Linkus Nova Lozenges 18s

Linkus Nova Lozenges 18s are sugar-free herbal lozenges from Herbion, supplied as a pack of 18 lozenges. Each 2.5 g lozenge is made with a blend of plant extracts, including Adhatoda vasica (leaf) 30.0 mg, Cordia latifolia (fruit) 5.0 mg and Piper longum (fruit) 5.0 mg, together with further herbal extracts such as Hyssopus officinalis, Alpinia galanga, Viola odorata and Glycyrrhiza glabra (liquorice).

This is a herbal product and not an antiseptic or menthol lozenge. It does not list benzalkonium chloride, and it comes in several flavour variants (for example orange, honey lemon, cherry or strawberry). The pack is labelled as a traditional medicine and as having no added sugar, so it is different from the sugar-based lozenges that dominate the shelf. The flavour and the sweetener used can differ between variants, so check the label of the pack you receive.

Linkus Nova Lozenges are an OTC (Over-the-Counter) traditional medicine product that can be purchased through DoctorOnCall without needing a doctor’s prescription. The Malaysian product listing from the manufacturer states the dose for adults, so they are not meant to be given to children unless a doctor or pharmacist advises it. Please read the leaflet and label on the pack for the full list of ingredients, the dosing interval and the expiry date.

• Adults: dissolve one lozenge slowly in the mouth.
• Take at the interval printed on the pack insert. The manufacturer’s Malaysian product listing states one lozenge every 6 hours; do not take lozenges more often than the interval printed on your pack.
• Do not chew the lozenge or swallow it whole, and let it dissolve completely in the mouth.
• Do not give to children unless a doctor or pharmacist has advised it.
• Stop using the lozenges and see a doctor or pharmacist if symptoms last more than a few days or get worse.

Adults: one lozenge dissolved slowly in the mouth. The manufacturer’s Malaysian product listing for the 18-lozenge sugar-free Linkus Nova pack states one lozenge every 6 hours, while some other regional listings quote a shorter interval, so follow the dosing interval printed on the pack insert you received and never take more lozenges than the pack states. The product is for adults; for children, speak to a doctor or pharmacist first. If you miss a lozenge, take the next one when it is due and do not take extra lozenges to make up. Stop and see a doctor or pharmacist if symptoms last for more than a few days, get worse, or come with fever.

Use before the expiry date printed on the pack. Check the expiry date and batch number before use, and do not use lozenges that have passed their expiry date, are damaged or are no longer in a sealed strip or pack.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture, following any storage temperature printed on the pack. Keep the lozenges in their pack until use, close the pack after opening, and keep out of the reach and sight of children, as lozenges can be a choking hazard.

• Common: mild stomach upset or loose stools in some people, particularly if many sugar-free lozenges are taken in a day, since sugar-free sweeteners can have a laxative effect.
• Common: a temporary change in taste, or mild irritation of the mouth while the lozenge dissolves.
• Serious: an allergic reaction such as rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing. Stop using the lozenges and seek medical attention straight away.
• Serious: signs linked to high or prolonged liquorice intake, such as swelling of the ankles, headache, muscle weakness, an irregular heartbeat or raised blood pressure. Stop using the lozenges and see a doctor.

• Do not use if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to Adhatoda vasica, Cordia latifolia, Piper longum, Hyssopus officinalis, Alpinia galanga, Viola odorata, Glycyrrhiza glabra (liquorice), Onosma or any other ingredient in the lozenges.
• Do not give to children unless a doctor or pharmacist has advised it, as the manufacturer’s Malaysian listing states the dose for adults only.

• Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) can affect blood pressure and potassium levels, particularly with prolonged or high intake. Tell a doctor or pharmacist before use if you take blood pressure medicines, diuretics (water tablets), digoxin or corticosteroids.
• Tell a pharmacist about all other medicines and herbal or traditional products you are using, and avoid taking other herbal lozenges, syrups or cough preparations at the same time unless a pharmacist advises it, to avoid doubling up on similar herbal ingredients.
• No specific food interactions are known. The lozenges are labelled sugar-free, but they may still contain other sweeteners, so check the ingredient list on the pack.

• Let each lozenge dissolve slowly in the mouth instead of chewing or crunching it.
• Follow the dosing interval printed on your pack insert; the manufacturer’s Malaysian listing for this pack states one lozenge every 6 hours for adults.
• The lozenges are labelled sugar-free, but check the pack for the sweetener used and avoid taking many lozenges at once.
• Liquorice is one of the herbal ingredients, so tell a pharmacist before use if you have high blood pressure or take medicines that affect potassium.
• Check the flavour printed on the pack you receive, since orange, honey lemon, cherry and strawberry versions exist.
• Keep the pack closed and out of the reach of young children.

Precautions: This is a herbal traditional medicine product intended for adults. Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is one of the ingredients, so people with high blood pressure, heart or kidney problems, or low blood potassium, and those taking medicines that affect blood pressure or potassium, should ask a pharmacist before use. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also seek advice first. Do not give to children unless advised by a doctor or pharmacist, do not exceed the dosing printed on the pack, and keep lozenges away from young children because of the choking risk.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: See a doctor if your symptoms last for more than a few days, get worse, keep coming back, or are accompanied by fever, difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest pain, blood in sputum or phlegm, or difficulty swallowing. Stop the lozenges and seek medical attention straight away if you develop a rash, facial swelling or any sign of an allergic reaction.