Leaflet attached to the packaging: information for the user
Warning! The leaflet should be kept. Information on the immediate packaging in a foreign language.
Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry (Nurofen pediatric)
40 mg/ml, oral suspension
Ibuprofen
Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry and Nurofen pediatric are different trade names for the same medicine.
For children weighing from 5 kg (from 3 months of age) to 40 kg (12 years old)
You should carefully read the contents of the leaflet before using the medicine, as it contains important information for the patient.
- This medicine should always be used exactly as described in the patient leaflet or as directed by a doctor or pharmacist.
- This leaflet should be kept in case it needs to be read again.
- If advice or additional information is needed, a pharmacist should be consulted.
- If the patient experiences any side effects, including any possible side effects not listed in the leaflet, they should tell their doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. See section 4.
- If after 24 hours (infants 3-5 months old, weighing over 5 kg) or 3 days (children over 6 months old) there is no improvement or the patient feels worse, a doctor should be consulted.
Table of contents of the leaflet:
- 1. What is Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry and what is it used for
- 2. Important information before using Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry
- 3. How to use Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry
- 4. Possible side effects
- 5. How to store Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry
- 6. Contents of the packaging and other information
1. What is Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry and what is it used for
Ibuprofen belongs to a group of medicines called Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).
The action of these medicines is to change the body's response to pain and elevated body temperature.
Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry is intended for short-term, symptomatic treatment of:
- fever,
- pain of mild to moderate severity.
If after 24 hours (infants 3-5 months old, weighing over 5 kg) or 3 days (children over 6 months old) there is no improvement or the patient feels worse, a doctor should be consulted.
2. Important information before using Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry
When not to use Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry
- If the child is allergic to ibuprofen or other similar painkillers (NSAIDs) or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).
- If the child has ever had difficulty breathing, asthma, hay fever, or swelling of the face and/or hands or hives after taking acetylsalicylic acid or other similar painkillers (NSAIDs).
- If the child has ever had bleeding or perforation of the gastrointestinal tract associated with previous use of NSAIDs.
- If the child currently has or has had stomach or duodenal ulcers (ulcer disease) or bleeding (two or more confirmed cases of ulcers or bleeding).
- If the child has severe liver or kidney failure.
- If the child has severe heart failure.
- If the child has had bleeding in the brain (cerebral hemorrhage) or other active bleeding.
- If the child has blood clotting disorders, as ibuprofen may prolong bleeding time.
- If the child has blood production disorders of unknown origin.
- In children with severe dehydration (caused by vomiting, diarrhea, or insufficient fluid intake).
Do not take the medicine in the last 3 months of pregnancy.
Warnings and precautions
Before starting treatment with Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry, the patient should discuss it with their doctor or pharmacist
- If the child has an infection - see below, "Infections".
- If the child has certain inherited blood disorders (e.g., acute intermittent porphyria).
- If the child has blood clotting disorders.
- If the child has certain skin diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or mixed connective tissue disease).
- If the child has certain bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease), as their symptoms may worsen.
- If the child has or has had high blood pressure and/or heart failure.
- If the child has kidney function disorders.
- If the child has liver disease. With long-term use of Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry, regular monitoring of liver function, kidney function, and blood morphology parameters is required.
- Caution is recommended when using other medicines that may increase the risk of gastrointestinal ulcers or bleeding, such as oral corticosteroids (e.g., prednisolone), blood thinners (e.g., warfarin), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (antidepressants), and antiplatelet agents (e.g., acetylsalicylic acid).
- If the child is taking other NSAIDs (including COX-2 inhibitors such as celecoxib or etoricoxib), as concurrent use of these medicines should be avoided.
- The risk of side effects can be reduced by using the smallest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to relieve symptoms.
- Generally, continuous use of (various) painkillers can lead to persistent serious kidney disease. This risk may increase during physical exertion associated with salt loss and dehydration. Therefore, it should be avoided.
- As a result of long-term use of any type of painkillers, headaches may occur, which should not be treated with increased doses of this medicine. In such cases, the medicine should be discontinued and a doctor consulted. The diagnosis of headache caused by medication overuse should be suspected in patients who have frequent or daily headaches despite (or due to) regular use of pain-relieving medications.
- If the child has or has had asthma or allergic diseases that can cause shortness of breath.
- If the child has hay fever, nasal polyps, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, there is an increased risk of allergic reactions. Allergic reactions can occur as asthma attacks (so-called analgesic-induced asthma), Quincke's edema, or hives.
