What is it and how is it used?
DuoCover contains clopidogrel and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and belongs to a group of medicines called antiplatelet medicinal products. Platelets are very small structures in the blood which clump together during blood clotting. By preventing this clumping in some types of blood vessels (called arteries), antiplatelet medicinal products reduce the chances of blood clots forming (a process called atherothrombosis).
DuoCover is taken to prevent blood clots forming in hardened arteries which can lead to atherothrombotic events (such as stroke, heart attack, or death).
You have been prescribed DuoCover in place of the two separate medicines, clopidogrel and ASA, to help prevent blood clots because you have experienced a severe type of chest pain known as ‘unstable angina’ or heart attack (myocardial infarction). For the treatment of this condition your doctor may have placed a stent in the blocked or narrowed artery to restore effective blood flow.
What do you have to consider before using it?
Do not take DuoCover
- If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to clopidogrel, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) or any of the other ingredients of DuoCover.
- If you are allergic to other products called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory products usually used to treat painful and/or inflammatory conditions of muscles or joints.
- If you have a medical condition that include the combination of asthma, nasal discharge (runny nose) and polyps (a type of growth in the nose).
- If you have a medical condition that is currently causing bleeding such as a stomach ulcer or bleeding within the brain.- If you suffer from severe liver disease.
- If you suffer from severe kidney disease.
- If you are in your last trimester of pregnancy
Take special care with DuoCover
If any of the situations mentioned below apply to you, you should tell your doctor before taking DuoCover:
While you are taking DuoCover:
- You should tell your doctor
Use in children
DuoCover is not intended for use in children or adolescents less than 18 years of age. There is a possible association between acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and Reye’s Syndrome when products containing ASA are given to children or adolescents with a viral infection. Reye’s Syndrome is a very rare disease which can be fatal.
Taking other medicines
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.
Some other medicines may influence the use of DuoCover or vice versa.
You should specifically tell your doctor if you take
You should stop other clopidogrel treatment while you are taking DuoCover.
An occasional use of ASA (no more than 1,000 mg in any 24-hour period) should generally not cause a problem, but prolonged use of ASA in other circumstances should be discussed with your doctor or pharmacist.
Taking DuoCover with food and drink
DuoCover may be taken with or without food.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Do not take DuoCover during third trimester of pregnancy.
It is preferable not to take this product during first and second trimesters of pregnancy.
If you are pregnant or suspect that you are pregnant, you should tell your doctor or your pharmacist before taking DuoCover. If you become pregnant while taking DuoCover, consult your doctor immediately as it is recommended not to take DuoCover while you are pregnant.
You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.
If you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.
Driving and using machines
DuoCover should not affect your ability to drive or to use machines.
Important information about some of the ingredients of DuoCover
DuoCover contains lactose. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars (e.g. lactose), contact your doctor before taking this medicine.
DuoCover also contains hydrogenated castor oil which may cause stomach upset or diarrhoea.
How is it used?
Always take DuoCover exactly as your doctor has told you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
The usual dose is one tablet of DuoCover per day to be taken orally with a glass of water, with or without food.
You should take your medicine at the same time each day.
Depending on your condition, your doctor will determine the length of time for which you need to take DuoCover. If you have had a heart attack, it should be prescribed for at least four weeks. In any case, you should take it for as long as your doctor continues to prescribe it.
If you take more DuoCover than you should
Contact your doctor or the nearest hospital emergency department because of the increased risk of bleeding.
If you forget to take DuoCover
If you forget to take a dose of DuoCover, but remember within 12 hours of your usual time, take your tablet straightaway and then take your next tablet at the usual time.
If you forget for more than 12 hours, simply take the next single dose at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for the forgotten individual doses.
For the 14, 28 and 84 tablets pack sizes you can check the day on which you last took a tablet of DuoCover by referring to the calendar printed on the blister.
If you stop taking DuoCover
Do not stop the treatment unless your doctor tells you so. Contact your doctor or pharmacist before stopping.
If you have been told by your doctor to stop treatment temporarily ask your doctor when to restart the treatment.
If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist
What are possible side effects?
Like all medicines, DuoCover can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
The frequency of possible side effects listed below is defined using the following convention:
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:
The most common side effect which has been seen with DuoCover is bleeding. Bleeding may occur as bleeding in the stomach or bowels, bruising, haematoma (unusual bleeding or bruising under the skin), nose bleed, blood in the urine. In a small number of cases, bleeding in the eye, inside the head, the lung or the joints has also been reported.
If you experience prolonged bleeding when taking DuoCover
If you cut or injure yourself, it may take longer than usual for bleeding to stop. This is linked to the way your medicine works as it prevents the ability of blood clots to form. For minor cuts and injuries e.g., cutting yourself, shaving, this is usually of no concern. However, if you are concerned by your bleeding, you should contact your doctor straightaway (see section 2 ‘Take special care with DuoCover’).
The other side effects which have been seen with DuoCover are:
Common side effects: Diarrhoea, abdominal pain, indigestion or heartburn.
Uncommon side effects: Headache, stomach ulcer, vomiting, nausea, constipation, excessive gas in stomach or intestines, rashes, itching, dizziness, sensation of tingling and numbness.
Rare side effect: Vertigo.
Very rare side effects: Jaundice; severe abdominal pain with or without back pain; fever, breathing difficulties sometimes associated with cough; generalised allergic reactions; swelling in the mouth; blisters of the skin; skin allergy; inflammation of the mouth (stomatitis); decrease in blood pressure; confusion; hallucinations; joint pain; muscular pain; changes in the way things taste, inflammation of small vessels.
Side effects with unknown frequency: ulcer perforation, ringing in the ears, hearing loss, sudden life-threatening allergic reactions, kidney disease, low blood sugar, gout (a condition of painful, swollen joints caused by uric acid crystals) and worsening of food allergies.
In addition, your doctor may identify changes in your blood or urine tests.
If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
How should it be stored?
Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
Do not use DuoCover after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and on the blister, after EXP.
Store below 25°C.
Do not use DuoCover if you notice any visible sign of deterioration.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.
