contains the active ingredient carbamazepine
CONSUMER MEDICINE INFORMATION
What is in this leaflet
This leaflet answers some common questions about Teril.
It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
All medicines have benefits and risks. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you taking Teril against the benefits they expect it will have for you.
If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep this leaflet with your medicine.
You may need to read it again.
What Teril is used for
Teril is used to:
control epilepsy, a condition where you have repeated seizures (fits)
treat trigeminal neuralgia, where there are sudden, repeated attacks of facial pain
control mania, a mental condition with episodes of overactivity, elation or irritability
prevent bipolar mood disorder where periods of mania alternate with periods of depression.
Teril belongs to a group of medicines called anticonvulsants. These medicines are thought to work by controlling brain chemicals which send signals to nerves so that seizures do not happen. Teril also regulates other nerve functions in the body.
Teril may be used alone or in combination with other medicines to treat your condition.
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why Teril has been prescribed for you.
Your doctor may have prescribed Teril for another reason.
Teril is available only with a doctor's prescription.
There is no evidence that Teril is addictive.
Before you take Teril
When you must not take it
Do not take Teril if you are allergic to:
any other medicine containing carbamazepine (e.g., Tegretol)
phenytoin (Dilantin) and oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), which are other medicines for epilepsy.
tricyclic antidepressants, medicines used to treat depression
any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body; rash, itching or hives on the skin.
Do not take Teril if you are currently taking a medicine called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), or have taken one in the last 14 days.
Taking Teril with a MAOI or within 14 days of taking a MAOI may cause a serious reaction with a sudden increase in body temperature, extremely high blood pressure and severe convulsions.
Do not take Teril within 14 days of stopping a MAOI.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure whether you are taking, or have been taking a MAOI medicine.
MAOIs are used to treat depression and Parkinson's disease. Some examples of MAOIs include phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline.
Do not take Teril if you have, or have had, any of the following:
severe liver or heart disease
systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
bone marrow depression, a blood disease with a low platelet, red blood cell or white blood cell count
an irregular heartbeat caused by a condition called A-V block
hepatic porphyria, a disturbance in the production of porphyrin, a pigment important for liver function and blood formation.
Do not take this medicine after the expiry date printed on the pack or if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.
If it has expired or is damaged, return it to your pharmacist for disposal.
If you are not sure whether you should start taking Teril, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Before you start to take it
Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Teril may affect your unborn baby during pregnancy and soon after birth. But it is still important that you control your fits while you are pregnant. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of taking Teril during pregnancy and help you decide whether or not you should take Teril.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or wish to breastfeed.
Teril passes into breast milk but it is unlikely to affect your baby. You may breast-feed provided that you watch your baby for any signs of any unwanted side effect. If your baby develops a skin rash, becomes very sleepy or has other unusual symptoms, don't breast-feed again until you speak to your doctor. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of taking Teril while breastfeeding.
Tell your doctor if you have, or have had, any medical conditions, especially the following:
heart problems
liver problems
kidney problems
increased pressure in the eye (glaucoma)
prostate problems or if you cannot retain your urine
blood disorders caused by other medicines
any mental disorder such as depression or schizophrenia.
Tell your doctor if you are of Asian descent, particularly if you are Chinese or Thai.
Your doctor may want to do a genetic test before you take Teril for the first time.
The risk of serious skin reactions in patients of Han Chinese or Thai origin associated with carbamazepine or chemically-related compounds may be predicted by testing a blood sample of these patients.
You doctor should be able to advise if a blood test is necessary before taking Teril.
If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell them before you start taking Teril.
