What is this medication?

DRONABINOL (droe NAB i nol) prevents and treats nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy. It is prescribed when other medications have not worked. It may also be used to treat loss of appetite and weight loss in patients with chronic conditions. It belongs to a group of medications called cannabinoids.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): SYNDROS

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• A history of substance use disorder
• Heart disease, including angina or irregular heart rate
• High or low blood pressure
• Dizziness or fainting spells on standing
• Mental health conditions
• Seizures
• An unusual or allergic reaction to dronabinol, marijuana, alcohol, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Drink a full glass of water (6 to 8 ounces) right after you take your dose. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medication. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your care team's advice.

Contact your care team regarding the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Nabilone

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Alcohol-containing medications or drinks
• Amphetamine or other stimulant medications
• Antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold
• Atropine
• Barbiturates, such as phenobarbital
• Certain medications for anxiety or sleep
• Certain medications for bladder problems, such as oxybutynin, tolterodine
• Certain medications for depression, such as amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline
• Certain medications for Parkinson's disease, such as benztropine, trihexyphenidyl
• Certain medications for seizures, such as phenobarbital, primidone
• Certain medications for stomach problems, such as dicyclomine, hyoscyamine
• Certain medications for travel sickness, such as scopolamine
• Cocaine
• Disulfiram
• General anesthetics, such as halothane, isoflurane, methoxyflurane, propofol
• Ipratropium
• Lithium
• Local anesthetics, such as lidocaine, pramoxine, tetracaine
• Medications that relax muscles for surgery
• Opioid medications for pain
• Phenothiazines, such as chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
• Theophylline

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

The first time you take this medication or have an increase in dose make sure there is a responsible person nearby. You may experience mood changes, easy laughter, or other changes in behavior.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you have low blood pressure or if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medication. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

If you are taking this medication to improve your appetite, this is only part of your therapy. Discuss what you can eat and ways of improving your diet with your care team or nutritionist. Frequent small snacks as well as regular meals can help provide extra calories and protein.

Do not smoke marijuana while you are taking this medication. It is similar to one of the active substances found in marijuana. You are at increased risk of serious heart and/or nervous system side effects if these medications are used together.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Heart palpitations—rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• Increase in blood pressure
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
• Mood and behavior changes—anxiety, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, irritability, hostility, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
• Seizures

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Extreme feeling of happiness or joy, intense excitement
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication may cause accidental overdose and death if taken by other adults, children, or pets. Keep out of the reach of children and pets. This medication can be abused. Keep your medication in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medication with anyone. Selling or giving away this medication is dangerous and against the law.

Store between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F) or in a refrigerator. Avoid freezing. Discard unused portion 28 days after first opening or after the expiration date, whichever comes first. Mix any unused medication with a substance like cat litter or coffee grounds. Then throw the medication away in a sealed container like a sealed bag or a coffee can with a lid.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.