EPANUTIN PATIENT INFORMATION
LEAFLET
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT EPANUTIN
Please read this leaflet carefully before you start to take
your medicine. This leaflet does not contain the complete
information about your medicine. If you have any questions
or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
The name of this medicine is EPANUTIN. It contains
Phenytoin sodium PhEur. It is one of a group of medicines
called ‘anticonvulsants’ or ‘antiepileptics’ EPANUTIN works
by controlling the excessive activity in the brain which
causes epilepsy.
THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT EPANUTIN
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Before taking EPANUTIN, check that it is safe for you
to do so (Please see the next section for details.)
You must take EPANUTIN regularly as directed by
your doctor, and always read the label carefully.
EPANUTIN can sometimes cause problems. (Please
see the section ‘After Taking Epanutin’ for details.)
As with all medicines, keep out of the reach of
children.
Remember to return any unused capsules to your
pharmacist.
Do not stop taking your capsules suddenly. Ask your
doctor first.
BEFORE TAKING EPANUTIN CAPSULES
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Do you suffer from liver disease?
Are you taking any other medicines?
Are you taking a drug to thin your blood (eg Warfarin)?
Do you drink large amounts of alcohol regularly?
Are you pregnant/trying to become pregnant or breast
feeding?
Are you taking an oral contraceptive (birth control pills)?
Are you allergic to EPANUTIN or any preparation
containing phenytoin? (You will only know this if you
have taken such a product before).
Your doctor will have considered your needs at your
consultation. However, if the answer is yes to any of the
above questions. make sure that your doctor knows as
special instructions may be necessary .
TAKING EPANUTIN CAPSULES
- It is important to take your capsules regularly, as
directed by your doctor. This is particularly important with
this type of drug to make sure you are getting the best
control from your medication.
- After your doctor has started you on EPANUTIN he
may have to change the dose. This is because the dosage
of EPANUTIN varies from person to person. Your doctor
will be able to determine the dose suitable for you
- Look at the label on your medicine. It will tell you when
to take it. If it does not, or you are unsure, ask your doctor
or pharmacist for advice.
- EPANUTIN capsules should be taken with a drink of
water. If possible take your capsules before food.
- Do not stop taking the capsules, or change the dose,
without first checking with your doctor.
- If you ferret to take a dose, take it as soon as you
remember. Then go on as before. Do not take two doses
together. If in doubt about what to take ask your doctor or
pharmacist for advice.
- If you go into hospital or visit a dentist or another
doctor, tell them you are taking EPANUTIN capsules.
- In case of accidental overdose contact your doctor or
nearest hospital casualty department.
AFTER TAKING EPANUTIN CAPSULES
Like all medicines, EPANUTIN capsules may occasionally
cause side forget Those side effects which generally
disappear after a short time may include:
- upset stomach
- nausea
- unsteadiness
If you have any of the following side effects you should
consult your doctor immediately:
- fever
- rash or skin eruptions
These may indicate an allergy and will be uncommon As
such they generally occur in the early part of treatment.
Some side effects will indicate that your doctor may need to
change your dosage These include double or blurred vision
and lack of coordination. In some patients there may be
enlargement of the gums and an increase in body hair. This
does not usually mean that treatment needs to be stopped
by your doctor
If you have any other side effects, you should tell your
doctor at your next regular visit, or sooner if the effect is
troublesome or persistent.
EPILEPSY - THE FACTS is a service
to help people with epilepsy and
their families obtain information.
Would you like to improve your understanding of:

epilepsy

how the medication works

why epilepsy need not be a barrier to many
social activities

many other aspects of epilepsy
Information is available:

through our National Information Centre –
personal advice by telephone and letter

from our “Video Information Service”

in books and leaflets stocked by the National
Information Centre

in audio-visual packages designed for specific
age groups
To take advantage of these services you quite simply
need to complete your name and address and return
this leaflet to:
The British Epilepsy Association,
Epilepsy - The Facts,
Anstey House,
40 Hanover Square,
Leeds, LS3 1BE.