Marinol

 
Generic Name: dronabinol

Brands: Marinol

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

· Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform other hazardous activities while taking Marinol. Marinol may cause dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired judgement.

· Do not drink alcohol while taking Marinol. Alcohol will increase dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired judgement.

· Marinol may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any other medicine without first talking to your doctor.

 

What is Marinol?

· Marinol is an orally active cannabinoid, one of the active substances in marijuana.

· Marinol is used to treat severe nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy. Marinol is also used to stimulate appetite and increase weight gain in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

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· Marinol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

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

· Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have     ·an allergy to cannabinoid or sesame oil;     ·kidney or liver disease;     ·heart disease, high blood pressure, or other heart problems; or     ·any psychiatric problems such as depression, manic-depressive disorder, schizophrenia, or others.

· You may not be able to take Marinol, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· It is not known whether Marinol will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Marinol without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

· Marinol passes into breast milk and maybe harmful to a nursing infant. Do not take Marinol if you are breast-feeding a baby.

 

How should I take Marinol?

· Take Marinol exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Take each dose with a full glass of water.

· Store Marinol in a well-closed container in a cool environment (such as the refrigerator), between 46 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit (8 and 15 degrees Celsius). Do not allow Marinol to freeze.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention.

· Symptoms of a Marinol overdose include drowsiness, euphoria, disorientation, redness of the eyes, dryness of the mouth, a fast heart rate, memory loss, slurred speech, and poor coordination.

 

What should I avoid while taking Marinol?

· Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform other hazardous activities while taking Marinol. Marinol may cause dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired judgement.

· Do not drink alcohol while taking Marinol. Alcohol will increase dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired judgement.

· Marinol may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any other medicine without first talking to your doctor.

 

What are the possible side effects of Marinol?

· Stop taking Marinol and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Marinol and talk to your doctor if you experience     ·drowsiness or dizziness;     ·nausea or vomiting;     ·memory loss;     ·confusion, hallucinations, abnormal thinking, or intoxication;     ·headache;     ·anxiety or nervousness; or     ·irregular or fast heartbeat.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Marinol?

· Do not drink alcohol while taking Marinol. Alcohol will increase dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired judgement.

· Marinol may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any other medicine without first talking to your doctor.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Marinol. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products, during treatment with Marinol.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has more information about Marinol written for health professionals that you may read.

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