Bendroflumethiazide tablets

Bendroflumethiazide belongs to a group of medicines called thiazide diuretics. A diuretic is a medicine which increases the amount of urine that you pass out from your kidneys. They are sometimes referred to as 'water tablets'. Diuretics are a common treatment for high blood pressure (hypertension). They are also used to clear fluid from the body in conditions where your body retains too much fluid. This is called oedema.

Diuretics like bendroflumethiazide work by interfering with the transport of salt and water across certain cells in your kidneys. The effect of this is to make your kidneys pass out more urine.

Bendroflumethiazide can be given alongside other medicines used to treat fluid retention and/or hypertension. When it is used like this, you may be prescribed a combination tablet. Combination tablets help to reduce the total number of tablets you need to take each day.

Before taking bendroflumethiazide
Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking bendroflumethiazide it is important that your doctor knows:

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you have any problems with the way your liver works, or any problems with the way your kidneys work.
If you have gout, diabetes or an inflammatory condition called systemic lupus erythematosus (also called lupus, or SLE). These conditions can be made worse by medicines like bendroflumethiazide.
If you have been told by a doctor that you have low sodium or potassium levels in your blood, or high calcium levels in your blood.
If you have a problem with your adrenal glands, called Addison's disease.
If you have a rare inherited blood disorder called porphyria.
If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
How to take bendroflumethiazide
Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about bendroflumethiazide and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.
Take the tablets exactly as your doctor tells you to. The usual dose for high blood pressure is 2.5 mg daily (one tablet). The initial dose for fluid retention is 5-10 mg once each day or once every other day, although this may be reduced to one dose on only two or three days of the week as you go on.
Your doctor is likely to recommend that you take bendroflumethiazide in the morning. This is so it works during the day and your sleep is not disturbed by you needing to get up to go to the toilet during the night.
Swallow the tablet with a drink of water. You can take it either with or without food.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is late afternoon when you remember, leave out the forgotten dose and take your next dose as usual on the following day. Do not take two doses on the same day to make up for a missed dose.
Getting the most from your treatment
'Water tablets' (diuretics) like bendroflumethiazide help you to lose water. Occasionally you may lose too much and become lacking in fluid in the body (dehydrated). Let your doctor know if you feel constantly thirsty, your mouth is dry, or your skin looks and feels dry.
Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress. The salt balance in your bloodstream may be upset by bendroflumethiazide and your doctor may want you to have a blood test from time to time to check for this.
If you have been prescribed bendroflumethiazide for high blood pressure (hypertension), your treatment is likely to be long-term. Although many people with high blood pressure do not feel unwell, if left untreated, high blood pressure can harm your heart and damage your blood vessels. This damage may later result in a heart attack, stroke, or kidney problems, so it is important that you continue to take the tablets regularly to help reduce the risk of this. You may also be given some lifestyle and dietary advice by your doctor, such as stopping smoking, reducing the amount of salt in your diet, eating more fruit and vegetables and less saturated fat, and taking some regular exercise. Following this advice will also help to reduce the risk of damage to your heart and blood vessels.
Ask your doctor for advice before drinking alcohol while you are on bendroflumethiazide. Alcohol will add to the blood pressure-lowering effect of bendroflumethiazide which will increase the possibility of you experiencing side-effects such as dizziness.
If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable to take alongside bendroflumethiazide.
If you are due to have an operation or any dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
Can bendroflumethiazide cause problems?
Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with bendroflumethiazide. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Common bendroflumethiazide side-effects
What can I do if I experience this?
Feeling sick (nausea), stomach upset This is usually mild, but it may help to take bendroflumethiazide after food if you are not already doing so
Feeling dizzy, particularly when you stand up (due to low blood pressure) Getting up more slowly should help. Do not drive and do not use tools or machines while affected
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the tablets, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store bendroflumethiazide
Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else might have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.

This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.

If you have any questions about this medicine, ask your pharmacist.

