This medication is used to treat severe nausea and
vomiting caused by cancer drug treatment (chemotherapy). Nabilone is a
man-made drug similar to the natural substances found in marijuana
(cannabis). It is works by decreasing the signals in the brain that lead to
nausea and vomiting.
See also Side Effects section.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start taking nabilone and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your
doctor, usually 2 to 3 times a day. The first dose may be taken the night
before chemotherapy treatment. On the day you start chemotherapy, take
nabilone 1 to 3 hours before chemotherapy begins. Continue to take this
medication as directed by your doctor throughout your chemotherapy
treatment cycle. Your doctor may also direct you to keep taking this
medication until 24 to 48 hours after your treatment cycle ends. Follow
your doctor's instructions carefully.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and
response to treatment.
Use this medication regularly throughout your treatment
cycle to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the
same times each day. This medication should not be taken on an "as needed"
basis.
Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or
for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and
your risk of side effects will increase.
If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have
withdrawal symptoms (such as irritability, trouble sleeping, sweating, and
diarrhea). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose
slowly. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used nabilone for a long time
or in high doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have
withdrawal.
Though it helps many people, this medication may
sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance
use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Take this
medication exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of addiction. Ask your
doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets
worse.
Dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, feeling "high," an
exaggerated sense of well-being (euphoria), lightheadedness, headache,
trouble sleeping, or memory problems may occur. If any of these effects
last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get
up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
People using this medication may have serious side
effects. However, you have been prescribed this drug because your doctor
has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side
effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your
risk.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- fainting
- unusual weakness
- vision changes
- mental/mood changes (such as depression, anxiety, panic,
paranoia, hallucinations, psychosis)
Because nabilone can cause mental, mood, or behavior
changes, a responsible caretaker should closely supervise you while you are
taking this medication. If you have any such effects, remain calm and tell
your doctor right away. Do not take any more nabilone until after you
consult with your doctor.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking nabilone, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or to marijuana (cannabis) or related products;
or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive
ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to
your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- liver disease
- high blood pressure
- heart disease
- mental/mood conditions (such as mania, depression,
schizophrenia)
- personal or family history of a substance use disorder (such
as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol)
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or
marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use
machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely.
Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of
this drug, especially mental/mood changes.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially dizziness, lightheadedness, and mental/mood
changes.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using nabilone. Nabilone may
harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away
about the risks and benefits of this medication.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. However, similar drugs pass into breast milk and may have undesirable
effects on a nursing infant. Breastfeeding is not recommended while using
this medication. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other
products that cause drowsiness including alcohol, marijuana (cannabis),
antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine), drugs for sleep or
anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as
carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), and opioid pain relievers (such as codeine,
hydrocodone).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy
or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause
drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products
safely.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: fast
heartbeat, severe dizziness, hallucinations, anxiety, difficulty breathing,
loss of consciousness.
Do not share this medication with others. Sharing it is
against the law.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.