- Do not use Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry in case of chickenpox (varicella).
- If the child has recently undergone major surgery (medical supervision is required).
- If the child is dehydrated, due to increased risk of kidney failure in dehydrated children.
Infections
Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry may mask the symptoms of infection, such as fever and pain. Therefore, Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry may delay the use of appropriate infection treatment, which can lead to increased risk of complications. This has been observed in bacterial pneumonia and bacterial skin infections associated with chickenpox. If the patient is taking this medicine during an infection and the symptoms of the infection persist or worsen, they should immediately consult a doctor.
Skin reactions
Severe skin reactions have been reported with the use of Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry. If the following occur: any skin rash, changes in mucous membranes, blisters, or other signs of allergy, the use of Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry should be discontinued and medical help sought immediately, as these may be the first signs of a very severe skin reaction. See section 4.
Gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, or perforation, which can be fatal, have been reported during treatment with all NSAIDs with or without warning signs or in patients with serious gastrointestinal disorders. If gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcers occur, treatment should be discontinued immediately.
The risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, or perforation increases with the dose of NSAIDs in patients who have had ulcers, especially with bleeding or perforation (see section 2 "When not to use Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry"). Elderly patients should start treatment with the smallest effective dose.
For these patients and patients requiring concurrent administration of low-dose acetylsalicylic acid or medications that increase the risk of gastrointestinal reactions, concomitant treatment with protective agents (e.g., misoprostol or proton pump inhibitors) should be considered.
Taking anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications, such as ibuprofen, may be associated with a small increased risk of heart attack or stroke, particularly when used in high doses. Do not exceed the recommended dose and duration of treatment.
Before using Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry, the patient should discuss treatment with their doctor or pharmacist if:
- The patient has heart disease, such as heart failure, angina pectoris (chest pain), has had a heart attack, has had a bypass operation, has peripheral artery disease (poor blood circulation in the legs due to narrowing or blockage of arteries), or has had any stroke (including mini-stroke or transient ischemic attack - TIA).
- The patient has high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, has a family history of heart disease or stroke, or smokes.
If any of the above applies to the child, a doctor should be consulted before using Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry.
Elderly patients
Elderly patients using NSAIDs are at increased risk of side effects, particularly those affecting the stomach and intestines.
Patient with a history of gastrointestinal disorders, especially the elderly, should report any unusual abdominal symptoms (mainly gastrointestinal bleeding), especially during the initial treatment phase.
Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry and other medicines
Tell the doctor or pharmacist about all medicines the child is currently taking or has recently taken, as well as any medicines the child may be taking.
Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry may affect the action of other medicines or other medicines may affect the action of Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry. For example:
- blood-thinning medicines (e.g., acetylsalicylic acid, warfarin, ticlopidine)
- blood pressure-lowering medicines (e.g., ACE inhibitors such as captopril, beta-blockers such as atenolol, angiotensin II receptor antagonists such as losartan).
Also, some other medicines may be affected or may affect treatment with Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry. Therefore, before using Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry with other medicines, a doctor or pharmacist should always be consulted.
In particular, the doctor should be informed if the patient is taking:
- Other NSAIDs, including COX-2 inhibitors, as the risk of side effects may increase
- Digoxin (a medicine used for heart failure), as the effect of digoxin may be enhanced
- Corticosteroids (medicines containing cortisone or similar substances), as the risk of gastrointestinal ulcers or bleeding may increase
- Antiplatelet agents, as the risk of bleeding may increase
- Acetylsalicylic acid (low doses), as the blood-thinning effect may be weakened
- Blood thinners (e.g., warfarin), as ibuprofen may enhance the effect of these medicines
- Phenytoin (a medicine used to treat epilepsy), as the effect of phenytoin may be enhanced
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (medicines used to treat depression), as they may increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding
- Lithium (a medicine used to treat manic-depressive disorders and depression), as the effect of lithium may be enhanced
- Probenecid and sulfinpyrazone (a medicine used to treat gout), as the elimination of ibuprofen may be delayed
- Blood pressure-lowering medicines and diuretics, as ibuprofen may weaken the effect of these medicines and increase the risk of kidney function deterioration
- Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., amiloride, potassium canrenoate, spironolactone, triamterene), as hyperkalemia may occur
- Methotrexate (a medicine used to treat cancer and rheumatism), as the effect of methotrexate may be enhanced
- Tacrolimus and cyclosporin (immunosuppressive medicines), as kidney damage may occur
- Zidovudine (used in HIV/AIDS treatment), as the use of Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry may increase the risk of intracranial bleeding or bleeding leading to swelling in HIV-positive patients with hemophilia
- Sulfonylurea derivatives (oral antidiabetic medicines), as they may affect blood sugar levels
- Quinolone antibiotics, as the risk of seizures may increase
- Voriconazole and fluconazole (CYP2C9 inhibitors, used in fungal infections), as the effect of ibuprofen may be enhanced; the dose of ibuprofen should be considered for reduction, especially when using high doses of ibuprofen with voriconazole or fluconazole
- Baclofen, as baclofen toxicity may develop after ibuprofen administration
- Ritonavir, as ritonavir may increase the plasma concentration of NSAIDs
- Aminoglycosides, as NSAIDs may increase the excretion of aminoglycosides
Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry and alcohol
Do not drink alcohol while using Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry.