Taking other medicines
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including any that you buy without a prescription from a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines may be affected by Teril, or may affect how well it works. These include:
MAOI medicines. Teril must not be taken together with a MAOI or within 14 days of taking a MAOI
other medicines used to treat depression such as fluvoxamine, nefazodone, paroxetine, bupropion, citalopram, tricyclic antidepressants and trazodone
other medicines used to treat seizures including phenytoin, levetiracetam and oxcarbazepine
some medicines used to treat mental disorders such as clozapine, haloperidol, thioridazine, lithium, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone and ziprasidone
some medicines used to treat heart problems or high cholesterol
some medicines used to help you sleep or calm you down
some pain relievers such as paracetamol, dextro-propoxyphene, tramadol and ibuprofen
warfarin, a medicine used to prevent blood clots
some diuretics (fluid tablets), which are medicines used to reduce water retention and high blood pressure
some antibiotics and antifungal medicines used to treat infections, such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, doxycycline, itraconazole, ketoconazole, fluconazole, voriconazole and rifampicin
corticosteroids such as prednisolone and dexamethasone
St John's Wort, an ingredient in many medicines that you can buy without a prescription from a pharmacy, health food shop or supermarket.
antihistamines such as loratadine and terfenadine, which are medicines used to prevent or relieve the symptoms of allergies such as hay fever
isoniazid, a medicine used to prevent and treat tuberculosis
acetazolamide, a medicine used to reduce fluid retention and to treat glaucoma and some types of seizures
medicines used to treat stomach or duodenal ulcers, such as cimetidine and omeprazole
muscle relaxants such as dantrolene and oxybutynin
ticlopidine, a medicine used to prevent blood clotting
some medicines used to treat asthma, such as theophylline and aminophylline
some medicines used to prevent rejection of organ transplants and to treat severe rheumatoid arthritis and some skin diseases, such as cyclosporin and everolimus
some medicines used to treat cancer, such as cisplatin, doxorubicin and imatinib
methadone, a medicine used to
control severe pain and to treat heroin addiction
metoclopramide, a medicine used to treat nausea and vomiting
isotretinoin, a medicine used to treat acne
danazol, a medicine used to treat endometriosis
a vitamin called nicotinamide
muscle relaxants, which are medicines used during surgery
medicines used to treat HIV such as indinavir, ritonavir and saquinavir
levothyroxine, a medicine used to treat underactive thyroids
praziquantel, a medicine used to treat worm infections of the blood
medicines containing oestrogen and progesterone, including hormone replacement therapy and contraceptives.
The above medicines may be affected by Teril or they may affect how well it works. You may need to take different amounts of your medicines or you may need to take different medicines.
Tell your doctor if you are using hormonal contraceptive (e.g. birth control pill or injections).
If you are taking Teril while you are using hormonal contraceptives, they may not work as well as they should. Unplanned pregnancies can happen. Your doctor can suggest another form of birth control (non-hormonal) while you are taking Teril.
Tell your doctor immediately if you notice irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting.
If you are not sure whether you are taking any of these medicines, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
Your doctor and pharmacist have more information on medicines to be careful with or avoid while taking Teril.
How to take Teril
Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and pharmacist carefully.
They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.
If you do not understand the instructions on the bottle, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
How much to take
Your doctor will tell you how much Teril you need to take each day. The dose varies from patient to patient and may depend on your age, medical condition and whether or not you are taking other medicines.
Your doctor will usually start you on a low dose and then gradually increase it depending on your condition and how you respond to this medicine.
How to take it
Swallow the tablets with a glass of water.
Teril tablets can be divided in half along the breakline, if advised by your doctor or pharmacist.
When to take it
Take Teril during or immediately after food.
This will lessen the chance of a stomach upset.
Take your medicine at about the same time each day, spaced evenly apart.
Taking it at the same time each day will have the best effect. It will also help you remember when to take it.
How long to take it for
Keep taking Teril for as long as your doctor recommends.
Teril helps to control your condition but does not cure it. You must take it regularly every day, even if you feel well.
Do not stop taking Teril or lower the dose without first checking with your doctor. Do not let yourself run out of medicine over the weekend or on holidays.
Stopping your medicine suddenly or lowering the dose may cause unwanted side effects or make your condition worse. If you are taking this medicine to treat epilepsy, you could develop seizures (fits). Your doctor will usually reduce the dose slowly before you can stop taking it completely.
