Adalat

Adalat OROS (Nifedipine) is used either to treat high blood pressure or to prevent chronic stable angina, one of a number of types of angina. Adalat OROS (Nifedipine) is not used for the relief of a sudden attack of angina. Adalat OROS (Nifedipine) contains the active substance nifedipine which belongs to a group of medicines called calcium channel blockers. They work by opening up blood vessels in the body to lower blood pressure and improve the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart. Your physician, however, may prescribe Adalat OROS (Nifedipine) for another purpose. Ask your physician if you have any questions about why Adalat OROS (Nifedipine) has been prescribed for you. Adalat OROS (Nifedipine) is specially designed to allow the slow release of the active substance from the tablet after it is taken. It is composed of a strong outer shell which does not dissolve in the body and is excreted in the faeces. It is normal to find these "ghost-tablets" in the faeces. The active substance contained in them has been absorbed by the body before excretion.

The correct dose of Adalat OROS (Nifedipine) to take has been decided by your physician. Make sure you follow the instructions given to you by your physician. The dose range for the treatment of high blood pressure is between 20mg to 120 mg once daily, and for the treatment of chronic stable angina is between 30mg to 90mg once daily. Adalat OROS (Nifedipine) tablets must not be chewed or broken up. They are to be swallowed whole with some liquid. They can be taken either with or without a meal. Do not halve the tablets. Adalat OROS (Nifedipine) should generally be taken in the morning. Your physician will determine how long you should take Adalat OROS (Nifedipine) tablets. Do not stop taking the tablets unless you are told to do so by your physician or you do not feel well while you are taking them.

Adalat OROS (Nifedipine) helps most people with high blood pressure or chronic stable angina, but like other medicines, it may have unwanted effects in a few people. Check with your physician or pharmacist as soon as possible if you have any problems while taking Adalat OROS (Nifedipine). Some common side effects which have been reported for Adalat OROS (Nifedipine) include headache, constipation, feeling dizzy, feeling sick (nausea), flushing, loss of energy, unusual tiredness or weakness, numbness in the hands and feet, and swelling of the ankles or legs. These effects often go away with time. Bleeding, tender or swollen gums may occur some time after starting Adalat OROS (Nifedipine). Muscle pain, trembling, visual disturbances and an increase in the need to pass water may occur. Occasionally, the treatment of high blood pressure may lead to slight breast swelling in older men. This side effect goes away when treatment is stopped. Tell your physician immediately if any of the following happen to you:

• fast or irregular heartbeat
• fainting
• signs of frequent infections such as fever, severe chills, sore throat or mouth

These side effects could be serious. You may need medical attention. Serious side effects are rare. If any of the following happen, stop taking Adalat OROS (Nifedipine) and tell your physician immediately or go to casualty at your nearest hospital:

• chest pain
• signs of allergy such as rash, itching or hives on the skin, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or other parts of the body, shortness of breath, wheezing, or trouble breathing
• signs of liver problems such as yellowing of the skin and/or eyes (jaundice).

These very serious side effects are rare. If you have these side effects you may need urgent medical attention. Very rarely, some people experience a purple/brown discolouration of the skin or redness, flaking and itching of the skin. Also, it has been reported that some people develop a rash or blistering of the skin when they are exposed to sunlight. In very rare cases, the undissolved shell of the Adalat OROS (Nifedipine) tablet or "ghost-tablets" may not be excreted in the faeces and may collect in the stomach. Tell your physician if you experience symptoms of bowel blockage. Surgical intervention may be necessary to remove these shells. In a small number of cases of in vitro fertilisation, medicines like nifedipine appeared to have interfered with the normal function of sperm. This effect went away after the medicine was stopped. In those men who are taking Adalat OROS (Nifedipine) and are repeatedly unsuccessful in fathering a child by in vitro fertilisation, the medicine should be considered as one of the possible causes if no other explanation can be found. Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. Tell your physician if you notice anything else that is making you feel unwell. Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them.

If you have an allergic or hypersensitive reaction, seek emergency medical attention. Possible symptoms include difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, swelling, chest tightness, skin rashes, and hives.

Adalat OROS (Nifedipine) should only be used as instructed and prescribed by your physician or pharmacist. Do not alter your dosage unless specifically instructed to do so by either of the above. Dosage and usage often depends on the severity of the condition, as well as the patient`s medical history and current health condition.

Before you begin using this medication, ensure your physician is aware of the following:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you have any allergies.
• If you have any other illnesses, disorders, or medical conditions.
• If you are using any other drugs or medication.
• If you are using any vitamins or supplements.