Fortagesic

How does it work?

This preparation contains a combination of paracetamol with pentazocine. Paracetamol is a medicine used in the treatment of mild to moderate pain. It is also useful for reducing fever. It is not fully understood how paracetamol produces these effects. Pentazocine belongs to a group of medicines called opioid analgesics. 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. This preparation is used in the relief of moderate pain associated with musculoskeletal disorders or injuries, such as sprains, strains and sciatica. It is also used to relieve the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis in people sensitive to aspirin.

What is it used for?

Moderate pain

Warning!

You should not suddenly stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Do not drink alcohol whilst taking this medicine.

Dependence may occur. This means that the patient finds it very difficult to stop using the medicine.

Use with caution in

Blockage of the bowel (bowel obstruction)

Cholecystitis - inflammation of the gall bladder.

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Elderly people

Enlarged prostate gland

Hypothyroidism

Individuals with an increased tendency to have seizures

Individuals with problems of drug abuse

Inflammation of pancreas

Inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease

Lack of production of natural steroid hormones from the adrenal gland (adrenocortical insufficiency)

Life long inherited blood diseases which can cause a variety of symptoms, including mental health problems (porphyrias)

The period immediately following a heart attack (acute phase - myocardial infarction)

Tumour of the adrenal gland (phaeochromocytoma)

Unexplained abdominal pain

Not to be used in

A dark bluish or purplish coloration of the skin and mucous membrane due to deficient oxygenation of the blood (cyanosis)

Acute asthma attack

Alcoholics who continue to drink

Children under 7 years of age

Chronic lung disease

Head injury

Heart failure

Increased pressure in the brain (raised intracranial pressure)

Slow, shallow breathing (respiratory depression)

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.

To be used with caution during pregnancy, especially in the first and third trimesters. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine may pass into breast milk in small amounts. It should only be used during breastfeeding if the benefit to the mother outweighs any potential risk to the nursing infant. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

Do not take more than 2 at any one time. Do not take more than 8 in 24 hours.

Do not take this medication with any other products containing paracetamol.

Take this medication with or after food.

This medication may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic drink.

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