Facing chemotherapy for cancer treatment can bring many challenges, and severe nausea and vomiting are often among the hardest to manage. When standard anti-nausea medicines do not work well enough or cause too many problems, your doctor may suggest a specialized prescription medicine called nabilone. Understanding how this medicine works, how to take it safely, and what side effects to watch for can help you feel more prepared and confident during your cancer care journey.
Nabilone is a prescription capsule designed specifically to help control severe upset stomach and vomiting related to cancer treatments. Because it affects your body and mind in unique ways, knowing what to expect is essential for your safety and comfort. This complete guide walks you through everything you need to know about nabilone, from starting your first dose to safe storage at home.
Key Takeaways About Nabilone
- Nabilone is prescribed for severe chemotherapy-induced nausea when other medicines fail.
- It works by blocking specific chemical signals in your brain that trigger vomiting.
- Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, and mild mood changes.
- Never mix nabilone with alcohol, marijuana, or dronabinol.
- Always follow your doctor's exact dosing instructions and keep the medicine securely stored.
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What Is Nabilone?
Simply put, nabilone is a prescription medicine belonging to a class of drugs known as antiemetics. In medical terms, antiemetics are treatments specifically created to stop or prevent nausea and vomiting. When you undergo chemotherapy, your body releases certain natural chemicals and nerve signals that trigger the vomiting center in your brain. Nabilone works by blocking these signals from reaching your brain, helping you feel much more comfortable.
The most important thing to know is that nabilone is almost never the first medicine doctors try. Medical professionals usually prescribe standard, milder anti-nausea drugs first. If those standard treatments do not work or if you cannot tolerate them, your doctor will consider nabilone as an effective next step.
Things to Tell Your Doctor Before Starting
Before you take your first dose of nabilone, your doctor needs a complete picture of your medical history. Certain health conditions or personal habits can change how this medicine affects your body. If any of the following situations apply to you, be sure to share them openly with your doctor:
- You drink alcohol regularly or struggle with alcohol use.
- You have a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, or irregular heartbeats.
- You have a past history of substance use disorder or drug addiction.
- You currently have kidney disease or liver problems.
- You live with a mental health condition such as depression or anxiety.
- You are pregnant or actively trying to become pregnant.
- You are a nursing mother breastfeeding your baby.
- You have had an allergic reaction in the past to nabilone, dronabinol, marijuana, or any other foods, dyes, or medicines.
How to Use This Medicine Properly
To get the best results and stay safe, you must take nabilone exactly as your doctor instructs. Always follow these simple rules for taking your medicine correctly:
- Swallow the capsule whole with a full glass of water.
- Read and follow all instructions printed on your prescription label carefully.
- Take your exact dose at the scheduled times. Never take more than your doctor prescribes.
- For children: Giving nabilone to children requires special medical supervision and careful dosage adjustments by a pediatrician.
- For adults over 65: Older adults often feel the effects of this medicine much more strongly, so doctors typically prescribe a lower starting dose.
What to Do in Case of Overdose
If you suspect that you or someone else has taken more nabilone than prescribed, you must act quickly. Go right away to the nearest hospital emergency department (ER / A&E). In the US or Canada, call 911 right away. In the UK, call 999 or seek emergency medical help right away. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
What to Do If a Dose Is Missed
If you forget to take a scheduled dose of nabilone, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose entirely and stick to your regular dosing schedule. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one, as this can cause dangerous side effects.
Potential Drug Interactions
Sharing a complete list of every medicine, vitamin, and herbal product you take is vital for your safety. Certain substances can interact with nabilone and cause unwanted or dangerous side effects.
Special Warning: Never take nabilone alongside dronabinol under any circumstances. Combining these two similar compounds can lead to severe adverse effects on your nervous system.
Many other substances can also interact with nabilone. Make sure your doctor knows if you take any of the products listed below:
| Drug or Substance Category | Examples and Details |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | All alcoholic beverages and products containing alcohol. |
| Stimulant Medicines | Amphetamines and weight-loss or focus-enhancing drugs. |
| Cold and Allergy Relief | Over-the-counter antihistamines and cough medicines. |
| Sleep Aids and Anxiety Pills | Prescription medicines designed to help you sleep or calm anxiety. |
| Antidepressants | Common examples include amitriptyline and fluoxetine. |
| Pain Relievers | Opioid pain medicines such as tramadol or morphine. |
| Other Prescription Drugs | Atropine, buspirone, lithium, theophylline, and muscle relaxants. |
This list does not cover every possible drug interaction. Always bring a complete list of your current medicines to every medical appointment.
Important Precautions While Taking Nabilone
- Have a responsible caregiver nearby: Nabilone can temporarily alter your mood and thinking patterns. You might feel unusually cheerful, giggly, or emotionally sensitive. These mental effects can linger for 48 to 72 hours after your final dose. Having a trusted family member or caregiver stay close by during this time is very helpful.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine often causes strong sleepiness and lightheadedness. Do not drive a car, operate heavy machinery, or perform any dangerous tasks that require intense focus while taking nabilone.
- Stand up slowly: Avoid jumping up quickly from a sitting or lying position. Moving too fast can cause sudden drops in blood pressure, leading to dizziness or fainting. Older adults and people with low blood pressure need to be especially careful.
- Avoid alcohol and marijuana: Stay completely away from alcohol while using nabilone. Also, do not use marijuana or cannabis products. Nabilone contains a synthetic compound similar to active ingredients found in cannabis. Combining them multiplies the risk of severe side effects on your heart and nervous system.
Potential Side Effects of Nabilone
Like all medicines, nabilone can cause side effects. Some effects are mild and go away on their own. This others require prompt medical attention.
| Side Effect Category | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Serious Allergic Reactions: Rash, hives, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. | Seek emergency medical help right away. Call 911 or 999. |
| Heart Rhythm Changes: Racing heart rate or irregular palpitations. | Contact your doctor right away. |
| Low Blood Pressure Signs: Severe dizziness, fainting spells, or blurry vision. | Contact your doctor right away. |
| Severe Mood Changes: Intense anxiety, restlessness, confusion, hallucinations, worsening depression, or thoughts of self-harm. | Notify your doctor without any delay. |
| Common Mild Effects: Mild confusion, dizziness, daytime sleepiness, dry mouth, or unusual euphoria. | Mention these to your doctor if they become bothersome or do not fade. |
| Balance and Sleep Issues: Loss of physical coordination, unsteady walking, or trouble sleeping. | Mention these to your doctor if they persist. |
How to Store and Dispose of Nabilone
- Safe storage: Keep your nabilone capsules safely locked away in a secure spot, completely out of the reach of children and family pets. Because prescription cannabis-related medicines carry a risk of misuse, storing them securely prevents accidental ingestion or theft.
- Never share your medicine: Your prescription is customized for you alone. Never give your capsules to friends, family members, or anyone else. Sharing prescription drugs is illegal and dangerous.
- Proper disposal: If you have leftover or expired capsules, mix them with an unappealing substance like used coffee grounds or cat litter. Seal the mixture inside a disposable container or bag before throwing it in your household trash. Do not flush pills down the toilet.
- Temperature control: Store your medicine at room temperature, ideally between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F), away from excessive heat and moisture.
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