FORTABS

Drug Name: FORTABS

FORTABS DESCRIPTION:
BUTALBITAL WITH ASPIRIN AND CAFFEINE - ORAL (byou-TAL-bih-tall WITH ASP-er-in AND kaff-EEN)

COMMON FORTABS BRAND NAME(S):
Fiorinal, Fiormor

FORTABS SIDE EFFECTS:
May cause lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, stomach upset, nausea, and sleeping disturbances the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or worsen, inform your doctor promptly. Unlikely but report promptly: rapid or irregular heartbeat, ringing in the ears, stomach pain, easy bruising or bleeding, black stools, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE FORTABS:
FORTABS: To prevent upset stomach, take this medication with food or milk. Take FORTABS with 6 to 8 ounces (180-240ml) of water. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking FORTABS. Pain medications work best in preventing pain before it worsens. Once the pain becomes intense, the medication is not as effective in relieving it. Use FORTABS exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not increase your dose, use it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed because FORTABS can be habit-forming. Also, if used for an extended period of time, do not suddenly stop using FORTABS without your doctor's approval. Over time, FORTABS may not work as well. Consult your doctor if FORTABS is not relieving the pain sufficiently. If your headache gets worse or if you should get a new headache within one day of starting FORTABS, call your doctor.

FORTABS WARNING:
Children and teenagers should not use aspirin, aspirin- containing or aspirin-related medications for flu symptoms or chickenpox without first consulting a doctor. A rare but serious illness known as Reye's syndrome may occur.

FORTABS USES:
FORTABS is a pain reliever and sedative. It is used to relieve mild to moderate pain and tension headaches.

FORTABS PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney or liver disease, lung/breathing problems, nasal polyps, diabetes, stomach ulcers, blood disorders, a history of drug/alcohol dependence, high blood pressure. This combination medication contains aspirin. Children and teenagers should not take aspirin if they have chickenpox, influenza or any undiagnosed illness without first consulting a doctor about Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious illness. Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or operating machinery. Limit alcohol intake. This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Elderly persons are usually more sensitive to the effects of FORTABS. Use cautiously. Aspirin is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using FORTABS. FORTABS is excreted into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before you breast-feed.

FORTABS DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and over- the-counter medication you may use including: blood thinners (e.g., warfarin, heparin, ticlopidine), NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), steroids (e.g., prednisone), metronidazole, doxycycline, theophylline, methotrexate, certain drugs for heart rhythm disturbances (e.g., quinidine), diabetes drugs, drugs used for gout, glaucoma medicine, estrogens, cyclosporine, certain beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol). Also, tell your doctor if you take medicines that make you drowsy such as: anti-seizure drugs, tranquilizers, other narcotic pain relievers, anti-anxiety drugs, psychiatric medicine, muscle relaxants, certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine). Aspirin/NSAIDs are ingredients in many over-the-counter products. To prevent an overdose of aspirin/NSAIDs, read the labels carefully before taking other pain relievers or cold products to be sure they do not contain these drugs. Consult your pharmacist if you are uncertain your over-the-counter products contain aspirin/NSAIDs. FORTABS contains caffeine. Avoid drinking large amounts of caffeinated beverages while taking FORTABS as excessive nervousness and irritability can occur. FORTABS may interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. Discuss using other methods of birth control with your doctor. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

FORTABS OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include unusual drowsiness or dizziness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, ringing in the ears, weakness, slow or shallow breathing, fast or irregular heartbeat, and loss of consciousness.

FORTABS NOTES:
Do not share FORTABS with others.

MISSED FORTABS DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

FORTABS STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Discard if you detect a strong vinegar odor. This means the aspirin in the product has broken down.