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 Ramipril Winthrop?
Ramipril Winthrop contains the active ingredient ramipril. Ramipril Winthrop is used
to treat hypertension, heart failure following a heart attack, kidney problems and
to prevent cardiovascular problems and complications.
2. What should I know before I use Ramipril Winthrop?
Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Ramipril Winthrop 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.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Some medicines may interfere with Ramipril Winthrop and affect how it works.
4. How do I use Ramipril Winthrop?
The usual dose of Ramipril Winthrop is 1.25 to 10 mg per day depending on the condition
treated.
5. What should I know while using Ramipril Winthrop?
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Things you should do
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Stand or get up slowly, especially from bed or chairs.
Drink enough water during exercise and hot weather, especially if you sweat a lot.
If you plan to have surgery that needs a general anaesthetic, tell your doctor or
dentist.
If you are about to have any blood tests, tell the doctor that you are taking Ramipril
Winthrop.
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Things you should not do
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Give Ramipril Winthrop to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
Take Ramipril Winthrop to treat any other complaints unless your doctor or pharmacist
tells you to.
Stop taking or lower/increase the dosage without checking with your doctor.
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Driving or using machines
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Be careful before you drive or use any machines until you know how Ramipril Winthrop
affects you.
As with other ACE inhibitor medicines, Ramipril Winthrop may cause light-headedness,
dizziness, or drowsiness in some people.
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Drinking alcohol
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Tell your doctor that you drink alcohol.
If you drink alcohol while taking Ramipril Winthrop, you may experience dizziness,
drowsiness, or light-headedness.
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Looking after your medicine
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Keep your Ramipril Winthrop tablets or capsules in the blister pack until it is time
to take them.
Keep your Ramipril Winthrop tablets or capsules in a cool dry place where the temperature
stays below 25°C.
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6. Are there any side effects?
Common side effects: Feeling light-headed, dizziness, dry cough, headache, nausea
or vomiting, stomach pain or discomfort, diarrhoea, indigestion, taste disturbance,
muscle cramps or spasms, ringing or buzzing in the ears.
Serious side effects: Severe dizziness or confusion, visual disturbances, speech problems,
swelling of face/lips/mouth/tongue/throat causing difficulty in breathing, severe
blisters, or bleeding.
Active ingredient(s):
ramipril
Full Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)
This leaflet provides important information about using Ramipril Winthrop. 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 Ramipril Winthrop.
Where to find information in this leaflet:
1. Why am I using Ramipril Winthrop?
Ramipril Winthrop contains the active ingredient ramipril. Ramipril Winthrop is an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. Ramipril Winthrop
works by widening the blood vessels, which reduces the pressure in the vessels, making
it easier for your heart to pump blood around the body.
This helps to increase the supply of oxygen to your heart, so that when you place
extra demands on your heart, such as during exercise, your heart may cope better,
and you may not get short of breath as easily.
By increasing the supply of oxygen to your heart, your heart does not have to work
as hard and it is under less stress, which may reduce the risk of further damage occurring
to it following a heart attack.
Ramipril Winthrop also improves blood flow through the small blood vessels found in
the kidneys, which helps the kidneys to work more efficiently. This in turn can help
to slow down the progression of kidney damage that might result from having diabetes
or high blood pressure.
Ramipril Winthrop is used to treat the following conditions:
Hypertension
Ramipril Winthrop is used to lower high blood pressure (hypertension). Everyone has
blood pressure. This pressure helps get your blood all around your body. Your blood
pressure may be different at different times of the day and can be influenced by how
busy or worried you are. You have hypertension when your blood pressure stays higher
than is needed, even when you are calm and relaxed.
There are usually no symptoms of hypertension. The only way of knowing that you have
hypertension is to have your blood pressure checked on a regular basis. If high blood
pressure is not treated it can lead to serious health problems, including stroke,
heart disease and kidney failure.
Heart Failure following a Heart Attack
Ramipril Winthrop may be used after a heart attack. A heart attack occurs when one
of the major blood vessels supplying blood to your heart becomes blocked. This means
that your heart muscle cannot receive the oxygen it needs and becomes damaged. This
may lead to further problems, such as heart failure, irregular heart rhythms and blood
clots.
Heart failure means that the heart muscle is weak and cannot pump blood strongly enough
to supply all the blood needed throughout the body. Heart failure is not the same
as heart attack and does not mean that the heart stops. Heart failure may start off
with no symptoms, but as the condition progresses, patients may feel short of breath
or may get tired easily after light physical activity such as walking. Some patients
may wake up short of breath at night. Fluid may collect in different parts of the
body, often first noticed as swollen ankles and feet.
Kidney Problems
Ramipril Winthrop may be used to treat some kidney problems. Some conditions such
as diabetes and hypertension can lead to kidney problems. These problems develop slowly
over several years. Good control of your blood sugar and blood pressure are important
in keeping your kidneys healthy but may not always prevent kidney damage from occurring.
Prevention of Cardiovascular Problems and Complications
Ramipril Winthrop may be used to reduce the risk of some of the problems and complications
that may arise in patients aged 55 or more who have problems such as coronary artery
disease (heart disease caused by poor blood flow in the blood vessels of the heart),
peripheral vascular disease (poor circulation in the hands or feet), or stroke.
