IBULEVE™ GEL

Ibuprofen 5.0% w/w

Excipient

Propylene glycol 2.0% w/w

For a full list of excipients, see section List of Excipients.

Non-greasy, fragrance-free, clear aqueous-alcoholic gel.

Administered topically for fast local relief of pain and inflammation in musculoskeletal conditions including backache, rheumatic and muscular pain, sprains, strains, lumbago and fibrositis, and neuralgia. Ibuleve is also indicated for symptomatic relief of pain due to non-serious arthritic conditions.

Apply the gel to the affected areas, up to three times daily, or as directed by the physician. On each occasion apply only enough gel to thinly cover the affected area, and gently massage well into the skin, until completely absorbed. Wash hands after use unless treating them. Do not use excessively.

Treatment should not normally continue for more than a few weeks, unless recommended to do so by a doctor.

The same dosage and dosage schedule applies to all age groups, although the gel is not normally recommended for children under 12 years, unless instructed by their doctor.

Not to be used if allergic to any of the ingredients, or in cases of hypersensitivity to aspirin, ibuprofen or related painkillers (including when taken by mouth), especially where associated with a history of asthma, rhinitis or urticaria. Not to be used on broken or damaged skin.

Keep away from the eyes and mucous membranes. Oral NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, can sometimes be associated with renal impairment, aggravation of active peptic ulcers, and can induce allergic bronchial reactions in susceptible asthmatic patients. Although systemic absorption of topically applied ibuprofen is less than for oral dosage forms, these complications can occur in rare cases. For these reasons, patients with asthma, an active peptic ulcer or a history of kidney problems, should seek medical advice before using the gel, as should patients already taking other painkillers. Patients should seek medical advice if symptoms worsen or persist. The excipient propylene glycol may on rare occasions cause skin irritation in sensitive people. Keep out of the reach and sight of children. For external use only.

The label will state: Do not exceed the stated dose. Not recommended for children under 12 years. For external use only. Not to be used during pregnancy or breast feeding. Do not use if you are allergic to any of the ingredients or have experienced problems with aspirin, ibuprofen or related painkillers (including when taken by mouth). If symptoms persist consult your doctor or pharmacist. Keep out of the reach and sight of children. Patients with asthma, an active peptic ulcer or a history of kidney problems should consult their doctor before use, as should patients already taking aspirin or other painkillers.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may interact with blood pressure lowering drugs, and may possibly enhance the effects of anticoagulants, although the chance of either of these occurring with a topically administered preparation is extremely remote. Where aspirin or other NSAID tablets are taken concurrently, it is important to bear in mind that these may increase the incidence of undesirable effects.

Not to be used during pregnancy or lactation. Although no teratogenic effects have been demonstrated, ibuprofen should be avoided during pregnancy. The onset of labour may be delayed, and the duration of labour increased. Ibuprofen appears in breast milk in very low concentrations, but is unlikely to affect breast fed infants adversely.

None known.

Very rarely, susceptible patients may experience the following side effects with ibuprofen, but these are extremely uncommon when ibuprofen is administered topically. If they occur, treatment should be discontinued:

Hypersensitivity: hypersensitivity reactions have been reported following treatment with ibuprofen. These may consist of (a) non-specific allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, (b) respiratory tract reactivity comprising asthma, aggravated asthma, bronchospasm, or dyspnoea, or (c) assorted skin disorders, including rashes of various types, pruritus, urticaria, purpura, angioedema and, less commonly, bullous dermatoses (including epidermal necrolysis and erythema multiforme).

Renal: renal impairment can occur in patients with a history of kidney problems.

Gastrointestinal: side effects such as abdominal pain and dyspepsia have been reported.

Any overdose with a topical presentation of ibuprofen is extremely unlikely. Symptoms of severe ibuprofen overdosage (eg following accidental oral ingestion) include headache, vomiting, drowsiness and hypotension. Correction of severe electrolyte abnormalities should be considered.

ATC code: M02A A13, Antiinflammatory preparations, non-steroids for topical use.

The gel is for topical application. It contains the active ingredient, ibuprofen, a phenylpropionic acid derivative which exerts its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects directly in inflamed tissues underlying the site of application, mainly by inhibiting prostaglandin biosynthesis. Because it is formulated in an aqueous/alcoholic gel, the preparation also exerts a soothing and cooling effect when applied to the affected area.

Specially formulated for external application, the active ingredient penetrates through the skin rapidly and extensively (approximately 22% of a finite dose within 48 hours), achieving high, therapeutically relevant local concentrations in underlying soft tissues, joints and the synovial fluid, whilst producing plasma levels that are unlikely to be sufficient to cause any systemic side-effects, other than in rare individuals who are hypersensitive to ibuprofen. Furthermore, there do not appear to be any appreciable differences between the oral and topical routes of administration regarding metabolism or excretion.

No special information.

IMS; Carbomer; Propylene Glycol; Diethylamine; Purified Water.

None known.

36 months.

Do not store above 25°C.

30 g, 50 g and 100 g collapsible aluminium tubes, fitted with screw caps.

No special requirements.

Diomed Developments Limited

Tatmore Place, Gosmore

Hitchin, Herts SG4 7QR, UK

00173/0060.

12 January 2009.

May 2010.