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Manufacturer's PIL, Bendroflumethiazide Tablets 2.5 mg and 5 mg; Accord-UK Ltd, The electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated March 2017.

British National Formulary, 77th Edition (Mar 2019); British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.

Azilsartan - an angiotensin receptor blocker

Azilsartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker. It is also called an angiotensin-II receptor antagonist, or an AIIRA. You will have been prescribed azilsartan because your blood pressure is too high (hypertension). People with high blood pressure often do not feel unwell but, if left untreated, high blood pressure can harm the heart and damage blood vessels.

Azilsartan works by blocking the effect of a substance in your body called angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes your blood vessels to narrow, so by blocking its effect, azilsartan allows your blood vessels to relax and widen. As this happens, the pressure within your blood vessels is reduced.

Before taking azilsartan
Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking azilsartan it is important that your doctor knows:

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you have a problem with your kidneys, particularly if it is a blockage of the artery which supplies blood to your kidneys.
If you have any problems with your heart valves or heart muscle.
If you have a problem with the way your liver works.
If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine, or if you have had any other type of allergic reaction.
How to take azilsartan
Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about azilsartan and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.
Take azilsartan once each day, exactly as your doctor tells you to. There are several different strengths of tablet available (20 mg, 40 mg and 80 mg). When you first start treatment your doctor may gradually increase the strength of the tablets to suit your condition. Each time you collect a fresh supply of tablets, it's a good idea to check the strength on the packet to make sure they are what you are expecting.
Try to take azilsartan at the same time of day each day. For most people this will be in the morning. Taking your doses at the same time each day will help you to remember to take azilsartan regularly.
Swallow the tablet with a drink of water. You can take azilsartan either before or after a meal.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the following day, miss out the forgotten dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a forgotten dose.
Getting the most from your treatment
Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your progress can be monitored and your blood pressure measured. Your doctor may want you to have some blood tests from time to time to check on your kidneys, and also how much potassium is in your blood.
If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable to take with azilsartan. This is because some anti-inflammatory painkillers (such as aspirin and ibuprofen) can interfere with the way it works, and also may increase the risk of side-effects.
It is very important that you follow any dietary and lifestyle advice that you may have been given by your doctor, such as eating a healthy diet, not smoking, and taking regular exercise.
If you drink alcohol, ask your doctor for advice. Your doctor may recommend that you do not drink alcohol while you are on azilsartan because it will increase the risk of side-effects, such as feeling dizzy or faint.
Try to avoid salt substitutes which contain potassium. This is because the substitutes will increase the amount of potassium in your blood and this can cause problems.
If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking azilsartan. This is because your blood pressure may drop too low if you are given certain anaesthetics.
Treatment with azilsartan is usually long-term unless you experience an adverse effect. Continue to take the tablets regularly, unless you are advised otherwise by your doctor.
Can azilsartan cause problems?
Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with azilsartan. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Common azilsartan side-effects (these affect less than 1 in 10 people)
What can I do if I experience this?
Feeling dizzy, particularly when you stand up Getting up and moving more slowly should help. If you begin to feel dizzy, sit for a few minutes before you stand up again
Diarrhoea Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids
Changes to the results of some blood tests Your doctor will check for this from time to time
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the tablets, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store azilsartan
Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
Store in the original container in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else might have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.

This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.

If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

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Manufacturer's PIL, Edarbi® Tablets; Takeda UK Ltd, The electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated March 2018.

British National Formulary, 76th Edition (Sep 2018); British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.

Atorvastatin tablets

Lipids, or fats, are easily stored in your body and serve as a source of energy. Cholesterol is a type of lipid that is made in your liver from the fatty foods that you eat. When the concentration of cholesterol in your blood is too high, it is called hypercholesterolaemia. Although a high level of cholesterol will not make you feel ill, it can cause a problem if left untreated.

