1. What Rowachol is and what it is used for
Rowachol contains essential oils that help to dissolve or break up
cholesterol-based gallstones. It also reduces the cholesterol content of bile,
an important digestive juice that is formed in the liver. This may enable
existing gallstones to dissolve and help prevent new gallstones from
forming. Rowachol also increases bile production and relaxes the bile
ducts. This helps reduce painful spasms of the bile ducts. It also makes it
easier for any gallstones present to be passed out (expelled) with the bile.
Rowachol Capsules are intended for use in the breaking up (dissolving or
disintegrating) or passage (expulsion) of gallstones. Use in combination
with a medicine called chenodeoxycholic acid.
2. Before you take Rowachol
DO NOT take Rowachol
• if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to any of the active substances
• or any of the other ingredients of Rowachol (see section 6 “Further
information” for details).
Take special care with Rowachol
• You should be aware that gallstones can sometimes cause yellowing of
the skin or whites of the eyes (obstructive jaundice) due to liver or blood
problems.
• They can also cause inflammation of the bile duct (ascending cholangitis)
and the pancreas (pancreatitis) as well as pain in the stomach
(abdominal pain).
• You should tell your doctor at once if you feel that any of these problems
are affecting you, especially if you are elderly.
Children and adolescents under 18
Children and adolescents under 18 years of age should not take
Rowachol.
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.
• These medicines include:
– medicines to thin your blood (oral anti-coagulants e.g. Warfarin)
– medicines that are broken down in the liver (ask your doctor for advice
on this)
Taking Rowachol with food or drink
Rowachol should be taken on an empty stomach half an hour before
meals.
Pregnancy and breast feeding
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.
• You should not take Rowachol in early pregnancy (the first trimester) or
if you are breast feeding.
• No harmful effects on babies have been reported, but the risk is still
unknown.
Driving and using machines
Rowachol is unlikely to have any effect on your driving or ability to use
machines.
Important information about some of the ingredients of Rowachol
• Rowachol Capsules contain glycerine (glycerol) which is harmful in high
doses.
• It may cause headache, stomach upset and diarrhoea.
• This medicine may cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed) as it
contains sodium ethyl hydroxybenzoate (E215) and sodium propyl
hydroxybenzoate (E217).
3. How to take Rowachol
• Always take Rowachol exactly as your doctor has told you.
• You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
• Rowachol must only be taken by swallowing the whole capsule.
• Do not bite or chew the capsules.
The usual dose for adults:
Take 1 – 2 capsules three times daily, half an hour before meals. When
you first start treatment, a dose of one capsule three times daily is
recommended. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about this.
If you take more Rowachol than you should
Taking too much Rowachol might cause:
• headache
• stomach upset (gastric irritation)
• runny stools (diarrhoea).
• If you have taken more capsules than you should, talk to your doctor or
pharmacist immediately
If you forget to take Rowachol
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. Just take it as
soon as you remember. Then go on taking your next dose at the usual
time.
If you stop taking Rowachol
• Do not stop taking Rowachol without discussing this with your doctor.
• If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your
doctor or pharmacist.
4. Possible Side Effects
Like all medicines, Rowachol® can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
A small number of patients have noted side effects such as:
• belching and a peppermint taste after taking the capsules. (This can be
reduced or avoided if you take the capsules on an empty stomach thirty
minutes before meals).
• mouth ulcers or soreness of the mouth during treatment with
Rowachol®. If you notice this, consult your doctor.
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.
5. How to store Rowachol
Keep the capsules out of the reach and sight of children.
Do not store above 25˚C.
Store in a dry place.
Do not use Rowachol after the expiry date which is stated on the label.
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.
Jones –
Good product.