Certain side effects, such as those related to the gastrointestinal tract or central nervous system, may be more likely when alcohol and Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry are taken together.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fertility
If the patient is pregnant or breastfeeding, thinks they may be pregnant, or plans to have a child, they should consult a doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine.
Pregnancy
Do not use the medicine during the last 3 months of pregnancy. Avoid using this medicine during the first 6 months of pregnancy, unless the doctor recommends otherwise.
Breastfeeding
Only small amounts of ibuprofen and its breakdown products pass into breast milk. Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry can be used during breastfeeding if administered in recommended doses and for the shortest possible time.
Fertility
Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry belongs to a group of medicines (NSAIDs) that may affect fertility in women. This effect is temporary after stopping the medicine.
Driving and using machines
During short-term use, the medicine does not affect or has a negligible effect on the ability to drive and use machines.
Important information about some ingredients of Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry
- Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry contains liquid maltitol (E 965). If the patient has previously been diagnosed with intolerance to some sugars, they should consult a doctor before taking the medicine.
- The medicine may have a mild laxative effect.
- The caloric value for maltitol is: 2.3 kcal/g
- Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry contains less than 1 mmol of sodium (23 mg) per dose, so the medicine is considered "sodium-free".
- Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry contains 16.45 mg of propylene glycol (E 1520) per 5 ml of suspension.
3. How to use Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry
Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry should always be used exactly as described in the patient leaflet or as directed by a doctor or pharmacist. In case of doubt, a doctor or pharmacist should be consulted.
Use the smallest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to relieve symptoms.
If the symptoms of an infection (such as fever and pain) persist or worsen, a doctor should be consulted immediately (see section 2).
Recommended dose for pain and fever:
Child's weight (age) | How much? | How often within 24 hours?* |
from 5 kg (3 to 5 months) | 1.25 ml (equivalent to 50 mg ibuprofen) | 3 times |
7 to 9 kg (6 to 11 months) | 1.25 ml (equivalent to 50 mg ibuprofen) | 3 to 4 times |
10 to 15 kg (1 year to 3 years) | 2.5 ml (equivalent to 100 mg ibuprofen) | 3 times |
16 to 19 kg (4 to 5 years) | 3.75 ml (equivalent to 150 mg ibuprofen) | 3 times |
20 to 29 kg (6 to 9 years) | 5 ml (equivalent to 200 mg ibuprofen) | 3 times |
30 to 40 kg (10 to 12 years) | 7.5 ml (equivalent to 300 mg ibuprofen) - (double use of the syringe: 5 ml + 2.5 ml) | 3 times |
*Doses should be administered every 6 to 8 hours.
Do not recommend for children under 3 months old or weighing less than 5 kg.
In patients with sensitive stomachs, Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry should be taken with food.
WARNING:do not exceed the recommended dose.
For oral use
Method of administration using an oral syringe
- 1. Shake the bottle well.
- 2. Remove the cap from the bottle by pressing it down and turning it to the left.
- 3. The oral syringe should be firmly inserted into the opening in the neck of the bottle.
- 4. To fill the syringe, turn the bottle upside down. Holding the syringe in place, gently pull the plunger down, drawing the suspension to the correct mark on the syringe.
- 5. Turn the bottle back over and remove the syringe by gently turning it.