People with hypercholesterolaemia can develop small fatty patches called atheroma. These patches develop when excess fat is deposited on to the walls of blood vessels. Over time, these patches can make a blood vessel narrower and this is called atherosclerosis (sometimes referred to as 'hardening of the arteries'). The narrowing reduces the blood flow through the artery and increases the risk of a number of heart and blood vessel diseases, such as heart attack and stroke.

Atorvastatin belongs to a group of medicines known as statins (or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors). It reduces the amount of cholesterol made by your body. It does this by blocking the action of a certain enzyme which is needed to make cholesterol. This lowers your risk of heart and blood vessel disease. Atorvastatin can also reduce the risk of heart disease in people who have an increased risk of it, even if their cholesterol levels are normal.

Before taking atorvastatin
Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking atorvastatin it is important that your doctor knows:

If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
If you have any problems with the way your liver works, or if you have ever had a disease which has affected your liver.
If you have a problem with unexplained muscle aches or pains.
If you regularly drink large amounts of alcohol.
If you have an underactive thyroid.
If you have previously had a stroke caused by bleeding into your brain.
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.
How to take atorvastatin
Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about atorvastatin and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.
Take atorvastatin once each day. There are several strengths of tablet available, so your doctor will tell you which strength is right for you.
You can generally take atorvastatin at a time of day to suit you, but it is best to take your doses at the same time of day each day. You can take the tablets either before or after food.
If you have been given atorvastatin chewable tablets, you can chew the tablets to help you swallow, or you can swallow them whole with a drink of water.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the following day, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.
Getting the most from your treatment
Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so that your doctor can check on your progress. You will need to have blood tests from time to time. These are to measure your cholesterol level and also to check that your liver has not been affected by taking atorvastatin.
Your doctor will give you advice about eating a healthy diet, cutting down on the amount of alcohol you normally drink, reducing the amount of salt in your diet, stopping smoking and taking regular exercise. Following this advice will also help you to reduce your risk of developing heart and blood vessel disease.
Do not drink more than one or two small glasses of grapefruit juice a day. This is because a chemical in grapefruit juice can increase the amount of atorvastatin in your bloodstream, which can make side-effects more likely.
Women taking atorvastatin must avoid getting pregnant. Make sure you have discussed with your doctor which types of contraception are suitable for you and your partner.
Treatment with atorvastatin is usually long-term unless you experience an adverse effect. Continue to take the tablets unless you are advised otherwise by your doctor.
Can atorvastatin cause problems?
Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with atorvastatin, although these tend to be mild. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. Unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Common atorvastatin side-effects (these affect less than 1 in 10 people) What can I do if I experience this?
Muscle aches or pains Although this may not be anything to be concerned about, you should tell your doctor about it. This is because there is a rare but serious side-effect of atorvastatin which is a severe form of muscle inflammation
Headache Drink plenty of water and ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headaches continue, let your doctor know
Constipation Try to eat a well-balanced diet and drink plenty of water each day
Diarrhoea Drink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids
Feeling sick, indigestion, wind (flatulence) Stick to simple meals - avoid rich or spicy food
Nosebleeds, cold-like symptoms such as runny nose or sneezing Speak with your doctor if any of these become troublesome
Important: atorvastatin has been associated with more serious side-effects in a very few people. Although these occur only rarely, it is important that you tell your doctor straightaway if you experience any of the following symptoms:

If you develop any muscle cramps or pains, particularly if they are in your legs and you also feel unwell or have a high temperature (fever).
If you feel short of breath or develop an unexplained cough. This is because (in very rare cases), atorvastatin may cause a disease called interstitial lung disease.
If you develop any allergic-type reactions, such as swelling around your mouth or face, or a skin rash.
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the tablets, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store atorvastatin
Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else might have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.

This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.

Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.

If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

Did you find this information useful?
yes
no

Manufacturer's PIL, Lipitor® 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, 80 mg Tablets; Pfizer Limited, The electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated November 2016.

British National Formulary 74th Edition (Sep 2017); British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.

