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Etamsylate


  • If you get a fever while taking etamsylate, stop taking it and speak to your doctor

About etamsylate

Type of medicine Antifibrinolytic
Used for To reduce heavy bleeding from the womb during the menstrual period. This may sometimes be caused by an IUCD (intrauterine contraceptive device)
Also called Ethamsylate
Dicynene
Available as Tablets

Etamsylate works by restricting the blood flow from the small blood vessels within the uterus (womb).

Before taking etamsylate

Before taking etamsylate make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from porphyria (a blood disorder).
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
  • If you have coeliac disease or an allergy to wheat starch (tablets contain wheat starch).
  • If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.

How to take etamsylate

  • Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
  • Take etamsylate exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • The usual dose is one 500 mg tablet four times daily from the start of bleeding until bleeding stops.
  • If you forget to take a tablet, do not take a double dose but take your next tablet at the usual time.
  • Etamsylate may cause you to have diarrhoea, feel or be sick, if this occurs try taking etamsylate with or after food.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of etamsylate contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside etamsylate.
  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be checked.

Can etamsylate cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome:

Common side-effects What can I do if I experience this
Nausea (feeling sick) Try taking the tablets after food. Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
Vomiting Try taking the tablets after food. Drink plenty of liquid to replace lost fluids. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast. If vomiting continues to be a problem speak to your doctor.
Diarrhoea Try taking the tablets after food. Drink plenty of liquid to replace lost fluids. If diarrhoea continues to be a problem speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
Fever Stop taking etamsylate and speak to your doctor.
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If headache continues speak with your doctor.
Rash Speak with your doctor. Occasionally skin rashes may occur which usually disappear if the dose of etamsylate is reduced.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to etamsylate, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store etamsylate

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
  • Do not keep any out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
3307		 DocRef:
dils2252		 Last Updated:
25 Jul 2007		 Date of Next Review:
24 Jul 2009		 Version:
22

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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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