- 6. Place the end of the syringe in the child's mouth. Press the plunger slowly and gently administer the suspension. After use, replace the cap. Rinse the syringe with warm water and let it dry. Store it out of reach and sight of children.
Duration of treatment
This medicine is intended for short-term use only. If the symptoms in a child over 6 months old persist for more than 3 days or the patient feels worse, a doctor should be consulted.
In the case of infants 3-5 months old (weighing over 5 kg), a doctor should be consulted if the symptoms do not improve after 24 hours.
If the symptoms worsen, a doctor should be consulted.
Taking a higher dose of Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry than recommended:
If the patient has taken a higher dose of Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry than recommended or if the child has accidentally taken the medicine, they should always consult a doctor or go to the nearest hospital to get an opinion on possible health risks and advice on what to do.
Symptoms may include nausea, stomach pain, vomiting (which may contain blood), gastrointestinal bleeding, headache, ringing in the ears, disorientation, and nystagmus or, less commonly, diarrhea.
After taking a large dose, balance disorders, vision disorders, low blood pressure, agitation, disorientation, coma, hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis, increased prothrombin time/INR, acute kidney failure, liver damage, respiratory depression, cyanosis, and worsening of asthma in asthmatic patients have occurred. Drowsiness, chest pain, palpitations, loss of consciousness, seizures (mainly in children), weakness, and dizziness, blood in the urine, feeling cold, and breathing problems.
Missing a dose of Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry:
Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. If the patient forgets to take or administer a dose, they should take or administer it as soon as they remember, and then take or administer the next dose of the medicine according to the dosing interval described above.
In case of any further doubts about using this medicine, a doctor or pharmacist should be consulted.
4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines, Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The risk of side effects can be reduced by using the smallest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to relieve symptoms. In children, one of the known side effects of NSAIDs may occur. If side effects occur or in case of doubt, the use of the medicine should be discontinued and a doctor consulted as soon as possible. Elderly patients using this medicine belong to a group with an increased risk of side effects.
DISCONTINUE USE OF THE MEDICINE AND SEEK MEDICAL HELP IMMEDIATELY IF THE CHILD EXPERIENCES:
- symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding, such as: severe abdominal pain, black tarry stools, vomiting blood or coffee grounds, or dark-colored vomit.
- symptoms of rare but serious allergic reactions, such as: worsening of asthma, unexplained wheezing or shortness of breath, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, or a drop in blood pressure leading to shock. Symptoms may occur even after the first use of the medicine. If any of these symptoms occur, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
- severe skin reactions, such as: rash covering the whole body, peeling, blistering, and shedding of the skin.
If any of the side effects worsen or any side effects not listed in the leaflet occur, a doctor should be told.
Frequent(may occur in 1 in 10 people)
- Gastrointestinal disorders such as heartburn, abdominal pain, nausea, indigestion, diarrhea, vomiting, bloating (gas), constipation, and minor gastrointestinal bleeding, which in rare cases may cause anemia.
Uncommon(may occur in 1 in 100 people)
- Ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract, which may bleed or perforate, inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth with ulcers, worsening of existing bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease), inflammation of the stomach lining
- Central nervous system disorders, such as headache, dizziness, insomnia, agitation, irritability, or fatigue
- Vision disorders
- Various skin rashes
- Allergic reactions with hives and itching.
Rare(may occur in 1 in 1,000 people)
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Increased urea levels in the blood, pain in the side and/or abdominal pain, blood in the urine, and fever, which may be signs of kidney damage (renal papillary necrosis)
- Increased uric acid levels in the blood
- Decreased hemoglobin levels.
Very rare(may occur in 1 in 10,000 people)
- Esophageal inflammation, pancreatitis, formation of diaphragm-like intestinal strictures
- Heart failure, heart attack, and facial or hand swelling
- Decreased urine output and swelling (especially in patients with high blood pressure or impaired kidney function), swelling and clouding of the urine (nephrotic syndrome), inflammatory kidney disease (interstitial nephritis), which can lead to acute kidney failure. If any of the above symptoms occur or if the patient feels unwell, the use of Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry should be discontinued and a doctor consulted immediately, as these may be the first signs of kidney damage or failure
- Psychotic reactions and depression
- High blood pressure, vasculitis
- Rapid heartbeat
- Liver function disorders, liver damage (the first symptoms may be skin discoloration), especially during long-term treatment, liver failure, acute hepatitis
- Blood production disorders - the first symptoms are: fever, sore throat, superficial mouth ulcers, flu-like symptoms, severe fatigue, nosebleeds, and unexplained bruising. In such cases, treatment should be discontinued immediately and a doctor consulted. Do not self-medicate with painkillers or antipyretics
- Severe skin and soft tissue infections during chickenpox
- Aseptic meningitis (with stiff neck, headache, nausea, vomiting, fever, and impaired consciousness) has been reported with ibuprofen. In patients with autoimmune disorders (lupus, mixed connective tissue disease), there is a higher risk of such symptoms. If such symptoms occur, a doctor should be consulted immediately
- Severe skin reactions, such as rash covering the body, peeling, blistering, and shedding of the skin (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and erythema multiforme), hair loss (alopecia).