Atenolol - a beta-blocker

Atenolol belongs to the group of medicines referred to as beta-blockers. It is a medicine which works on the heart and blood vessels. It does this by blocking tiny areas (called beta-adrenergic receptors) where messages sent by some nerves are received by your heart and blood vessels. As a result, your heart beats more slowly and with less force. The pressure of blood within your blood vessels is reduced and it is easier for your heart to pump blood around your body.

These actions are of benefit if you have high blood pressure (hypertension), or to prevent abnormally fast heart rhythms if you have arrhythmias. Because your heart is using less energy, it also helps to reduce chest pain if you have angina.

Atenolol is also available in combination with other medicines used to treat high blood pressure and angina. Combination brands of atenolol with a 'water tablet' (diuretic) called chlortalidone are Tenoret® and Tenoretic® (this combination also goes by the name co-tenidone). Tenif® is a combination brand of atenolol with the calcium-channel blocker nifedipine.

Atenolol can also be prescribed to help prevent migraine. The leaflet does not contain information about this use of atenolol. If you have been given it for this reason, please ask your doctor if you have any questions about your treatment.

Before taking atenolol
Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking atenolol it is important that your doctor knows:

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you have asthma or any other breathing disorder.
If you have any problems with the way your kidneys work.
If you have low blood pressure or poor circulation.
If you have diabetes.
If you have a skin problem called psoriasis.
If you have a condition causing muscle weakness, called myasthenia gravis.
If you have been told you have a slow heartbeat or heart block (a slow and irregular heartbeat).
If you have been told you have chest pain caused by spasms of your heart's blood vessels, called Prinzmetal's angina.
If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine, or if you have ever had any other serious allergic reaction.
How to take atenolol
Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about atenolol and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you could experience from taking it.
Take atenolol exactly as your doctor tells you to. It is usually taken once daily, in the morning. Some people taking it for angina may be prescribed two doses a day. Your doctor will tell you which dose is right for you, and the directions for taking it will also be printed on the label of the pack to remind you about what the doctor said.
Atenolol tablets are available in three different strengths - 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg. Each time you collect a fresh supply of tablets, it's a good idea to check the strength on the packet to make sure they are the strength you are expecting. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist to advise you.
You can take atenolol either with or without food, but try to take your doses at the same time of day each day as this will help you to remember to take it regularly. The tablets are best swallowed with a drink of water.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember (unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose and take the next dose as normal). Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.
Getting the most from your treatment
Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress.
Your doctor is likely to give you dietary and lifestyle advice about eating a healthy diet, not smoking, and taking regular exercise. If so, it is important that you follow the advice you are given.
If you drink alcohol, ask your doctor for advice about taking atenolol and alcohol. Atenolol will worsen the effects of alcohol, which will make you feel dizzy.
If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable for you to take with atenolol. Some medicines may not be (including some anti-inflammatory painkillers, and cold or flu remedies).
If you are due to have an operation or dental treatment, it is important to tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking a beta-blocker. This is particularly important if you are likely to be given an anaesthetic.
If you have diabetes, atenolol can block the symptoms of low blood sugar. Your doctor will advise you about this.
Treatment with atenolol is usually long-term. Continue to take the tablets unless your doctor tells you to stop. Stopping treatment suddenly can cause problems in some people, so your doctor may want you to reduce your dose gradually if this becomes necessary.
Can atenolol cause problems?
Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with atenolol. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Common atenolol side-effects (these affect less than 1 in 10 people) What can I do if I experience this?
Feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting), stomach upset Stick to simple foods and drink plenty of water
Feeling dizzy, tired or light-headed Getting up and moving more slowly may help. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit for a few moments before standing. This often improves after the first week or two, but if it continues, speak with your doctor. If affected, do not drive and do not use tools or machines until you feel better
Cold fingers or toes, a slow heartbeat, sweating Speak with your doctor if any of these become troublesome
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to atenolol, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store atenolol
Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else might have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.

This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.