If you forget to take it
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to.
Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, and then go back to taking your tablets as you would normally.
Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.
If you are not sure what to do or have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If you have trouble remembering when to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some hints.
If you take too much (overdose)
Immediately telephone your doctor or the Poisons Information Centre (telephone 13 11 26) for advice, or go to Accident and Emergency at the nearest hospital, if you think you or anyone else may have taken too much Teril. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
You may need urgent medical attention.
Keep the telephone numbers of these places handy.
Some of the symptoms of an overdose may include agitation, disorientation, drowsiness, fainting, vomiting, difficulty breathing, fast and irregular heartbeat, blurred vision, shakiness and slurred speech.
While you are taking Teril
Things you must do
Before starting any new medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist that you are taking Teril.
Tell all the doctors, dentists and pharmacists who are treating you that you are taking Teril.
Tell your doctor, if for any reason, you have not taken your medicine exactly as prescribed.
Otherwise your doctor may change your treatment unnecessarily.
If you become pregnant while taking Teril, tell your doctor immediately.
Your doctor can discuss with you the risks of taking it while you are pregnant.
Tell your doctor immediately if at any time you have thought of harming or killing yourself.
A number of people being treated with antiepileptics have had such thoughts or behaviour. Patients and caregivers should be alert and monitor for these effects.
If you or someone you know is showing any of the following warning signs of suicide while taking Teril, contact your doctor or a mental health professional right away or go to the nearest hospital for treatment:
thoughts or talk of death or suicide
thoughts or talk of self-harm or harm to others
any recent attempts of self-harm
increase in aggressive behaviour, irritability, or any other unusual changes in behaviour or mood.
All mentions of suicide or violence must be taken seriously.
If you plan to have surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Teril.
This medicine may interfere with some of the medicines used during surgery.
Visit your doctor regularly so they can check on your progress.
To help prevent unwanted side effects from happening, your doctor may want to do some tests before you start taking Teril and from time to time during the course of your treatment. You may need to have tests to check your eyes, liver, kidneys or blood.
Things you must not do
Do not stop taking Teril, or lower the dose, without checking with your doctor.
Do not let yourself run out of medicine over the weekend or on holidays.
Stopping your medicine suddenly or lowering the dose may cause unwanted side effects or make your condition worse. Your doctor will usually reduce the dose slowly before you can stop taking it completely.
Do not use Teril to treat any other conditions unless your doctor tells you to.
Do not give Teril to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
Things to be careful of
Be careful driving, operating machinery or doing jobs that require you to be alert until you know how Teril affects you. Children should avoid doing things like riding bicycles or climbing trees.
Teril may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, double vision or lack of muscle coordination in some people, especially when you first start to use it or when the dose is increased.
Be careful drinking alcohol while taking Teril.
Combining Teril and alcohol can make you more drowsy or dizzy. Your doctor may suggest you avoid alcohol while you are being treated with Teril.
Be careful drinking grapefruit juice while taking Teril.
Taking Teril with grapefruit juice may increase the chances of side effects. Your doctor may suggest you avoid grapefruit juice while you are being treated with Teril.
If outdoors, wear protective clothing and use at least a SPF 30+ sunscreen. Do not use a sunlamp or tanning bed or booth.
Teril may cause your skin to be much more sensitive to sunlight than it normally is. Exposure to sunlight may cause a skin rash, itching, redness or severe sunburn. If your skin does appear to be burning, tell your doctor.
Side effects
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking Teril.
Like all other medicines, Teril may have unwanted side effects in some people. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical treatment if you get some of the side effects.
If you are over 65 years of age, you may have an increased chance of getting side effects.
Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects.
You may not experience any of them.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.
Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following and they worry you:
dizziness or lightheadedness
feeling tired or drowsy
eye pain
weakness, unsteadiness when walking
headache
restlessness, agitation or confusion
difficulty in speaking or slurred speech
numbness or tingling in hands or feet
muscle pain or cramps
nausea (feeling sick), vomiting, loss of appetite
weight gain
stomach pain or discomfort
diarrhoea
constipation
dry mouth
swollen, red, sore tongue
mouth ulcers or cold sores
change in sense of taste
blurred or double vision, swollen runny eyes, difficulty seeing
ringing or buzzing in the ears or other changes in hearing
frequent need to urinate (pass water)
sweating
hair loss
acne
change in skin colour
excessive hairiness, especially in women
sexual disturbances such as impotence
breast enlargement in men
unusual secretion of breast milk
loss of muscle coordination.
The above list includes the more common side effects of Teril. They tend to be mild and short-lived.
Tell your doctor immediately or go to Accident and Emergency at the nearest hospital if you notice any of the following:
signs of allergy such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body; wheezing or troubled breathing; difficult swallowing, itching, hives, chest discomfort or tightness, loss of consciousness
skin rash, redness, blisters or peeling skin, accompanied by fever, chills, headache, cough, body aches
sudden increase in body temperature, together with sweating, fast heart beat and muscle stiffness, altered consciousness, high blood pressure, excessive salivation
constant "flu-like" symptoms (chills, fever, sore throat, swollen glands, aching joints, lack of energy)
usual bleeding or bruising under the skin, nosebleeds
shortness of breath and dizziness when exercising
frequent infections such as fever
severe chills, sore throat, swollen glands or mouth ulcers
persistent nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite and feeling generally unwell, which may be accompanied by pain in the abdomen, fever, itching, a yellow colour to skin or eyes (jaundice), dark coloured urine or light coloured bowel motions
diarrhoea, abdominal pain and fever
severe upper stomach pain, often with loss of appetite and vomiting
more frequent or more severe seizures (fits)
sudden onset of uncontrollable muscle spasms affecting the eyes, head, neck and body
trembling, uncontrolled body movements
lethargy, confusion
depression, aggressive behaviour, recurrence of a previous mental illness, hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that are not there)
swelling of the feet and legs or weight increase due to fluid build-up
changes in behaviour, weakness
change in heartbeat (slow, fast or irregular), sometimes with fainting or chest pain
passing less urine than normal, which may occur with lack of energy, vomiting, headache or confusion
blood in the urine
symptoms of sunburn such as redness, itching, swelling or blistering that may happen more quickly than normal
red blotchy rash mainly on the face which may be accompanied by fatigue, fever, nausea, loss of appetite
swelling or redness along a vein or nerve, which is extremely tender when touched
signs that blood clots may have formed, such as sudden severe headache, sudden loss of coordination or vision, pain in calves, thighs or chest
severe headache together with stiffness of the neck, muscle spasms and extreme sensitivity to bright light.
The above side effects are serious and require medical attention or even hospitalisation. These serious side effects are very rare.
Tell your doctor if you notice anything that is making you feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. Some of these side effects (e.g., changes in sodium levels, thyroid function, structure of bones, cholesterol level or blood pressure) can only be found when your doctor does tests from time to time to check your progress.
After taking Teril
Storage
Keep Teril where children cannot reach it.
A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.
Keep your medicine in the original container until it is time to take it.
Keep your tablets in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C.
Do not store Teril or any other medicine in the bathroom or near a sink.
Do not leave Teril in the car or on window sills.
Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.
Disposal
If your doctor tells you to stop taking Teril, or your tablets have passed their expiry date, ask your pharmacist what to do with any that are left over.
Product description
What it looks like
Teril is a round, white, scored tablet marked "CB" over "200" on one side and "G" on the reverse.
Each bottle contains 200 tablets.
Ingredients
The active ingredient in Teril is carbamazepine. Each Teril tablet contains 200 mg of carbamazepine.
The tablets also contain the following inactive ingredients:
microcrystalline cellulose
pregelatinised maize starch
sodium starch glycollate
purified talc
colloidal anhydrous silica
magnesium stearate.
The tablets are gluten free.
