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PRODUCT FACT-FILE - "NUROFEN PLUS" |
"Over-Count" Product FactFile on "Nurofen Plus" :-"Neurofen Plus" and a similar OTC Product,- "Solpaflex", are indicated for the relief of mild to moderate Pain and Inflammation, and come under the NSAID description of Drugs. Both Products contain Ibuprofen and Codeine Phosphate, as prime active ingredients.
"Ibuprofen" - is a propionic acid derivative with anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic proper- ties, and has fewer side-effects than other NSAIDS but its anti-inflammatory properties are weaker.
"Codeine Phosphate" - is actually an Opiate, a Narcotic Drug, which is in the same family of Drugs as Heroin, Morphine and Dihydrocodeine, though less strong. It is worth noting that Heroin is conv- erted to Morphine in the Brain when ingested, and so is Codeine. Use of Codeine in these Products, is for Analgesia, but Codeine is also an efficient Cough Suppressant. Codeine has a Depressant effect on the Central Nervous System, and prolonged or Over-use of it, can readily promote a Clinic- al Drug Dependent State, with both Physical and Psychological Effects.
Both Products should NOT be taken by :- Patients with a history of Asthma, as may worsen the condition. Patients with a history of Gastro-Intestinal Complaints including Peptic or Duodenal Ulcerations, Renal, Cardiac or Hepatic Impairments, Sensitivity to Aspirin, or during Pregnancy or Breast Feeding. To be used with extreme caution by Elderly Patients.
SIDE-EFFECTS DURING NORMAL USE :- Gastro-Intestinal Discomfort, Nausea, Dyspepsia, Constipation, Rashes, Angioedema, Bronchospasms, Dizziness, Vertigo, Hearing Disturbances, Photosensitivity, Haematuria and sometimes Headaches.
SIDE-EFFECTS LINKED WITH LONG-TERM MISUSE :- Chronic Constipation, Dyspepsia, Gastritis, Abdominal Bloating, Gastro-Intestinal Disorders, Lethargy, Sedation, Mood Swings, Sleep Disturbances, Gall-Bladder Disorders most commonly Gall Stones, Pancreatitis, Chronic Daily Headache Syndrome, Tolerance readily develops, Dependency, Respiratory Depression, etc, etc.
IMPORTANT SPECIAL NOTES :- Reports to Over-Count indicate Clients taking up to 75 Tabs per day!, over a progressive 4-5 yr history. 76% of Misusers reports Gall Bladder Disorders, commonly Gallstones, affecting Clients as young as 22 yrs old. 34% of Misuse reports also indicate Pancreatitis affecting long-term misusers. Many misusers state they take concurrent H2 Blockers, most commonly "Zantac" to try and counter the Dyspepsia/Heartburn associated with over-use of the Products. Several G.P's have reported levels of Liver Dysfunctions, associated with misuse in excess of 25 Tabs per day, within a history as short as 3 months.
Over-Count would recommend that all misusers of these Products, who have taken in excess of the recommended maximum daily dose, over a period exceeding 4 weeks, should ask their own Doctor to consider offering them a "L.F.T", [Liver Function Test], as a matter of Priority, to check if any Liver Dysfunction is present, before beginning any Withdrawal Programme Regime.
Finally, there seems to be a much higher incidence affecting Clients who have Quit an Ibuprofen/ Codeine Addiction successfully, as compared to the general public, of then going on to be diagnosed with "I.B.S"- Irritable Bowel Syndrome, within a short period after their "stopping" date. |