Carefill 20 mg ODS

Carefill 20 mg ODS is used to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men. It may help with problems such as:

• Difficulty achieving an erection

• Difficulty maintaining an erection

• Erections that are not firm enough for sexual activity

• Repeated erectile difficulties associated with reduced penile blood flow

Although tadalafil is used in certain formulations and dosing schedules for other medical conditions, Carefill 20 mg ODS should be used only for the condition and schedule stated by the healthcare professional.

• Helps improve erections in men with ED

• Supports better blood flow to penile tissues

• Provides an extended period for sexual activity

• Dissolves in the mouth without requiring water

• Can be easier to take than a conventional tablet

• Comes as a pre-measured single-dose strip

• Works only when sexual stimulation is present

• Offers greater flexibility in planning intimate activity

Tadalafil can support the erectile response for up to 36 hours in some men. This refers to the period during which an erection may be easier to achieve with stimulation; it does not mean that an erection will remain continuously for 36 hours.

When sexual stimulation occurs, the body releases nitric oxide in the penis. This raises the level of a natural chemical called cyclic guanosine monophosphate, or cGMP. The chemical relaxes smooth muscles and allows more blood to enter the erectile tissues.

An enzyme called PDE5 normally breaks down cGMP. Tadalafil temporarily blocks PDE5, allowing cGMP to remain active for longer. This improves penile blood flow and supports the ability to achieve and maintain an erection during sexual stimulation.

The oral strip dissolves quickly in the mouth, but this does not mean an erection occurs immediately. The medicine still needs time to be absorbed, and sexual arousal remains necessary.

Carefill 20 mg ODS contains 20 mg of tadalafil in each strip and is generally intended for use before anticipated sexual activity. Use this strength only when the complete 20 mg dose has been selected for you.

Remove the strip from its sachet with clean, dry hands. Place it on the tongue and allow it to dissolve completely before swallowing normally with saliva. Do not chew, tear, cut or swallow the strip whole. Water is generally not required, but the directions printed on the supplied package should always be followed.

Take the prescribed strip at least 30 minutes before sexual activity. Do not use more than one dose within 24 hours and do not take an additional strip if the first dose does not work immediately.

Standard tadalafil guidance recommends 10 mg as the usual starting amount for as-needed ED treatment. The dose may be increased to 20 mg according to effectiveness and tolerability. Tadalafil 20 mg is intended for as-needed use and should not be taken continuously every day unless a healthcare professional has provided a different schedule.

Kidney or liver problems and certain interacting medicines may require a lower dose. Do not combine Carefill 20 mg ODS with another tadalafil product or any other erectile dysfunction medicine.

Common Side Effects

Carefill 20 mg ODS may cause headache, indigestion, heartburn, facial flushing, nausea, nasal congestion, dizziness or discomfort in the back, muscles, arms or legs. These effects are usually temporary and improve as tadalafil leaves the body. Seek medical advice if they become severe, continue for a long time or interfere with normal activities.

Serious Side Effects

Stop using the medicine and obtain urgent medical assistance if you experience chest pain, fainting, severe dizziness, breathing difficulty or swelling of the face or throat. Emergency treatment is also required for an erection lasting longer than four hours. Sudden loss or reduction of vision or hearing requires immediate medical attention.

Carefill 20 mg ODS should not be taken without medical approval by:

• People taking nitrate medicines

• People using riociguat

• People using recreational “poppers”

• People allergic to tadalafil

• People advised to avoid sexual activity

• People with severe or unstable heart disease

• People with uncontrolled blood pressure

• People who recently had a heart attack or stroke

• People with previous NAION-related vision loss

• People with severe kidney or liver disease

• People under 18 years of age

• Women using it for erectile dysfunction

Medical assessment is also important for people with a penile deformity, bleeding disorder, stomach ulcer, sickle cell disease, leukaemia or multiple myeloma.

Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines, supplements and recreational substances being used.

Important interactions include:

• Nitrate medicines

• Riociguat

• Alpha-blockers

• Blood-pressure medicines

• Other PDE5 inhibitors

• Other tadalafil products

• Ritonavir and similar antiviral medicines

• Ketoconazole or itraconazole

• Clarithromycin or erythromycin

• Rifampicin

• Grapefruit products

• Excessive alcohol

Nitrates and riociguat must not be combined with tadalafil because the combination can cause a dangerous fall in blood pressure. Alpha-blockers and blood-pressure medicines may also increase dizziness or fainting in some people.

Do not combine Carefill 20 mg ODS with another erectile dysfunction treatment unless instructed by a qualified healthcare professional.

• Keep each strip inside its original sealed sachet.

• Store it at room temperature.

• Protect it from excessive heat and moisture.

• Do not store it in a bathroom.

• Handle the strip only with clean, dry hands.

• Keep it away from children and pets.

• Do not use a torn, wet or damaged strip.

• Do not use the medicine after its expiry date.

• Ask a pharmacist how to dispose of unused strips safely.