax Co?
How much to take
The label on your pack of Panamax Co will tell you how to take your medicine and how
often.
If you do not understand the instructions on the pack, ask your doctor or pharmacist
for help.
The usual dose of Panamax Co is:
Adults:
1 to 2 tablets.
This dosage may be repeated every 4 - 6 hours if necessary.
You should not take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours.
Do not take more than the recommended dose.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about pain control if Panamax Co is not helping.
If your body cannot metabolise codeine properly, you may be getting reduced benefit
from the medicine.
If you are over 65 years of age, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how much
to take.
Elderly patients are more likely to have less effective kidney function due to age.
This may increase the risk of side effects.
How to take Panamax Co
Swallow tablets with a little water or other liquid.
How long to take it
Adults:
Only take Panamax Co for a few days at a time unless your doctor tells you to take
it longer.
Children:
Only give Panamax Co to children for up to 48 hours unless a doctor has told you to
give it longer.
If you take too much Panamax Co
If you or someone else receive too much (overdose), and experience one or more of
the symptoms below, immediately call triple zero (000) for an ambulance. Keep the
person awake by talking to them or gently shaking them every now and then. You should
follow the above steps even if someone other than you have accidentally used Panamax
Co that was prescribed for you. If someone takes an overdose they may experience one
or more of the following symptoms:
Slow, unusual or difficult breathing
Drowsiness, dizziness or unconsciousness
Slow or weak heartbeat
Nausea or vomiting
Convulsions or fits
If you think that you have taken too much Panamax Co, 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.
If you take too many tablets you may feel nauseous, experience stomach pain, sweating,
anxiety, lightheaded, dizzy or drowsy for example.
You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
When seeking medical attention, take this leaflet and remaining medicine with you
to show the doctor. Also tell them about any other medicines or alcohol which have
been taken.
Depending on your body’s individual ability to break down codeine, you may experience
signs of overdose even when you take Panamax Co as recommended by your doctor. If
overdose symptoms occur, seek immediate medical advice.
5. What should I know while using Panamax Co?
Things you should do
Tell all the doctors, dentists and pharmacists who are treating you that you are taking
Panamax Co.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if your symptoms don't improve.
Your pharmacist or doctor will assess your condition and decide if you should continue
to take the medicine.
If you are about to be started on any new medicine, tell your doctor and pharmacist
that you are taking Panamax Co.
If you plan to have surgery that needs a general anaesthetic, tell your doctor or
dentist that you are taking this medicine.
If your pain gets worse after you take this medicine do not take more without first
talking to your doctor.
Talk to your doctor, if the pain that you have increases, if you feel more sensitive
to pain, or if you have new pain after taking this medicine.
Things you should not do
Children: Do not give Panamax Co for more than 48 hours unless a doctor has told you
to.
Adults: Do not take for more than a few days at a time unless your doctor tells you
to.
Do not take more than the recommended dose unless your doctor tells you to.
Do not take Panamax Co to treat any other complaints unless your doctor or pharmacist
tells you to.
Do not give your medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as
you.
Things to be careful of
Be careful if you are elderly, unwell or taking other medicines.
Some people may experience side effects such as drowsiness, confusion, dizziness and
unsteadiness, which may increase the risk of a fall.
Driving or using machines
Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects
you.
This medicine may cause dizziness or light-headedness in some people
Children should be supervised while bike riding or engaging in other potentially hazardous
activities to avoid potential harm.
Drinking alcohol
Do not drink alcohol while taking Panamax Co.
Drinking alcohol while taking paracetamol (which is contained in Panamax Co) may increase
the risk of liver side effects.
Looking after your medicine
Store below 25°C.
Follow the instructions in the carton on how to take care of your medicine properly.
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 young children cannot reach it. A locked cupboard at least one-and-a
half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.
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.
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.
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
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 Panamax Co contains
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.
What Panamax Co looks like
Panamax Co is available as white tablets marked ‘PANAMAX CO’ (Aust R 62661).
Panamax Co is available in packs of 40 tablets.
Who distributes Panamax Co
Distributed by:
sanofi-aventis australia pty ltd
12-24 Talavera Road
Macquarie Park NSW 2113
Freecall: 1800 818 806
Email:
[email protected]
This leaflet was prepared in August 2024.
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