What are Lemsip Cold and Flu sachets?

Lemsip Cold and Flu sachets are a cold and flu remedy that can be made up into a delicious hot drink. It can help to ease lots of your symptoms, including headaches, congestion, a fever, and more. Lemsip sachets are available in lemon and blackcurrant flavours, so you can choose whichever you like best as you recover from that pesky cold.

What happens when I have a cold?

When you have a cold there are lots of common symptoms you may experience. They’ll usually clear up by themselves in a week or so, with some symptoms lasting longer than others. Some of the most common symptoms of a cold include:

• Headaches
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Blocked nose
• Runny nose
• Muscular aches
• Sneezing
• A raised temperature
• Loss of taste and smell

How will Lemsip Cold and Flu sachets ease my cold and flu symptoms?

Lemsip Cold and Flu sachets contain two active ingredients which work together to ease your cold and flu symptoms. The first is 650mg of paracetamol, a popular painkiller that can also help to bring down a fever or high temperature, perfect for cold and flu symptoms. The second is 10mg of phenylephrine, a nasal decongestant which reduces swelling in your nasal passages, easing blockage so you can breathe more comfortably.

Can I take this cold remedy if I’m pregnant?

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product. Women who have a history of pre-eclampsia should not take Lemsip. If you’re suffering from a cold at this time you should ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend a suitable remedy for you.

Can I take this product if I’m taking other medication?

If you’re taking any other medication, including herbal remedies or medicines obtained without a prescription, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product. This especially applies if you are already taking:

• Beta-blockers, which are used for high blood pressure
• Vasodilators, which are used for high blood pressure, leg pain due to vascular problems, or Raynaud’s syndrome
• Tri-cyclic antidepressants, which are used to treat depression
• Other decongestants
• Barbiturates, which are used to treat sleep problems or epilepsy
• Other medications which may affect how paracetamol works, such as cholestyramine, metoclopramide, domperidone, warfarin and other blood thinners
• Other medications which may affect how phenylephrine works, such as digoxin and cardiac glycoside

You should not take this product if you are already taking:

• Any other medications that contain paracetamol
• Any other sympathomimetic decongestants
• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) which are used to treat depression, or have used these medications within the past 2 weeks

How to make up this drink

To make up this product, dissolve one Lemsip Cold and Flu sachet in a mug of hot water and stir to dissolve. Add sugar or another sweetener if you need to and then drink right away. Take one sachet every 4 - 6 hours, leaving at least 4 hours between each dose. Do not take more than 4 sachets within 24 hours.

When should this product not be used?

Lemsip Cold and Flu sachets are not suitable for children under the age of 16. Do not take this product if you are allergic to paracetamol, phenylephrine, or any of the other listed ingredients. Do not take this medication if you:

• Have a serious heart condition
• Have high blood pressure
• Have an overactive thyroid
• Have an enlarged prostate
• Have taken any MAOIs within the past 14 days
• Are taking any other sympathomimetic decongestants

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you have:

• Raynaud’s syndrome
• Diabetes mellitus
• Liver or kidney problems
• Liver disease which is not associated with changes in the structure of the liver
• Closed-angle glaucoma
• Phenylketonuria, as this product contains aspartame
• An intolerance to some sugars, as this product contains lactose and sucrose
• A low-sodium diet, as this product contains 120.74mg of sodium per sachet

Do Lemsip Cold and Flu sachets have any side effects?

Like all medications, Lemsip Cold and Flu sachets can have side effects, although not everyone will experience them. These side effects include:

• Serious skin reactions
• Allergic reactions
• Blood disorders, such as a reduction in blood platelets or blood cells
• Stomach and gut disorders, showing symptoms such as feeling sick, being sick, stomach pain
• Difficulty passing urine, especially in men

If you experience these or any other side effects while using this product, stop use and speak to your doctor or pharmacist right away. For more information about reporting the side effects of medication, please see the MHRA’s Yellow Card Scheme.

How to store this product

Store in a cool, dry place which is below 25 degrees C. Do not take this product if the expiry date printed on the original packaging has passed. Keep out of sight and reach of children.