TETRALYSAL ® belongs to a group of medicines called tetracycline antibiotics. The main use of TETRALYSAL ® is to treat acne. Acne appears as blackheads and whiteheads which people often refer to as pimples or spots. TETRALYSAL ® attacks the bacteria that are one of the main causes of acne. The name of these bacteria is propionibacterium acnes. This medicine can also be used to treat many other infections caused by bacteria. If you are not sure why you have been prescribed this medicine, talk to your doctor.
1. What TETRALYSAL ® is and what it is used for
2. What you need to know before you take TETRALYSAL
Do not take TETRALYSAL:
- if you are allergic to lymecycline or to other tetracycline antibiotics such as doxycycline or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6). An allergic reaction may include a rash or itching.
- if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant or breast-feeding.
- if you had/have kidney disease
- TETRALYSAL ® must not be given to children under 12 years of age.
- If you are receiving treatment with oral retinoids (see ‘Other medicines and TETRALYSAL ® ’).
- have ever had liver or renal impairment (failure of liver or kidney function)
- suffer from systemic lupus erythematosus (an allergic condition that causes joint pain, skin rashes or fever) or Myasthenia Gravis (a disease that weakens the muscles).
3. How to take TETRALYSAL
Do not share medicines prescribed for you with any other person. Always take TETRALYSAL ® exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. Please tear the aluminium strip carefully to remove capsule. Acne The normal dose is 300 mg once a day, preferably in the morning. TETRALYSAL ® capsules should always be taken with a glass of water. How long you will have to take TETRALYSAL ® for will depend on how quickly your condition improves. For acne, this will normally be at least 8 weeks. Infections The normal dose is 300 mg twice a day. Your doctor may recommend a lower or higher dose depending on the severity and type of infection. Ask your doctor if you are unsure. TETRALYSAL ® capsules should always be taken with a glass of water. Do not give TETRALYSAL ® to children below the age of 12, it could harm them. Your doctor will tell you how long your treatment with TETRALYSAL ® will last. If you have the impression that the effect of TETRALYSAL ® is too strong or too weak, tell your doctor or pharmacist. If you take more TETRALYSAL ® than you should In the event of overdosage, consult your doctor or pharmacist. If neither is available, contact the nearest hospital or poison control centre. Don’t forget to take the container with you. This could indicate how many capsules have been taken. If you forget to take TETRALYSAL ® Try to take TETRALYSAL ® as prescribed. Do not worry if you forget to take your TETRALYSAL ® at the right time. Take it when you remember and carry on as before unless it is time for the next dose. Do not double up the dose to make up for a forgotten capsule. You should never take more capsules than your doctor recommends. If you stop taking TETRALYSAL ® Acne responds slowly to antibiotics. It is important that you take all the TETRALYSAL ® that your doctor has prescribed for you. If you stop taking TETRALYSAL ® too soon, your acne or infection could get worse or come back. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
4. Possible side effects
Not all side effects reported for TETRALYSAL ® are included in this leaflet. Should your general health worsen or if you experience any untoward effects while taking this medicine, please consult your doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare professional for advice. The following serious side effects have been reported in association with the use of TETRALYSAL ®. If any of the following happen, stop taking TETRALYSAL ® and tell your doctor immediately or go to the casualty department at your nearest hospital:
- swollen face, lips, tongue and throat,
- difficulty in breathing,
- hives,
- blistering or peeling of large areas of skin,
- ulcerations or lesions on the mouth, lips, genital or anal regions,
- severe or persistent headaches or visual disturbances.
- nausea (feeling sick)
- abdominal pain
- diarrhoea
- headache
- allergic (hypersensitivity) reaction causing swelling of the eyes, lips or tongue
- blistering or peeling of large areas of the skin
- ulcerations or lesions on the mouth, lips, genital or anal regions
- disturbances of eyesight
- dizziness
- vomiting (being sick)
- yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- inflammation of the liver (hepatitis)
- increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
- increased pressure in the brain
- changes in the number or type of certain blood cells
- pain in the upper part of the abdomen
- changes in some blood tests (tests of liver function)
- fever
- itchiness, skin rash or hives
- inflammation of the intestine
- depression
- nightmare
- inflammation or ulceration of the gullet, causing pain or difficulty swallowing or painful heartburn.
- difficulty in swallowing
- inflammation of the pancreas
- liver damage
- teeth discolouration
- inflammation or soreness of the tongue, mouth, cheeks, gums or lips
- soreness or itching of the genital area
- yeast infection around the anus or genitals
- infection of the colon
- permanent visual loss
5. How to store TETRALYSAL ®
Store all medicines out of reach of children. Store in a cool dry place at or below 25 ºC. Store in the original package. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack after “EXP”. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Return all unused medicine to your pharmacist. Do not dispose of unused medicine in drains or the sewerage system (e.g. toilets).