If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

Did you find this information useful?
yes
no

Manufacturer's PIL, Tenormin® 100 mg Tablets; AstraZeneca UK Limited, The electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated April 2017.

British National Formulary, 77th Edition (Mar 2019); British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.

Aspirin to prevent blood clots

In your blood there are 'sticky' cells called platelets. When you cut yourself, the platelets stick to each other (clot) to seal the wound. Sometimes platelets stick to each other inside an artery - this is called a thrombus. A thrombus can block a blood vessel, and this is often the cause of a stroke or heart attack. This is more likely to happen if the walls of the arteries to your head or heart have areas which have become thickened with fat deposits. Aspirin reduces the stickiness of platelets, and this helps prevent the platelets from sticking to the inside of an artery and forming a thrombus. This reduces the risk of you having a heart attack or stroke. When aspirin is used in this way, it is often referred to as 'low-dose' aspirin. Each tablet contains 75 mg of aspirin. Low-dose aspirin can be recommended for people with heart or blood vessel disease, and for people who have had heart bypass surgery. Most people who have recently had a heart attack or stroke will also be advised to take daily low-dose aspirin to help to prevent it from happening again.

Low-dose aspirin tablets are available on prescription, and you can also buy them without a prescription. However, do not take regular low-dose aspirin without discussing the advantages and disadvantages of doing so with your doctor.

At higher doses, aspirin is used to relieve pain and high temperature (fever). There is more information about this use of aspirin in a leaflet called Aspirin for pain or fever.

Before taking low-dose aspirin
Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking aspirin it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you have ever had a stomach ulcer.
If you have asthma.
If you are under 16 years of age.
If you have any problems with the way your liver works or with the way your kidneys work.
If you have a blood disorder such as haemophilia, or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.
If you have ever had an unusual or allergic-type reaction after taking aspirin or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs include ibuprofen, diclofenac, indometacin and naproxen. You should also let your doctor know if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other medicine.
If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.
How to take low-dose aspirin
Before you start taking aspirin, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about low-dose aspirin and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.
It is likely you will be advised to take one (75 mg) tablet of aspirin each day. Your dose may be different to this if, for example, you have recently had heart bypass surgery. Take the tablets exactly as your doctor tells you to.
You can take aspirin at whatever time of day you find easiest to remember, but try to take your doses at the same time of day each day. Most people prefer to take it in the morning with breakfast, as they find this helps them to remember to take it.
Take a look at the label on the packet to find out what type of aspirin tablet you have been supplied with. If you have been given dispersible aspirin tablets, take your dose stirred into a small amount of water. It is important that you take this type of aspirin tablet with something to eat. This helps to reduce the risk of any irritation to your stomach. Gastro-resistant aspirin tablets (also called enteric-coated, or EC) do not have to be taken with food, as these tablets have a special coating which helps to protect your stomach from irritation. These tablets must be swallowed whole without chewing, unless your doctor has told you otherwise. You can take them with a drink of water to help you swallow.
If you are taking gastro-resistant aspirin tablets, do not take indigestion remedies during the two hours before you take the aspirin or during the two hours after you have taken aspirin. This is because the antacid in the indigestion remedy affects the way the coating on this type of tablet works.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the following day, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.
Getting the most from your treatment
Try to keep all your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress.
Before buying or taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist if the medicine is safe for you to take. You should not take any other medicines which contain aspirin, and you should also avoid buying any anti-inflammatory painkiller such as ibuprofen. Many cold and flu remedies contain aspirin or ibuprofen.
Aspirin should not be given to a child under the age of 16 unless it has been prescribed by a doctor to treat a specific condition. This is because it is possible that aspirin given to young children is associated with a condition known as Reye's syndrome. Reye's syndrome is a very rare disease that can be fatal.
If you are due to have an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking aspirin. This is because any bleeding may take longer than normal to stop.
If you ever suspect that a child might have taken aspirin accidentally, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital straightaway. This is very important because aspirin can cause serious problems when it is taken accidentally or in overdose. Take the container with you to show what has been taken, even if the pack is now empty.
Can low-dose aspirin cause problems?
Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with aspirin. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Common aspirin side-effects What can I do if I experience this?
Feeling sick, indigestion Stick to simple foods, and if you are not doing so, take your dose of aspirin after a meal. If this continues, speak with your doctor for further advice
Increased risk of bleeding If you notice any unexplained bleeding, speak with a doctor for advice
Important: aspirin may cause allergic reactions; this is more common in people who have asthma. Stop taking aspirin and speak with a doctor urgently if you have an allergic reaction or develop any breathing difficulties.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the tablets, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store aspirin
Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else might have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.

