dronabinol

What is the most important information I should know about dronabinol?

Dronabinol may cause new or worsening psychosis (unusual thoughts or behavior), especially if you have ever had depression or mental illness.

Dronabinol can raise or lower blood pressure, especially in older adults or in people with heart problems.

What is dronabinol?

Dronabinol is a man-made form of cannabis (also known as marijuana).

Dronabinol is used to treat loss of appetite that causes weight loss in people with AIDS.

Dronabinol is also used to treat severe nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy. Dronabinol is usually given after medicines to control nausea and vomiting have been tried without success.

Dronabinol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking dronabinol?

You should not take dronabinol capsules if you are allergic to sesame oil.

Dronabinol oral solution (liquid medicine) contains alcohol. You should not take dronabinol liquid if you have ever had an allergic reaction to alcohol or if you also use disulfiram (Antabuse) or metronidazole (Flagyl). Do not take dronabinol liquid within 14 days after or 7 days before using disulfiram or metronidazole.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• an allergy to any medication;
• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
• heart problems, high or low blood pressure, fainting spells, fast heartbeats;
• alcoholism or drug addiction; or
• depression, mental illness, or psychosis.

HIV can be passed to your baby if you are not properly treated during pregnancy. If you have HIV or AIDS, take all of your medicines as directed to control your infection.

How should I take dronabinol?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to use more of this medicine.

To stimulate appetite in people with AIDS, dronabinol is usually taken 1 hour before lunch and 1 hour before dinner.

To prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy:

• Take your first dose on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before eating.
• After your first dose, you may take dronabinol with or without food but take it at the same time in relation to your mealtimes for each treatment for chemotherapy.
• Dronabinol is usually given 1 to 3 hours before your chemotherapy treatment, and then every 2 to 4 hours (up to 6 doses per day).

Older adults may need to take this medicine less often. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

You may need to follow a special diet while using dronabinol. Follow all instructions of your doctor or dietitian. Learn about the foods you should eat to help boost your food intake.

Do not stop using dronabinol suddenly after long-term use, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Overdose symptoms may include changes in mood, memory problems, little or no urinating, constipation, loss of energy, problems with speech or coordination, or feeling light-headed.

What should I avoid while taking dronabinol?

What are the possible side effects of dronabinol?

• a seizure;
• fast or pounding heartbeats;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• confusion, trouble sleeping, problems with memory or concentration;
• unusual changes in mood or behavior;
• restlessness, feeling nervous or irritable;
• slurred speech, drowsiness;
• severe or ongoing nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain; or
• increased blood pressure --severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears.

Common side effects may include:

• feeling "high";
• dizziness, drowsiness, thinking problems;
• unusual thoughts or fears;
• feelings of extreme happiness; or
• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect dronabinol?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Other drugs may affect dronabinol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about dronabinol.