ACIMAX® TABLETS (Omeprazole magnesium) Consumer Medicine Information

Download PDF Copy

Multiple Unit Pellet System

Omeprazole magnesium

Consumer Medicine Information

NOTICE: This Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) is intended for persons living in Australia. This page contains answers to some common questions about ACIMAX^® TABLETS. It does not contain all the information that is known about ACIMAX^® TABLETS. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist. All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risk of you using this medicine against the benefits he/she expects it will have for you. If you have any concerns about using this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Bookmark or print this page, you may need to read it again.

What Acimax is used for

Reflux Oesophagitis

Acimax is used to treat the symptoms of reflux oesophagitis or reflux disease. This can be caused by "washing back" (reflux) of food and acid from the stomach into the food pipe (oesophagus).

Reflux can cause a burning sensation in the chest rising up to the throat, also known as heartburn.

Acimax is also taken to help stop reflux oesophagitis coming back or relapsing.

Peptic Ulcers

Acimax is used to treat peptic ulcers. Depending on the position of the ulcer it is called a gastric or duodenal ulcer. A gastric ulcer occurs in the stomach. A duodenal ulcer occurs in the duodenum which is the tube leading out from the stomach.

These ulcers can be caused by too much acid being made in the stomach.

Acimax is also used to help stop gastric or duodenal ulcers coming back.

Peptic Ulcers Associated with Helicobacter pylori Infection

Most people who have a peptic ulcer also have a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori in their stomach.

When Acimax is taken with antibiotics, they work to kill the bacterium and let your ulcer heal. You may need further treatment with antibiotics.

Peptic Ulcers Associated with Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Some peptic ulcers are caused by taking medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), a type of medicine used to treat pain or inflammation.

Acimax is also used to heal and prevent ulcers associated with NSAIDs.

Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome

Acimax is also used to treat a rare condition called Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, where the stomach produces large amounts of acid, much more than in ulcers or reflux disease.

How Acimax Works

Acimax is a type of medicine called a proton-pump inhibitor. It works by decreasing the amount of acid made by the stomach, to give relief of symptoms and allow healing to take place. This does not stop food being digested in the normal way.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor carefully.

They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why this medicine has been prescribed for you.

Your doctor may prescribe this medicine for another reason.

There is no evidence that Acimax is addictive.

This medicine is only available on prescription.

Before you take Acimax

When you must not take it

Do not take Acimax if you have an allergy to:

omeprazole or any ingredient listed at the end of this leaflet

any medicine containing a proton-pump inhibitor

Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include 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.

Do not take Acimax if you are also taking cilostazol.

Please check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking cilostazol. This medicine will be affected by Acimax.

Do not take Acimax after the use by (expiry) date printed on the pack or if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.

If it has expired or is damaged, return it to your pharmacist for disposal.

If you are not sure whether you should take this medicine, talk to your doctor.

Before you start to take it

You must tell your doctor if you have:

allergies to any other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives.

any problems with your liver

any other medical condition

Do not take Acimax if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless your doctor says so. Ask your doctor about the risks and benefits involved.

It is not known if it is safe for you to take Acimax while you are pregnant. It may affect your baby.

It is not known if your baby can take in Acimax from breast milk if you are breastfeeding.

Taking other medicines

Do not take Acimax if you are taking the following medicine:

cilostazol, a medicine used to treat intermittent claudication.

Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines including any that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Some medicines may interfere with Acimax tablets. These include:

phenytoin - a medicine used to treat epilepsy or fits

warfarin - a medicine used to prevent blood clots

diazepam - a medicine used to treat anxiety and some other conditions

ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole - medicines used to treat fungal infection

medicines to treat infections such as clarithromycin or rifampicin

atazanavir and nelfinavir - medicines used to treat viral infections such as HIV

tacrolimus - a medicine used to assist in organ transplants

These medicines may be affected by Acimax or may affect how well it works. You may need different amounts of your medicine or you may need to take different medicines. Your doctor can tell you what to do if you are taking any other medicines.

Your doctor and pharmacist have more information on medicines to be careful with or avoid while taking this medicine.

If you have not told your doctor about any of these things, tell them before you take Acimax.