Frequency not known(cannot be estimated from the available data)
- Respiratory tract reactions, including asthma, bronchospasm, shortness of breath.
- Severe skin reactions known as DRESS syndrome may occur. The symptoms of DRESS syndrome include: skin rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and an increased number of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell).
- A red scaly rash with thickening of the skin and blisters, usually on the folds of the skin, trunk, and upper limbs, with fever at the beginning of treatment (acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis). If such symptoms occur, the use of Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry should be discontinued and medical help sought immediately. See also section 2.
- The skin becomes sensitive to light.
Medicines like this one may be associated with a small increased risk of heart attack (myocardial infarction) or stroke.
Reporting side effects
If side effects occur, including any side effects not listed in the leaflet, a doctor, pharmacist, or nurse should be told. Side effects can be reported directly to the Department of Drug Safety Monitoring of the Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices, and Biocidal Products:
Jerozolimskie Avenue 181C, 02-222 Warsaw, phone: 22 49-21-301, fax: 22 49-21-309, website:
https://smz.ezdrowie.gov.pl
By reporting side effects, more information can be collected on the safety of the medicine.
5. How to store Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry
The medicine should be stored out of sight and reach of children.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date stated on the packaging. The expiry date refers to the last day of the month.
Do not store above 25°C.
After opening the bottle, the medicine should be used within 6 months.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. A pharmacist should be asked how to dispose of medicines no longer required. This will help protect the environment.
6. Contents of the packaging and other information
What Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry contains
The active substance of the medicine is ibuprofen. Each 1 ml of oral suspension contains 40 mg of ibuprofen.
The other ingredients are: citric acid monohydrate, sodium citrate, sodium chloride, sodium saccharin, polysorbate 80, domiphen bromide, liquid maltitol (E 965), glycerol, xanthan gum, strawberry flavor (containing propylene glycol (E 1520)), and purified water.
What Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry looks like and what the packaging contains
Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry is a white suspension with a syrupy consistency and a characteristic strawberry flavor.
Each bottle contains 150 ml.
The packaging includes an oral syringe (5 ml syringe with a scale: 1.25 ml, 2.5 ml, 3.75 ml, and 5.0 ml).
Outer packaging: cardboard box.
For more detailed information, the marketing authorization holder or parallel importer should be contacted.
Marketing authorization holder in Spain, the country of export:
Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare S.A., C/Mataró, 28, 08403 Granollers (Barcelona), Spain
Manufacturer:
RB NL Brands B.V., Schiphol Blvd 207, 1118 BH Schiphol, Netherlands
Parallel importer:
Delfarma Sp. z o.o., ul. Św. Teresy od Dzieciątka Jezus 111, 91-222 Łódź
Repackaged by:
Delfarma Sp. z o.o., ul. Św. Teresy od Dzieciątka Jezus 111, 91-222 Łódź
Spanish marketing authorization number: 701428.7
Parallel import authorization number: 417/22
This medicinal product is authorized in the Member States of the European Economic Area under the following names:
Date of leaflet approval: 23.11.2022
[Information about the trademark]
Germany | Nurofen Junior Fieber- und Schmerzsaft Erdbeer 40 mg/ml Suspension zum Einnehmen |
Bulgaria | Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry 200 mg/5 ml oral suspension |
Estonia | Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry |
Latvia | Nurofen for Children Strawberry 200 mg/5 ml oral suspension |
Lithuania | Nurofen for Children Forte Strawberry |
Poland | Nurofen dla dzieci Forte truskawkowy |
Romania | NUROFLEX cu aromă de căpșuni 40 mg/ml suspensie orală |
Spain | Junipro 40 mg/ml suspension oral sabor fresa, Nurofen pediátrico |