Ramipril Winthrop may also be used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems and
complications in patients with diabetes aged 55 years or more who may be considered
at risk because of one or more additional factors such as high blood pressure, high
cholesterol levels, kidney problems, a current smoker, or previous disease of the
blood vessels.
2. What should I know before I use Ramipril Winthrop?
Warnings
Do not use Ramipril Winthrop if:
You are allergic to ramipril, or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this
leaflet.
You have had an allergic reaction to any other ACE inhibitors previously.
You or your family have a history of swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, intestines,
hands or feet, for no apparent reason.
You have kidney problems, or a condition called 'Renal Artery Stenosis'.
You have problems or conditions affecting the flow of blood in and out of your heart
(e.g., aortic or valvular stenosis).
You have low blood pressure.
You undergo dialysis using certain high-flux membranes.
You are diabetic or have kidney problems and are being treated with aliskiren-containing
medicines or a group of medicines known as angiotensin II receptor antagonists.
You are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
You are breastfeeding.
Check with your doctor if you:
Have allergies to any other medicines or other substances such as foods, preservatives,
or dyes.
Have liver problems, low blood pressure, low white blood cell counts, high blood levels
of potassium, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), scleroderma or other autoimmune
conditions.
Have any other medical conditions such as kidney/heart problems or diabetes (note
that your doctor may give you Ramipril Winthrop to treat these problems).
Are following a very low or very high salt diet.
Are dehydrated or have had a recent bout of vomiting or diarrhoea.
Are about to have surgery or a general anaesthetic.
Plan to become pregnant or breastfeed.
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. Ramipril
Winthrop may affect your developing baby if you take it during pregnancy.
Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed. Ramipril Winthrop
may pass into the breast milk and affect your breastfed baby.
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 may interfere with Ramipril Winthrop and affect how it works. These
include:
Other medicines used to treat high blood pressure.
Other medicines to treat heart failure.
Diuretics, also known as fluid or water tablets.
Lithium, a medicine used to treat mood swings and some types of depression.
Potassium supplements or potassium-containing salt substitutes.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are medicines used to relieve
pain, swelling and other symptoms of inflammation.
Insulin and tablets used to treat diabetes.
Heparin.
General anaesthetics.
Medicines which may affect the blood cells such as allopurinol, procainamide, corticosteroids,
immunosuppressants, or medicines used to treat cancer.
Temsirolimus.
Any medicines (including those available without a prescription) for appetite control,
asthma, colds, coughs, hayfever, or sinus problems. A discussion with your doctor
or pharmacist should occur before using these while on Ramipril Winthrop.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins
or supplements you are taking and if these affect Ramipril Winthrop.
4. How do I use Ramipril Winthrop?
How much to take
Your doctor will select a dose when they prescribe Ramipril Winthrop for you. Some
patients may need a lower starting dose. The usual dose of Ramipril Winthrop is:
For high blood pressure, 2.5 to 10 mg per day.
For heart failure, 5 to 10 mg per day.
For kidney problems, 1.25 to 5 mg per day.
For cardiovascular risk, 2.5 to 10 mg per day.
Depending on your response, your doctor may adjust the dose. If two tablets are prescribed,
your doctor may want you to take them both together or at different times. This will
depend on the condition being treated and how you respond to Ramipril Winthrop.
Follow the instructions provided and use Ramipril Winthrop until your doctor tells
you to stop.
When to take Ramipril Winthrop
Ramipril Winthrop should be taken at about the same time each day.
Ramipril Winthrop should be swallowed whole with plenty of fluid. It does not matter
if you take Ramipril Winthrop before or after food.
Taking your tablets or capsules at the same time each day will have the best effect.
It will also help you remember when to take your medicine.
If you forget to use Ramipril Winthrop
Ramipril Winthrop should be used regularly at the same time each day.
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.
If you are not sure what to do or if you have trouble remembering when to take Ramipril
Winthrop, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
If you use too much Ramipril Winthrop
If you think that you have used too much Ramipril Winthrop, 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.
5. What should I know while using Ramipril Winthrop?
Things you should do
Stand or get up slowly, especially from bed or chairs, will help your body get used
to the change in position and blood pressure. This will help reduce feeling light-headed,
dizzy, or faint.
Drink enough water during exercise and hot weather when you are taking Ramipril Winthrop,
especially if you sweat a lot. If you do not drink enough water, you may feel light-headed,
dizzy, or faint. This is because your blood pressure is dropping suddenly. If you
continue to feel unwell, tell your doctor.
Remind any doctor, dentist, or pharmacist you visit that you are using Ramipril Winthrop.
If you plan to have surgery that needs a general anaesthetic, tell your doctor or
dentist.
If you are about to have any blood tests, tell the doctor that you are taking Ramipril
Winthrop.
Have your blood pressure checked when your doctor says, to make sure Ramipril Winthrop
is working.
Call your doctor straight away if you:
Have excess vomiting or diarrhoea while taking Ramipril Winthrop. You may lose too
much water and salt from your body, which can cause your blood pressure to drop too
much.
