LEKALPIN 10 mg. 30 tablets

WHAT LEKALPIN AND WHAT IT IS USED?
Lekalpin belongs to a group of medicines called calcium antagonists that block the entry of calcium into muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels that carry blood from the heart (arteries). Penetration of calcium in these cells leads to a contraction of the heart and arteries to narrow. By blocking the entry of calcium, calcium channel blockers decrease (contractions) of the heart and dilate the arteries, reducing blood pressure in this way.
Lekalpin is prescribed to treat your high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.

2. BEFORE YOU TAKE LEKALPIN
Do not take Lekalpin:
- If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to lercanidipine or to any of the ingredients of Lekalpin tabletki.- if you have had allergic reactions to medicines that are similar to Lekalpin tablets (such as amlodipine, nicardipine, felodipine, isradipine, nifedipine or lacidipine) if you suffer some heart disease, uncontrolled heart failure, abnormal blood flow from the heart, unstable angina pectoris (chest pain at rest or progressive angina)
-if you had a heart attack before less than one month
-if you have severe liver or kidney problems, if you are taking drugs that are inhibitors of CYP3A4 isoenzyme, antifungal medicines (such as ketoconazole or itraconazole), macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin or troleandomycin) antivirals (such as ritonavir) together with another medicine called cyclosporine with grapefruit or grapefruit juice
- If you are pregnant, you want to become pregnant, or you are a woman of childbearing age and do not use contraceptives if you are breastfeeding
Take special care with Lekalpin
It is necessary to consult your doctor before taking Lekalpin tablets (
- If you have other heart disorders or have a pacemaker
- If you have angina pectoris, lerkandipin in very rare cases can lead to increased frequency of seizures to be longer and more severe. In isolated reports of myocardial infarction.
- If you have liver problems or kidney problems or are on dialysis.
Taking other medicines
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.
Taking Lekalpin with certain other medicines (see below) may alter the effect of these drugs or that of Lekalpin.
It is especially important for your doctor to know if you are already being treated with any of the following drugs: phenytoin or carbamazepine (medicines for epilepsy) rifampicin (medicine to treat tuberculosis) midazolam (sleeping medicine)
- Cimetidine, more than 800 mg (medicine against ulcers, indigestion or heartburn)
- Digoxin (a medicine for heart disorders)
- Terfenadine and astemizole (medicines for allergies)
- Amiodarone or quinidine (medicines to treat rapid heart beat)
- Metoprolol (a medicine to treat high blood pressure)
- Simvastatin (a medicine to lower high levels of cholesterol)

Taking Lekalpin with food and drink
You should not eat grapefruit or grapefruit juice, as this may increase the effect of Lekalpin.
If you consume alcohol along with Lekalpin may experience dizziness / fainting, tiredness or weakness. The reason for this is that the drug taken with alcohol may lower blood pressure.

Pregnancy and lactation
Ask your doctor before taking any medicine. If you take Lekalpin and think you may be pregnant, ask your doctor. Lekalpin not take if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are of child-bearing age and not using contraceptives.
Do not take Lekalpin if you are breastfeeding.

Driving and using machines
Lekalpin has negligible effect on ability to drive and use machines. However, it is possible to occur side effects such as dizziness, weakness, fatigue rarely drowsiness. You must be careful until you know how you react to Lekalpin.

Important information about some of the ingredients of Lekalpin
Lekalpin contains lactose monohydrate. If the doctor tells you that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicine.

3. HOW TO TAKE LEKALPIN?
Always take Lekalpin just as you have been told your doctor. If you're not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
The usual dose is one Lekalpin of 10 mg tablet daily at the same time each day, preferably in the morning at least 15 minutes before breakfast, since the consumption of foods high in fat significantly increases the concentrations of drug in the blood.
Your doctor will decide whether to increase your dose to one Lekalpin of 20 mg tablet daily if necessary.
Preferably tablets should be swallowed whole with 1/2 cup water. The scoreline only to facilitate breaking for ease of swallowing and not to divide into two equal doses.
Lekalpin not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years. If you take more than the amount Lekalpin
Immediately contact for advice a doctor, the nearest hospital casualty department or the center of Toxicology.
Exceeding the correct dosage may cause excessive lowering blood pressure, a fast or irregular heartbeat. May cause loss of consciousness.

If you forget to take Lekalpin
If you forget to take a tablet, take it as soon as possible unless it is almost time for your next dose. Then continue as usual. Do not take a double dose.

If you stop taking Lekalpin
If you stop taking Lekalpin your blood pressure may increase again. Consult your doctor before stopping treatment.
If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
Like all medicines, Lekalpin can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Adverse reactions are ranked by frequency as follows:

Very common: more than 1 in 10 patients
Common: 1 to 10 of 100 patients
Uncommon: 1 to 10 of 1000 patients
Rare: 1 to 10 in 10,000 patients
Very rare, unknown: Less than 1 in 10 000 patients, the frequency can not be estimated from the available data

Uncommon: Headache, dizziness, increased heart rate, palpitations, flushing (transient episodic redness of the face and neck), swelling of the ankles.

Rare: Drowsiness, weakness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, indigestion, rash, muscle pain, separation of the increased amount of urine, angina pectoris.

Very rare isolated cases: Decrease in blood pressure which can lead to seizure, allergic reactions, swelling of the gums, elevated liver enzymes in the blood, lowering blood pressure, which may result in dizziness, vertigo or fainting , frequent urination, chest pain and heart attack.

If any of the side effects gets serious, or you notice other effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.

5. HOW TO STORE LEKALPIN?
Keep out of reach of children.
Do not use Lekalpin after the expiry date stated on the label, carton or packaging of tablets (for expiry date abbreviation used). The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

Storage conditions:
Blister A1 / PVC: Do not store above 25 ° C in the original package to protect from moisture. Blister AL / PVDC: Do not store above 25 ° C in the original package to protect from moisture.
Tablet (G) PE) closed with a polyethylene cap: Do not store above 25 ° C in the original package tightly closed in order to protect from moisture.