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Acetylcysteine toprotect your kidneys

Please read this leaflet carefully before you take your medicine. If you have any questions or want to know more about this medicine, please ask your doctor or pharmacist.

What do these tablets contain?Active ingredient – acetylcysteine 600mg

Other ingredients – microcrystalline cellulose, anhydrous citric acid, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, maize starch, sodium cyclamate, saccharin sodium, flavourings (lemon).

What is it this medicine used for?Acetylcysteine is used to prevent kidney damage which can be caused by the dye used in some medical procedures, such as angiography. This is an unlicensed medicine.

What is an unlicensed medicine?Pharmaceutical companies must hold a licence for each medicine that they sell in the UK. This licence is issued by a government agency called the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) and medicines are usually prescribed in accordance with this licence. An unlicensed medicine is one that does not have a product licence in the UK.

Acetylcysteine tablets are imported from other European countries where the tablets are used for other conditions.

Although acetylcysteine is unlicensed, it has been shown in small studies that acetylcysteine may protect your kidneys and it is now used in many hospitals in the UK.

How does it work?Acetylcysteine is an antioxidant and prevents the formation of dangerous chemicals which may damage your kidney.

How is it given?Acetylcysteine tablets are usually taken twice a day on the day before, and on the day of the procedure. Where this is not

Acetylcysteine to protect your kidneys2

Acetylcysteine to protect your kidneys 3

possible, for example, in an emergency, acetylcysteine may be given at slightly different times.

Reasons not to take this medicineYou should not take these tablets if you are allergic to acetylcysteine or any other of the ingredients.

Tell your doctor if you have peptic ulcer disease as there have been rare reports of bleeding after taking acetylcysteine.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant or if you are breast feeding.

What are the possible side effects?Side effects which may occur include inflammation of the mouth, headache, ringing in the ears and gastrointestinal symptoms, such as, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Some patients have experienced allergic reactions after taking acetylcysteine. You must tell your doctor if you experience symptoms such as itching, rash or difficulty breathing, as you may be allergic to this medicine.

Other AdviceTablets should be allowed to disintegrate in a glass of water and taken after meals. Alternatively the tablets can be swallowed whole, without chewing, with a large amount of fluid.

Acetylcysteine may reduce the absorption of antibiotics. Acetylcysteine should therefore be taken at least 2 hours after your dose of antibiotic and at least 2 hours before your next dose. If you require any further advice please ask your pharmacist.

Tablets should be protected from light. Keep in their original packaging.

Acetylcysteine to protect your kidneys

ReferencesAHFS Drug Information accessed viawww.medicinescomplete.com {Accessed December 2009].

Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference accessed viawww.medicinescomplete.com [Accessed December 2009].

Product information for ACC® 600 tabs (acetylcysteine) –Translated for Idis Ltd World Medicines, 2004.

NHS Constitution. Information on your rights and responsibilities. Available at www.nhs.uk/aboutnhs/constitution

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If you or the individual you are caring for need support reading this leaflet please ask a member of staff for advice.

How to contact us:

See your appointmentletter for the number tophone with any queriesyou may have

www.nbt.nhs.uk

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published May 2014. Review due May 2016. NBT002097