Feel light-headed or dizzy after taking your first dose of Ramipril Winthrop, or when
your dose is increased.
Become pregnant or intend to become pregnant while taking Ramipril Winthrop.
Things you should not do
Give Ramipril Winthrop to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
Take Ramipril Winthrop to treat any other complaints unless your doctor or pharmacist
tells you to.
Stop taking or lower/increase the dosage without checking with your doctor.
Driving or using machines
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Ramipril
Winthrop affects you.
As with other ACE inhibitor medicines, Ramipril Winthrop may cause light-headedness,
dizziness, or drowsiness in some people.
Drinking alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
If you drink alcohol while taking Ramipril Winthrop, you may experience dizziness,
drowsiness, or light-headedness.
Things that may help your condition
Some self-help measures suggested below may help your condition. Talk to your doctor
or pharmacist about these measures and for more information.
Alcohol - your doctor may advise you to limit your alcohol intake.
Diet - eat a healthy low-fat diet which includes plenty of fresh vegetables, fruit,
bread, cereals, and fish. Reduce intake of foods with a high fat or sugar content.
Exercise - regular exercise helps to reduce blood pressure and helps to get the heart
fitter, but it is also important not to overdo it. Walking is a good exercise but
try to find a route that is reasonably flat. Before starting any exercise, ask your
doctor about the best kind of exercise programme for you.
Salt - your doctor may advise you to watch the amount of salt in your diet. To reduce
your salt intake, you should avoid using salt in cooking or at the table.
Smoking - your doctor may advise you to stop or at least cut down smoking.
Weight- your doctor may suggest losing some weight to help lower your blood pressure
and help lessen the amount of work your heart does. Some people may need a dietitian's
help to lose weight.
Looking after your medicine
Keep your Ramipril Winthrop tablets or capsules in the blister pack until it is time
to take them. If you take them out of the pack they may not keep well.
Keep your Ramipril Winthrop tablets or capsules in a cool dry place where the temperature
stays 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.
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
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Serious side effects
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What to do
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Disturbed vision
Symptoms of sunburn (such as redness, itching, swelling, blistering) which may occur
more quickly than normal
Itchy or raised skin rash, hives or nettle rash
Signs of anaemia such as tiredness, being short of breath and looking pale
Yellowing of the skin and/or eyes
Fast or irregular heart beat
Shortness of breath or tightness in the chest
Numbness, tingling and colour change (white, blue then red) in the fingers or toes
when exposed to the cold
Severe upper stomach pain, often with nausea and vomiting
Frequent infections such as fever, severe chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers
Passing little or no urine or more urine than is normal for you
Bleeding or bruising more easily than normal
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Call your doctor straight away, or go straight to the Emergency Department at your
nearest hospital if you notice any of these serious side effects.
These side effects are rare.
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Very serious side effects
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Very serious side effects
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What to do
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Fainting within a few hours of taking a dose
Severe dizziness and confusion with visual disturbances and speech problems
Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat which may cause difficulty in
swallowing or breathing
Pink or red itchy spots on the skin which may blister and progress to form raised,
red, pale-centred marks
Severe blisters and bleeding in the lips, eyes, mouth, nose and genitals
Chest pain
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Go straight to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital if you notice any
of these very serious side effects.
These side effects are very rare.
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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 Ramipril Winthrop contains
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Active ingredient
(main ingredient)
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Ramipril
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Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)
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Ramipril Winthrop tablets also contain:
Hypromellose
Pre-gelatinised maize starch
Microcrystalline cellulose
Sodium stearyl fumarate
Iron oxide yellow (2.5 mg only)
Iron oxide red (5 mg only)
Ramipril Winthrop capsules also contain:
Pre-gelatinised maize starch
Gelatine
Indigo carmine
Erythrosine
Iron oxide black
Titanium dioxide
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Potential allergens
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Ramipril Winthrop does not contain lactose, sucrose, gluten or tartrazine.
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Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.
What Ramipril Winthrop looks like
Ramipril Winthrop is available in four different strengths. Ramipril Winthrop 1.25
mg, 2.5 mg and 5 mg are available as tablets. Ramipril Winthrop 10 mg is available
as capsules.
Each strength appears as follows:
1.25 mg tablets: white to almost white, oblong shaped, scored tablets with 1.25 and
HMN on one side, and 1.25 and a logo on the other side. AUST R 128845
2.5 mg tablets: yellowish to yellow, oblong shaped, scored tablets with 2.5 and HMR
on one side, and 2.5 and a logo on the other side. AUST R 128847
5 mg tablets: pale red, oblong shaped, scored tablets with 5 and HMP on one side,
and 5 and a logo on the other side. AUST R 128848
10 mg capsules: blue and white, and unmarked. AUST R 128853
Ramipril Winthrop is available in blister packs of 30 tablets or capsules.
Who distributes Ramipril Winthrop
Distributed by:
sanofi-aventis australia pty ltd
12-24 Talavera Road
Macquarie Park NSW 2113
Freecall: 1800 818 806
This leaflet was prepared in July 2024.
ramipril-winthrop-ccdsv17-cmiv9-04jul24