Nabilone

About Nabilone

This belongs to the group of medicines known as antiemetics.

Nabilone is used to treat nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting (being sick) caused by cancer chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Nabilone is available in capsule form.

Before Taking Nabilone

Before taking nabilone make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from heart, liver or blood pressure problems
• if you have ever been diagnosed as suffering from mental problems
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Nabilone

• Take nabilone exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Nabilone should be taken at bedtime the night before treatment and again, the following day, one to three hours before treatment as directed.
• Nabilone should start to work within one to two hours of taking a dose. If you are sick within one hour take the dose again.
• If you miss a dose of nabilone and feel or are sick ,take a dose as soon as possible and then carry on taking it at the usual times. If you miss a dose but do not feel sick take the next dose as usual.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose and never more than six capsules in 24 hours. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of nabilone contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• If nabilone is being taken to stop nausea caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy, a dose should be taken one to two hours before treatment and followed by another dose twelve hours later.
• Nabilone is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Nabilone can cause drowsiness, dizziness and problems with eyesight. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or able to see properly.
• Alcohol will increase any feelings of drowsiness. If you do drink alcohol, drink only in moderation and be aware of its effects on you.
• Nabilone can cause dry mouth. If you experience this, try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking sugar-free sweets or pieces of ice. If dry mouth becomes too troublesome, discuss the problem with your doctor.

Can Nabilone cause problems?

Along with their needed effects all medicines can cause unwanted symptoms, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor if any of the following symptoms continue or become troublesome.

Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, unsteadiness, problems with eyesight, difficulty concentrating, problems sleeping, mood changes, headache, feeling sick, confusion, seeing things that aren't real, lack of coordination, shakiness, a fast heartbeat, loss of appetite, tummy pains.

If you experience extreme changes in mood or behaviour, stop taking nabilone and contact your doctor as soon as possible.

If you experience any other worrying or troublesome symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist or doctor.

How to store Nabilone

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Do not keep any out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 20/02/2003