Maxor EC Tabs
omeprazole
Consumer Medicine Information
What is in this leaflet
This leaflet answers some common questions about Maxor EC Tabs. It does not contain
all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor
or pharmacist.
All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you taking
Maxor EC Tabs against the benefits they expect it will have for you.
If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep this leaflet with the medicine.
You may need to read it again.
What Maxor EC Tabs is used for
Peptic Ulcers
Maxor EC Tabs is used to treat peptic ulcers and also to help prevent them from coming
back.
These ulcers can be caused by the stomach producing too much acid. Depending on the
location of the ulcer it is called a gastric or duodenal ulcer. A gastric ulcer occurs
in the stomach and a duodenal ulcer occurs in the tube leading out of the stomach,
also known as the duodenum.
Peptic Ulcers associated with Helicobacter pylori infection
Most people with a peptic ulcer have been found to have the bacteria Helicobacter
pylori in their stomach. Maxor EC Tabs taken together with two antibiotics will kill
the bacteria and let your ulcer heal. It is possible that the antibiotics may not
always kill Helicobacter pylori.
Peptic Ulcers associated with Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Some peptic ulcers are caused by taking medicines known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs. These medicines are commonly taken to treat arthritis and other inflammatory
conditions.
Maxor EC Tabs can be used to heal and prevent ulcers associated with NSAIDs.
Reflux Oesophagitis
Maxor EC Tabs is used to treat and prevent the symptoms of reflux oesophagitis. This
condition is caused by the washing back, or reflux, of food and acid from the stomach
into the oesophagus. Symptoms include a burning sensation in the chest rising up to
the throat, also known as heartburn. Maxor EC Tabs is also taken to help stop reflux
oesophagitis coming back or relapsing.
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
Maxor EC Tabs is used to treat this rare condition where the stomach produces excessive
amounts of acid.
How Maxor EC Tabs works
Maxor EC Tabs belongs to a group of medicines called proton pump inhibitors. These
medicines work by decreasing the amount of acid made by the stomach, to give relief
from the symptoms and allow healing to take place. This does not stop food from being
digested in the normal way.
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.
There is no evidence that Maxor EC Tabs is addictive.
This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription.
When you must not take it
Do not take Maxor EC Tabs if you have an allergy to:
any medicine containing omeprazole
any of the ingredients 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 Maxor EC Tabs if you are also taking a medicine containing cilostazol.
Please check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking cilostazol. This medicine
will be affected by Maxor EC Tabs.
Do not take this medicine after the expiry date printed on the pack/bottle 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 start taking this medicine, talk to your doctor.
Before you start to take it
Tell your doctor if you have allergies to any other medicines, foods, preservatives
or dyes.
Tell your doctor if you have or have had any of the following medical conditions:
any problems with your liver
any other medical conditions
been diagnosed with osteoporosis
if you have ever had a skin reaction after treatment with a medicine similar to Maxor
EC Tabs that reduces stomach acid
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known if it is safe to take Maxor EC Tabs during pregnancy. It may affect
your baby. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of taking Maxor EC Tabs
during pregnancy.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or wish to breastfeed.
It is not known whether Maxor EC Tabs passes into breast milk. Your doctor will discuss
the risks and benefits of taking Maxor EC Tabs when breastfeeding.
If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell them before you start
taking Maxor EC Tabs.
Taking other medicines
Do not take Maxor EC Tabs if you are taking the following medicine:
cilostazol, a medicine used to treat intermittent claudication
It is not recommended that you take Maxor EC Tabs if you are taking atazanavir and
nelfinavir, medicines (used to treat viral infections such as HIV).
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any
that you get without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food
shop.
Some medicines and Maxor EC Tabs may interfere with each other. These include:
phenytoin, a medicine used to treat epilepsy or fits
warfarin and clopidogrel, a medicine used to prevent blood clots
digoxin, a medicine used to treat heart conditions
diazepam, a medicine used to treat anxiety and some other conditions
St John’s wort, a herbal remedy used to treat mood disorders
ketoconazole, itraconazole or voriconazole, medicines used to treat certain fungal
infections
clarithromycin or rifampicin, medicines used to treat infections
atazanavir and nelfinavir, medicines used to treat viral infections such as HIV as
their use is not recommended (see above).
tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil, medicines used to assist in organ transplants
methotrexate, a medicine used to treat arthritis and some types of cancer
erlotinib or related medicines used to treat cancer
These medicines may be affected by Maxor EC Tabs or may affect how well it works.
You may need different amounts of your medicines, or you may need to take different
medicines.
Your doctor can tell you what to do if you are taking any of these medicines.
If you are not sure whether you are taking any of these medicines, check with your
doctor or pharmacist.
Your doctor and pharmacist have more information on medicines to be careful with or
avoid while taking this medicine.
