Essentiale Forte N Capsule

Essentiale Forte N Capsule is a hard capsule from the Essentiale range originally developed by Sanofi, containing 300mg of essential phospholipids per capsule. The phospholipids are purified from soybeans and consist mainly of phosphatidylcholine, a phospholipid that is a natural building block of cell membranes, including the membranes of liver cells. This pack contains 90 capsules, which provides a 15-day supply at the usual adult intake of 6 capsules a day.

According to its product information, Essentiale is used as supportive therapy in certain liver conditions, and it is intended to be taken alongside medical advice rather than in place of it. The usual adult intake is 2 capsules three times a day with meals, swallowed whole with water. Manufacturer information recommends a course of at least 1 to 3 months, and the duration should be agreed with your doctor or pharmacist based on your situation.

Because the active ingredient is derived from soybeans, Essentiale Forte N is not suitable for people with a soy allergy, and people with a peanut allergy should seek advice first because of possible cross-reactivity. It is intended for adults and adolescents aged 12 years and above, and use during pregnancy or breastfeeding should only be considered on a doctor’s advice. Healthy eating, limiting alcohol and following your doctor’s recommendations remain important while taking this product.

Take Essentiale Forte N Capsule during meals with a glass of water. Swallow each capsule whole; do not chew, crush or open the capsule. Spread the daily intake across your three main meals (for example, 2 capsules with breakfast, lunch and dinner), and follow any different instructions given by your doctor or pharmacist or printed on the package leaflet.

Adults and adolescents aged 12 years and above (body weight at least 43kg): 2 capsules three times daily with meals (6 capsules, equivalent to 1,800mg essential phospholipids, per day), unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Duration: manufacturer information suggests a course of at least 1 to 3 months; your doctor or pharmacist will advise how long you should take it. Do not exceed the recommended daily intake. If you miss a dose, take the next dose with your next meal as usual; do not double up to make up for a missed dose.

Children under 12 years: not recommended.

Refer to the expiry date printed on the product packaging and blister strips. Do not take capsules after the expiry date has passed.

Store below 25°C in a dry place, or as stated on the product packaging. Keep the capsules in the original blister pack to protect them from moisture, and keep out of the sight and reach of children.

• Common: stomach discomfort or a feeling of fullness
• Common: soft or loose stools, or diarrhoea
• Common: nausea
• Serious: allergic reactions such as skin rash, redness, itching or hives – stop taking the capsules and seek medical advice
• Serious: signs of a severe allergic reaction such as swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing – seek emergency medical care immediately

• Known allergy or hypersensitivity to soya (soybean) or to any other ingredient in the capsule
• Known peanut allergy – do not use unless your doctor has confirmed it is suitable, because soy and peanut allergies can cross-react
• Children under 12 years of age
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding – not recommended unless specifically advised by a doctor, as safety data are limited

• Anticoagulants (blood thinners such as warfarin): an interaction cannot be ruled out and the dose of the anticoagulant may need adjusting – inform your doctor before starting, and follow any blood test monitoring advised
• Alcohol: avoid or limit alcohol while taking this product, as alcohol places additional strain on the liver
• Other medicines: no significant interactions with commonly used medicines are known from the manufacturer’s information, but always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines and supplements you take
• Food: take with meals; no specific food interactions are known

• Take your capsules with your three main meals so the daily intake is spread evenly through the day.
• Swallow the capsules whole with water – do not chew or open them.
• Check with your doctor or pharmacist before use if you have a soy or peanut allergy.
• Let your doctor know if you take blood thinners such as warfarin, as monitoring may be needed.
• Limit alcohol and keep up a balanced diet and regular physical activity alongside your treatment plan.
• Attend your regular check-ups so your doctor can review your progress and how long you should continue.

Precautions: This product contains phospholipids derived from soybeans, so it must not be used by people with a soy allergy, and people with a peanut allergy should consult a doctor first. It is not recommended for children under 12 years. Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding only if a doctor advises it. The capsule shell is made of gelatin; refer to the packaging if you have dietary requirements regarding gelatin. Essentiale Forte N supports, but does not replace, medical care, a healthy diet and avoiding alcohol.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Speak to your doctor before starting if you have a diagnosed liver condition, take anticoagulants or other long-term medicines, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Seek medical attention promptly if you develop yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, persistent abdominal pain, vomiting, unexplained weight loss or a rash, or if your symptoms do not improve or become worse.