Acamprosate delayed-release tablets

What are Acamprosate delayed-release tablets?

ACAMPROSATE (CAMPRAL®) helps you to abstain from alcohol as part of a support program. It does not help with alcohol withdrawal. Generic tablets are not available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive Acamprosate?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• depression

• kidney disease

• suicidal thoughts or attempted suicide

• an unusual or allergic reaction to Acamprosate, sulfites, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Take acamprosate tablets by mouth. Do not crush, cut or chew the tablets. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your doses regularly. Do not take your medicine more often than directed and do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you are taking acamprosate and miss a dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule with the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with Acamprosate?

• Acamprosate has not been reported to interact with other medications

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking Acamprosate?

Visit your prescriber, health care professional, or counselor for regular checks on your progress. Do not stop taking acamprosate except on your prescriber's advice.

You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how acamprosate affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Acamprosate?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• anxiety or nervousness

• burning, pricking, tickling or tingling in your arms, legs, hands, or feet

• depression

• chest pains

• not passing urine as often as usual

• suicidal thoughts

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea

• dizziness

• flatulence (passing gas)

• headache

• insomnia

• itching

• joint or muscle pain

• loss of appetite

• nausea

• sweating

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature, approximately 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.