Sign inBefore 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 health problems.
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
How to take nabilone
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
- The hospital doctor or nurse may advise you to take your first dose the night before you start chemotherapy and then another dose one to three hours before the treatment begins.
- You may be prescribed nabilone while you are having chemotherapy treatment and for up to 2 days after your last dose of chemotherapy.
- If you miss a dose, wait until it is time for the next dose, and then continue as before. Try to take nabilone at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
Getting the most from your treatment
- If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Can nabilone cause problems?
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Feeling dizzy - especially when you stand up | 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 |
| Feeling sleepy, confused, relaxed, difficulty concentrating, problems sleeping | Speak to your doctor if any of these become troublesome |
| Dry mouth | Try chewing sugar free gum, sucking pieces of ice or sugar-free sweets |
| Hallucinations (seeing and hearing things that aren't there) | Speak to your doctor as soon as possible |
- If you experience extreme changes in mood or behaviour, stop taking nabilone and contact your doctor as soon as possible.
- You should not drive or use machinery while taking nabilone and for up to 3 days after stopping it.
- Do not drink alcohol while you are on nabilone.
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store nabilone
- Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Nabilone Capsules, Valeant Pharmaceuticals Ltd, updated August 2007, electronic Medicines Compendium, accessed November 2008.
- British National Formulary; 56th Edition (September 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).