Aspav

Health and Nutrition > Medicines > A



How does it work?

This medicine contains two active ingredients, aspirin and papaveretum. Aspirin belongs to a class of medicines known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by blocking the production of a chemical (prostaglandin) which the body produces in response to injury or certain diseases. This prostaglandin would otherwise cause swelling, pain and inflammation. Papaveretum belongs to a group of medicines called opioids. Opioids mimic the effects of naturally occurring pain reducing chemicals (endorphins) that are found in the brain and spinal cord. They combine with the opioid receptors in the brain and block the transmission of pain signals. Therefore, even though the cause of the pain may remain, less pain is actually felt.

What is it used for?

- Moderate to severe pain following surgery
- Pain associated with cancer

Warning!

- This medication should be discontinued several days prior to surgery.

Use with caution in

- Abnormal muscle weakness
- Allergic diseases
- Anaemia
- Asthma
- Dehydration
- Enlarged prostate gland
- Epilepsy
- Gall bladder disease or gall stones
- Gout
- Head injury
- Heart failure
- History of alcoholism or drug abuse
- Hypothyroidism
- Increased pressure in the brain (raised intracranial pressure)
- Inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
- Kidney disease
- Lack of production of natural steroid hormones from the adrenal gland (adrenocortical insufficiency)
- Lack of the enzyme G6PD in the blood (G6PD deficiency)
- Liver disease
- Long-term inflammation of skin and some internal organs (systemic lupus erythematosus)
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Recent gut surgery
- Thyrotoxicosis
- Tumour of the adrenal gland (phaeochromocytoma)

Not to be used in

- Allergy to aspirin or other medicines in this class
- Allergy to opioid painkillers
- Bleeding disorders
- Children under 12 years of age, unless prescribed by a doctor
- Diarrhoea due to poisoning or certain antibiotics
- Disease affecting the airways or lungs (respiratory disease)
- Growths into the nose (nasal polyps) associated with asthma
- History of stomach or duodenal ulcers or indigestion
- Peptic ulcers
- Severe liver disease
- Slow, shallow breathing (respiratory depression)
- Sudden asthma attack

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
- This medicine passes into breast milk. It is recommended that mothers should avoid using this medicine while breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

.

- Dissolve or mix this medication with water before taking.
- Take this medication with or after food.
- This medication contains aspirin.
- This medication may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic drink.

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