How to take Acimax

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist carefully.

They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.

If you do not understand the instructions on the label, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.

How to take it

Take one Acimax tablet each day, unless your doctor has told you otherwise.

Adults:

The dose of Acimax is usually 20 mg a day. The dose may vary from 10 mg to 40 mg a day depending on what condition you are being treated for and how severe it is.

Children (1 year or older):

The dose of Acimax is 10 mg a day for children 10 to 20 kg. This dose may be increased to 20 mg if required. For children more than 20 kg the dose is 20 mg a day. This dose may be increased to 40 mg if required.

Swallow Acimax whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the tablets.

If the tablets are chewed or crushed, they will not work properly.

If you have difficulty swallowing the tablets:

1. Place the tablet in half a glass of non-carbonated water or fruit juice. Mineral water, carbonated fruit juices, or other liquids are not suitable.

2. Gently mix the tablet and liquid by stirring, taking care not to crush the tablet

3. Stir until the tablet disperses into little pellets

4. Drink the liquid with the pellets immediately, or within 30 minutes. Do not chew the pellets

5. Rinse the glass with half a glass of water and drink.

When to take it

Take Acimax at about the same time each day.

Keeping a regular time for taking Acimax will help to remind you to take it.

Acimax can be taken with food or on an empty stomach.

How long to take it

Keep taking Acimax for as long as your doctor recommends.

In most patients, Acimax relieves symptoms rapidly and healing is usually complete within 4 weeks. Continue taking Acimax for as long as your doctor tells you to.

If you forget to take it

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, and then go back to taking it as you would normally.

If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to.

Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed.

If you have trouble remembering when to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some hints.

If you take too much (Overdose)

Telephone your doctor or the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26) or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital immediately if you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much Acimax even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

While you are taking Acimax

Things you must do

Take Acimax exactly as your doctor has prescribed.

If you are about to start any new medicine, remind your doctor and pharmacist that you are taking Acimax.

Tell all doctors, dentists and pharmacists who are treating you that you are taking Acimax.

Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while you are taking Acimax.

Tell your doctor if your symptoms return.

Although Acimax can heal ulcers successfully, it may not prevent them recurring at a later date.

Things you must not do

Do not take Acimax 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 change the dosage without checking with your doctor.

If you stop taking it suddenly or change the dose, your condition may worsen or you may have unwanted side effects.

Side effects

Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking Acimax Tablets.

All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical treatment if you get some of the side effects.

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:

constipation

nausea or vomiting

diarrhoea

headache

skin rash, itchy skin

wind

stomach pain

dizziness

dry or sore mouth

These side effects are usually mild.

Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following:

muscle pain or weakness, joint pain

"pins and needles"

changes in sleep patterns

mood changes, confusion or depression

blurred vision

increase in breast size (males)

fever

increased bruising

increased sweating

hair loss

These are serious side effects that may require medical attention. Serious side effects are rare.

If any of the following happen, tell your doctor immediately or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital.

swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat which may cause difficulty in breathing

shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing

skin reaction which may include rash, itching, redness, blistering or peeling of the skin

ulcers, blisters or bleeding of the lips, eyes, mouth, nose and genitals

blood in the urine

swelling of hands, feet or ankles

signs of liver inflammation including yellowing of the skin or eyes, feeling generally unwell, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite

These are very serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation. These side effects are rare.

Occasionally, Acimax may be associated with changes in your liver or blood, which may require your doctor to do certain blood tests.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything that is making you feel unwell.

Other side effects not listed above may occur in some people.

Other problems are more likely to arise from the ulcer itself rather than the treatment.

For this reason, contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following:

pain or indigestion that occurs during treatment with Acimax

you begin to vomit blood or food

you pass black (blood-stained) motions.

After using it

Storage

Keep your Acimax in the blister pack until it is time to take them.

If you take Acimax out of the blister pack they will not keep well.

Keep it in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 25 degrees C.

Do not store it or any other medicine in the bathroom or near a sink. Do not leave it on a window sill or in the car.

Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.

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.

Disposal

If your doctor tells you to stop taking Acimax or the tablets have passed their expiry date, ask your pharmacist what to do with any tablets you have left over.