What is Cesamet?
Cesamet, also known as cannabis or marijuana, is an artificial form of the drug. Cesamet treats severe nausea and vomiting due to cancer chemotherapy. Cesamet is only prescribed when other drugs have failed to reduce nausea and vomiting. Cesamet can be used in other ways not mentioned in the medication guide.
Warnings
Cesamet can be addictive and is only to be taken by those who are prescribed it. Cesamet shouldn't be shared with anyone, particularly someone with a drug-abuse history or a habit of marijuana consumption. Store the medicine in a safe place that others can't access. If you've ever experienced an allergic reaction when using natural or synthetic marijuana, do not take nabilone.
Tell your doctor before taking Cesamet if your blood pressure is high, you suffer from heart disease, or you have a mental illness. Also, let your doctor know if your system has been affected by other medications, like tranquillizers, antipsychotics, sleep medicines, or tranquillizers. Other medicines that affect the central nervous system (such as stimulants and diet pills, pain relievers, muscle relaxers, and medications for depression, anxiety, or Parkinson's) should be avoided. Cesamet can be affected by other medications.
Cesamet can cause you to be unable to think clearly or react quickly. Cesamet can cause you to lose your alertness and concentration. Do not drive or perform any other activity that involves being awake until Cesamet has worn off. Please read and follow all instructions listed on your medication's label or package carefully before taking.Inform your doctors about your allergies and medical conditions. Provide details regarding any medications you are currently taking.
Before you take this drug
Cesamet should be avoided if you've ever experienced an allergic reaction when exposed to marijuana, whether it was natural or synthetic (dronabinol or marinol).
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Cesamet will be safe for you:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Liver or kidney disease
- History of drug or alcohol abuse;
- Mental illness, past or current (depressions, schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, psychosis)
Cesamet can be addictive. Do not share Cesamet, particularly with someone who has a drug addiction history or a habit of smoking marijuana. Cesamet is in FDA pregnancy category C. There are no known risks to an unborn child. If you plan to get pregnant or are currently pregnant and using Cesamet, tell your doctor.
We do not know if nabilone can pass into breastmilk or harm nursing babies. This medicine should not be taken while breastfeeding. The effects of the medication may be stronger in older adults.This medication should not be given to people under the age of 18.
Similar/related drugs
Ondansetron, Lorazepam, Dexamethasone, Zofran, Ativan, and Metoclopramide
How to take Cesamet?
Follow the directions on your prescription label. Please follow all the directions outlined on your prescription label. Take this medication only as prescribed. Do not exceed or take more than the prescribed dosage or duration. Cesamet should be taken 1 to 3 hours prior to your chemotherapy. You may be advised by your doctor to take a low dose the night before chemotherapy. Nabilone can also be taken 2 to 3 times per day during the chemotherapy cycle and up until 48 hours following treatment, as needed.
Cesamet's effects can last up to 48 hours. This time period may vary from one person to another. Keep away from heat and moisture. Store at room temperature. Track the quantity of medication used in each bottle. Cesamet can be abused, so you need to know if someone is taking your medication without a prescription or improperly.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you forgot to take the medicine before chemotherapy, call your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
Call our poison help line now at 1-800-222-1222 if you suspect an overdose is taking place or seek immediate medical advice. Some of the symptoms listed here may be severe overdose symptoms.
What should be avoided?
The medication can affect your ability to think or react. You should be careful when driving or doing anything else that requires alertness.
Side effects of Cesamet
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: Hives, difficulty breathing, swelling in your mouth, face, lips, or throat
Call your doctor immediately if:
- Hallucinations are a form of hallucination (seeing and hearing something that is not real).
- Confuse yourself with unusual behaviour or thoughts.
- Anxiety, panic, paranoia, and extreme fear are all terms used to describe this condition.
- Fast heart rate
- Feeling lightheadedness as though they could collapse.
Cesamet may cause side effects such a:
- Headache, dizziness, drowsiness;
- Feeling "high"
- Lack of coordination and weakness
- Depressed moo
- Dry mouth
- Trouble concentrating.
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; report these by calling the FDA directly at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Details on dosage
Adult Usual Dose of Nausea/Vomiting: Chemotherapy Induced:
First dose: Take 1 or 2 mg twice a day, 1 to 3 hours prior to the administration of the chemotherapy agent. It may be helpful to take 1 mg or 2 mg the night before chemotherapy. Cesamet can be taken two or three times daily throughout each chemotherapy cycle and for up to 48 hours following the final dose.
The maximum daily dosage is 6 mg, divided into three doses daily.
Common Paediatric Cesamet Dosage for omiting or Nausea—Induced by Chemotherapy:
Patients younger than the age of 18 have not yet been evaluated for safety and efficacy. Cesamet can have psychoactive side effects, so it is best to use caution when prescribing this drug to children.
Interaction with other drug
This medicine can make these side effects worse if taken with drugs that slow breathing or cause sleepiness. Consult your doctor before combining Cesamet with sleeping pills, narcotics, muscle relaxers, anxiety or depression medications, or seizure medicine. Nabilone may also interact with other drugs, such as prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, or vitamin products. Inform your healthcare providers of all medications you are taking and those you plan to take.
