Oral N-Acetyl CystieneTablets Patient Information Author ID: AA Leaflet Number: Resp 001 Version: 4 Name of Leaflet: Oral N-Acetyl Cystiene Tablets Date Produced: August 2017 Review Date: August 2019
N-acetyl cystiene This leaflet contains information regarding the drug N-acetyl cystiene which you have been prescribed to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. It will tell you: About the medication How the medication works How you should take it The potential side effects Why have I been given this leaflet? For all medications information is found in the medicine package. However, this medicine does not have a licence for use in the UK. This medicine is imported from Germany and hence all the information attached is in German. So we have written this leaflet for you instead. This medicine does not have a licence. What does this mean? The drug companies usually have a licence for use in the UK. N-acetyl cystiene, however, does not have a licence for use in the UK, though it is licensed for use in Europe. Why does N-acetyl cystiene not have a licence? N-acetyl cystiene does not have a licence for use in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis because in UK the drug company has to apply for a licence to use it and the manufacturers have not applied for its use in UK for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. It is, therefore, imported from Germany where it is licensed for use in respiratory patients having chronic lung conditions. It is still recommended for use by the British Thoracic Society in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, so its place in therapy and safety is well established. Please remember your doctor will have carefully thought about which medicine is best for your condition. What is N-acetyl cystiene and how does it work? N-acetyl cystiene increases the amount of substance called glutathione in the body. This has been shown to protect the lung from the harmful effects of inflammation and prevent further deterioration in lung function. How will my condition be monitored? After this initial supply, we will arrange assessment for you by the respiratory team and the treatment may continue long term, if you can tolerate the medication, i.e. you do not have side effects and it continues to give you benefit. Oral N-Acetyl Cystiene Tablets Page 2 of 5
How should I take or use N-acetyl cystiene? One tablet of N-acetyl cystiene should be taken three times a day, until your doctor tells you otherwise. The tablets will dissolve in water if you find them difficult to swallow. How should I store N-acetyl cystiene? The tablets should be stored in the original packaging and at room temperature. Avoid storing it in a moist environment, e.g. bathroom. Please ensure the medications are stored out of reach and sight of children. When should I not use N-acetyl cystiene? Do not take or use this medicine if you have previously had a reaction to N-acetyl cystiene. Take extra care if you have recently had a stomach /duodenal ulcer or have liver disease. Please tell the doctor if you have any of these conditions. Are there any side effects? It is well known that some medicines can cause side effects. Every individual reacts to each medication differently. N-acetyl cystiene can sometimes cause diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting and possibly dizziness. Only contact your GP if these side effects carry on for more than a few days or make you feel worse. Rarely, patients may suffer an allergic reaction to this medicine. This may cause a rash or possibly swelling in the mouth and throat making it difficult to breathe. If you have any of these side effects, stop taking N-acetyl cystiene and seek medical help. Are there any alternatives? The treatment options for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis are extremely limited and N-acetyl cystiene is only offered to patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, who meet certain clinical criteria. There is one other drug, pirfinidone available, for use for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis but its use is restricted, and at present, it is only available after assessment at Wythenshawe hospital. Will N-acetyl cystiene affect any other medicines? N-acetyl cystiene is not known to affect any other medications. Tell your GP, pharmacist or dentist about all the medicines you take. This includes any medicines you have had prescribed by another doctor as well as medicines bought from a pharmacy or supermarket and any herbal remedies. Oral N-Acetyl Cystiene Tablets Page 3 of 5
Can I drink alcohol while I am taking N-acetyl cystiene? Yes, it is safe to drink alcohol while you are taking N-acetyl cystiene. However you should remain within recommended limits of 14 units per week for women and 21 units per week for men. Where do I get my next supply? As it is an imported drug, it will only be supplied from the hospital. After the initial prescription, please phone your consultant s secretary via hospital switchboard at least two weeks before you are due to run out and ask for a prescription to be written. You can collect a repeat prescription from the pharmacy at Thomas Linacre centre a week after your request. Please call the pharmacy on 01942 774746 prior to your arrival and confirm that your medications are ready to be collected. Further information If you have any further questions please contact respiratory specialist nurses by telephoning 01942 482110 Hospital switchboard 01942 244000 Oral N-Acetyl Cystiene Tablets Page 4 of 5
Comments, Compliments or Complaints The Patient Relations/Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) Department provides confidential on the spot advice, information and support to patients, relatives, friends and carers. Contact Us Tel: 01942 822376 (Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm) The Patient Relations/PALS Manager Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust Royal Albert Edward Infirmary Wigan Lane Wigan WN1 2NN Ask 3 Questions Become more involved in decisions about your healthcare. You may be asked to make choices about your treatment. To begin with, try to make sure you get the answers to three key questions: 1. What are my options? 2. What are the pros and cons of each option for me? 3. How do I get support to help me make a decision that is right for me? How We Use Your Personal Information For details on how we collect, use and store the information we hold about you, please take a look at our how we use your personal information leaflet which can be found on the Trust website: www.wwl.nhs.uk/patient_information/leaflets/default.aspx This leaflet is also available in audio, large print, Braille and other languages upon request. For more information call 01942 773106. Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust All rights reserved. Not to be reproduced in whole or in part without the permission of the copyright owner Oral N-Acetyl Cystiene Tablets Page 5 of 5