Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Salagen (Pilocarpine-oral). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Salagen (Pilocarpine-oral) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Salagen (Pilocarpine-oral). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• chills
• Diarrhea
• flushing
• headache
• more frequent urination
• nausea
• runny eyes
• runny nose
• sweating
• vomiting

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• agitation
• difficulty breathing
• confusion
• dizziness
• fainting
• rapid heart beat
• severe stomach pain
• signs of Depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide)
• vision changes
• weakness

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)
• chest pain

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Salagen (Pilocarpine-oral).

Each white, round, biconvex, film-coated unscored tablet, debossed with "SAL" on one side and "5" on the other side contains pilocarpine 5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid, coating (hypromellose, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80), polish (carnauba wax).

Do not take pilocarpine if you:

• are allergic to pilocarpine or any ingredients of the medication
• have uncontrolled Asthma
• have an inflamed iris (the coloured part of the eye)
• have narrow angle Glaucoma

There may be an interaction between pilocarpine and any of the following:

• Aripiprazole
• beta-adrenergic blockers (e.g., Atenolol, Propranolol, Sotalol)
• Donepezil
• Galantamine
• Pimozide
• Rivastigmine

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Salagen (Pilocarpine-oral). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Salagen (Pilocarpine-oral).

Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Airway Disease (COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)): Salagen (Pilocarpine-oral) may cause the muscles in to tighten, in the walls of the small air passages in the lung, narrowing the air passages and making it more difficult to breathe. If you have breathing problems such as asthma or COPD, discuss with your doctor how Salagen (Pilocarpine-oral) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Salagen (Pilocarpine-oral), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Behaviour Changes: People taking Salagen (Pilocarpine-oral) may be at an increased risk of feeling agitated (restless, anxious, aggressive, emotional, and feeling not like themselves), especially people who are taking medications for mental health conditions like depression. If you experience a change in your M.O.S. or notice them in a family member who is taking Salagen (Pilocarpine-oral), contact your doctor immediately.

Heart Disease: Pilocarpine may cause worsening symptoms of heart disease. If you have heart disease or are at risk of heart failure, discuss with your doctor how Salagen (Pilocarpine-oral) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Salagen (Pilocarpine-oral), and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you experience difficulty breathing, fainting or are easily tired, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Kidney function: Kidney Disease or reduced kidney function may cause Salagen (Pilocarpine-oral) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Salagen (Pilocarpine-oral) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Salagen (Pilocarpine-oral), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Salagen (Pilocarpine-oral) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Salagen (Pilocarpine-oral) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Salagen (Pilocarpine-oral), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Salagen (Pilocarpine-oral).

Vision: Salagen (Pilocarpine-oral) may cause blurred vision, particularly at night. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous tasks until you have determined how Salagen (Pilocarpine-oral) affects you.

Pregnancy: Salagen (Pilocarpine-oral) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Salagen (Pilocarpine-oral), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if pilocarpine passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Salagen (Pilocarpine-oral), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Salagen (Pilocarpine-oral) have not been established for children less than 18 years old.