This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.

If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

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Manufacturer's PIL, Aspirin 75 mg Gastro-resistant tablets; Dexcel Pharma Ltd, The electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated February 2017.

British National Formulary, 75th Edition (Mar 2018); British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.

Apixaban tablets

Apixaban works by preventing your blood from clotting as quickly or as effectively as normal. It does this by blocking a substance in your blood, called 'factor Xa', which is involved in the development of blood clots.

Sometimes, harmful blood clots can form in the blood vessels of your legs, lungs, brain or heart, and cause a blockage. This is more likely to happen if you have had surgery, or if you have a fast irregular heartbeat. For many years, a medicine called warfarin has been commonly used to help protect against this. However, people who take warfarin need to have regular blood tests to measure how quickly their blood clots. This often means that the dose of warfarin can change quite frequently. Apixaban works in a slightly different way to warfarin, so people who take apixaban do not need to have regular blood tests.

Apixaban is prescribed to treat blood clots causing deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. You may also be prescribed apixaban to help protect against recurrent blood clots, or if you have a certain type of irregular fast heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation.

Before taking apixaban
Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking apixaban it is important that your doctor knows:

If you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
If you have any medical problems that increase your risk of bleeding, or if you have recently had surgery.
If you have any problems with the way your liver works, or with the way your kidneys work.
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.
How to take apixaban tablets
Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about apixaban and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you could experience from taking it.
Take apixaban exactly as your doctor tells you to. It is taken twice a day, preferably in the morning and the evening. Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you which strength of tablet is right for you as there are two strengths of apixaban available - 2.5 mg and 5 mg. This information will also be printed on the label of the pack to remind you.
Apixaban can be taken either with or without food. Swallow the tablet with a drink of water. If you have difficulty swallowing the tablet whole, you can crush the tablet and then mix it with 30 ml (two tablespoons) of water or apple juice, or alternatively, add it to some apple puree. Swallow the mixture as soon as it has been made up.
If you forget to take a dose at the usual time, take it as soon as you remember. Try to take the correct number of doses each day, but do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.
Getting the most from your treatment
Try to keep any regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress.
The length of the course of treatment will depend upon why you are taking the tablets, but it will either be for a few weeks, or long-term. If you have had hip or knee surgery, you will be asked to continue taking apixaban for a certain number of weeks. If you are taking it to protect you from blood clots developing (such as if you have atrial fibrillation), you will be asked to continue to take it over a longer period of time.
If you take any medicines that you have bought without a prescription, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable to take with apixaban. This is because some medicines, such as aspirin and some anti-inflammatory painkillers, can interfere with it.
If you are due to have an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking. This is because it may become necessary for you to stop taking apixaban for a day or so.
Can apixaban tablets cause problems?
Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with apixaban. The best place to find a full list of the side-effects which can be associated with your medicine, is from the manufacturer's printed information leaflet supplied with the medicine. Alternatively, you can find an example of a manufacturer's information leaflet in the reference section below. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Common apixaban side-effects (these affect less than 1 in 10 people) What can I do if I experience this?
Bleeding (such as nosebleeds) or bruising If this continues or becomes troublesome, let your doctor know
Anaemia (which could make you feel very tired) Your doctor will check for this
Feeling sick Try taking your doses with something to eat
Important: if you experience any unusual bleeding, speak with your doctor straightaway or go to your local accident and emergency department.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the tablets, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store apixaban
Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else might have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.