How to take Maxor EC Tabs
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 box, ask your doctor or pharmacist
for help.
How much to take
Adults
The usual dose is 20 mg a day, but may vary from 10 mg to 40 mg a day depending on
your condition and whether or not you are taking any other medicines. Your doctor
will advise you how much to take.
Children 1 year or older
The usual dose for children 10 kg to 20 kg is 10 mg a day. This dose may be increased
to 20 mg if required. For children more than 20 kg the dose is 20 mg a day which may
be increased to 40 mg if required.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure how to take Maxor EC Tabs.
How to take it
Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the tablets.
If the tablets are crushed or chewed they will not work properly.
When to take it
If the tablets are crushed or chewed they will not work properly.
Take your medicine at about the same time each day.
Keeping a regular time for taking tablets will help to remind you to take them.
The tablets can be taken with food or on an empty stomach.
How long to take it
Continue taking your medicine for as long as your doctor tells you.
In most patients, Maxor EC Tabs relieves symptoms rapidly and healing is usually complete
within 4 weeks.
If you forget to take it
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 the missed dose as soon as you remember, and then go back to taking
your tablets as you would normally.
Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed.
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 much (overdose)
Immediately telephone your doctor or the Poisons Information Centre (telephone 13
11 26) for advice, or go to Accident and Emergency at the nearest hospital, if you
think that you or anyone else may have taken too much Maxor EC Tabs. Do this even
if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
You may need urgent medical attention.
If you take too much Maxor EC Tabs you may experience nausea, vomiting, dizziness,
abdominal pain, diarrhoea and headache.
Things you must do
If you are about to be started on any new medicine, remind your doctor and pharmacist
that you are taking Maxor EC Tabs.
Tell any other doctors, dentists and pharmacists who treat you that you are taking
this medicine.
If you become pregnant while taking Maxor EC Tabs, tell your doctor.
Tell your doctor if your symptoms return.
Although Maxor EC Tabs heals ulcers very successfully, it may not prevent them recurring
at a later date.
If you need to have any medical tests while you are taking Maxor EC Tabs, tell your
doctor.
Maxor EC Tabs may affect the results of some tests.
Things you must not do
Do not take Maxor EC Tabs 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 dose 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 Maxor EC Tabs.
This medicine helps most people with peptic ulcers or reflux disease, and is usually
well tolerated, but it may have unwanted side effects in a few people.
All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time
they are not. You may need medical attention if you get some of the side effects.
Do not be alarmed by the following lists of side effects. You may not experience any
of them.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any of the following and they worry you:
diarrhoea
constipation
stomach pain
nausea or vomiting
dry or sore mouth
flatulence
skin rash, itchy skin
headache
dizziness
weight gain
drowsiness
insomnia
changes in taste
tiredness
The above list includes the more common side effects of your medicine. They are usually
mild and short-lived.
Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the following:
muscle pain or weakness, joint pain
tingling, 'pins and needles' or numbness of the hands or feet
fever
changes in sleep patterns
mood changes, agitation, confusion, hallucinations or depression
hallucinations
blurred vision
increase in breast size (males)
increased bruising or bleeding
increased sweating
hair loss
tremor
signs of frequent infections such as fever, severe chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers
inability to get or maintain erection
fractures, for example hip, wrist or spine
The above list includes 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:
severe skin reaction which may include rash, redness, blistering or peeling of the
skin
ulcers, blisters or bleeding of the lips, eyes, mouth, nose and genitals
swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat which may cause difficulty in
swallowing or breathing
swelling of hands, feet or ankles
shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing
blood in the urine
signs of liver inflammation including yellowing of the skin or eyes, feeling generally
unwell, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
skin reaction, especially in sun exposed areas, with joint pain
The above list includes very serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention
or hospitalisation. These side effects are very rare.
Occasionally, Maxor EC Tabs 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 also 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 occurring during treatment with Maxor EC Tabs
vomiting of blood or food
passing of black (bloodstained) motions
Tell your doctor if your reflux symptoms return after you stop taking Maxor EC Tabs.
Storage
Keep your tablets in the pack/box until it is time to take them.
If you take the tablets out of the pack/box they may not keep well.
Keep your tablets in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.
Do not store Maxor EC Tabs 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 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 this medicine or the expiry date has passed,
ask your pharmacist what to do with any medicine that is left over.
What it looks like
Maxor EC Tabs tablets are red brown, oblong, enteric coated tablets.
They are available in packs of 30 tablets in aluminium/aluminium blisters.
Ingredients
Maxor EC Tabs contains 20 mg of omeprazole as the active ingredient.
The tablets also contain the following inactive ingredients:
ascorbyl palmitate
triacetin
microcrystalline cellulose
crospovidone
magnesium stearate
povidone
lactose monohydrate
hypromellose phthalate
purified talc
iron oxide red
iron oxide black