This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.

If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

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Manufacturer's PIL, Eliquis® 2.5 mg film-coated tablets; Bristol-Myers Squibb-Pfizer, The electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated January 2016.

Manufacturer's PIL, Eliquis® 5 mg film-coated tablets; Bristol-Myers Squibb-Pfizer, The electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated January 2016.

British National Formulary; 72nd Edition (Sep 2016) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London

Amlodipine tablets

Amlodipine is given to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is also taken to help prevent angina chest pain. You may have been prescribed it for either of these reasons.

Amlodipine works by causing some of your blood vessels to relax and widen. This lowers your blood pressure. It also reduces the force and the rate of your heartbeat, and this helps to prevent angina chest pain. It does these things by blocking the amount of calcium that goes into the 'smooth' muscle cells in the walls of your arteries and in your heart. Calcium is needed for muscles to contract, so reducing the amount of calcium causes the muscle cells to relax.

Amlodipine is also available as a combination tablet with other medicines to reduce high blood pressure. Combination tablets help to reduce the total number of tablets you need to take each day.

Before taking amlodipine
Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking amlodipine it is important that your doctor knows:

If you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
If you have problems with the way your liver works.
If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
How to take amlodipine
Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. It will give you more information about amlodipine and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking the tablets.
Amlodipine is taken once a day. It is usual to be prescribed the 5 mg strength tablet to take at first, although the strength of your tablets may be increased to 10 mg after a short while.
You can generally choose a time of day to take your tablets that you find easiest to remember, but try to take your doses at the same time of day each day. This will help you to avoid missing doses.
Swallow the tablet with a drink of water. You can take amlodipine before or after meals.
If you forget to take a dose at your usual time, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the following day, leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.
Getting the most from your treatment
Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress.
Your doctor will discuss with you the possibility of unwanted side-effects. When you first start taking amlodipine you may experience headaches, feeling flushed, and some dizziness. These effects usually only last for a few days, but if they continue or become troublesome, you should let your doctor know.
If you drink alcohol, ask your doctor for advice. Your doctor may recommend that you do not drink alcohol while you are on this medicine, as it may increase the chance that you experience side-effects, such as feeling dizzy or light-headed.
Treatment with amlodipine is usually long-term unless you experience an adverse effect. Continue to take the tablets unless you are told otherwise by your doctor. If it is necessary for you to stop, your doctor may want you to reduce your dose over a few days, as suddenly stopping taking amlodipine can cause your symptoms to return.
If you buy any medicines, always check with a pharmacist that they are suitable to take with your other medicines. Some anti-inflammatory painkillers may reduce the effectiveness of amlodipine.
If you need to have an operation or any medical treatment, always tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking. Amlodipine may interfere with the way some anaesthetics work.
It is not advisable for you to drink large quantities of grapefruit juice. This is because a chemical in grapefruit juice may increase the amount of amlodipine in your bloodstream and this could make side-effects more likely.
Can amlodipine cause problems?
Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with amlodipine. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Common amlodipine side-effects (these affect less than 1 in 10 people) What can I do if I experience this?
Headache, feeling flushed or hot These may occur during the first few days but usually soon go. Speak with your doctor if they continue beyond a few days
Abdominal discomfort, feeling sick (nausea) Stick to simple meals - avoid rich and spicy foods
Swollen ankles Raise your legs on to a low stool when you are sitting
Feeling dizzy or tired If this happens, do not drive and do not use tools or machines until you feel better
The sensation of having a 'thumping' heart (palpitations) If troublesome, speak with your doctor
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the tablets, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store amlodipine
Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else might have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.

This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.

If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

Did you find this information useful?
yes
no

Manufacturer's PIL, Amlodipine 5 mg and 10 mg Tablets; Accord Healthcare Ltd, The electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated July 2016.

British National Formulary 73rd Edition (Mar 2017); British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.