Nausea and vomiting are one of the most difficult things for some people to deal with during cancer treatment, that is, chemotherapy. Doctors prescribe various medications to control this condition. However, sometimes these common medications can be difficult to control. In such cases, when other medications do not respond or cannot be tolerated, a special medication that doctors prescribe is called Nabilone. Today, we will talk about this medication in detail.
What is this Nabilone?
Simply put, Nabilone is a drug that belongs to a group of drugs that stop nausea and vomiting. In medicine, we call these antiemetics. During cancer treatment (chemotherapy), our body releases certain chemicals and signals that cause nausea. This drug works by blocking those signals from reaching the brain, controlling the feeling of nausea and vomiting.
The important thing is, this is not usually a first-line medication. Doctors only recommend it when other medications have failed.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before giving you Nabilone, your doctor will need to know your complete health history. Therefore, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- If you are a regular drinker.
- If you have a history of heart disease, high or low blood pressure, or irregular heartbeat.
- If you have previously been addicted to or had a problem with drug use.
- If you have kidney or liver disease.
- If you suffer from a mental health problem (e.g. depression, anxiety).
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
- If you have previously had an allergic reaction to nabilone, dronabinol, marijuana, or any other medicine, food, or dye.
How do you use this medicine correctly?
This medicine should be used exactly as your doctor advises.
- Swallow this capsule with a glass of water.
- Follow the instructions on the prescription label exactly.
- Take the prescribed dose at the prescribed time. Do not take more than your doctor tells you to.
- For children: Children may need special care when giving this medicine. Talk to your doctor about this.
- People over 65 years of age: Older people may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, so they may need a lower dose.
What if the dosage of the medicine is increased? (Overdosage)
If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) without delay. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, as well as any vitamins or herbal products you are using, because some medications can interact with nabilone.
Special warning: Do not take the drug Dronabinol with Nabilone for any reason.
The following medications or substances may also interact with nabilone, so inform your doctor about them.
| Drug / substance category | Examples and descriptions |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | Alcohol |
| Stimulant drugs | Medications such as amphetamines to increase attention and reduce weight. |
| Medicines for allergies, coughs, and colds | Types of antihistamines. |
| Medication for anxiety or sleep | Certain medications for sleep or anxiety. |
| Medication for depression | Ex: amitriptyline, fluoxetine |
| Painkillers | Opioid painkillers, such as tramadol and morphine. |
| Other | Atropine, Buspirone, Cocaine, Lithium, Theophylline, Muscle relaxants, and many more. |
This list is not complete, so it's safest to tell your doctor about all the medications you're taking.
Things to keep in mind while taking the medicine
- Have a responsible person with you: While taking this medication, you may experience mood changes. For example, you may laugh out loud or feel happier than usual. These effects may last for 48-72 hours after your last dose. Therefore, it is important to have a responsible person with you during this time.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medication may make you feel very drowsy and dizzy. Therefore, do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that requires close attention while taking the medication.
- Don't get up too quickly: Avoid getting up from a sitting position or out of bed suddenly. Doing so can cause dizziness and you may fall. Be especially careful if you are elderly or have low blood pressure.
- Alcohol and marijuana: Avoid alcohol completely while taking the medication. Also, do not use marijuana at all. This is because the drug Nabilone contains a compound similar to the active ingredient in marijuana. Taking the two together increases the risk of serious side effects on the heart and nervous system.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, nabilone can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.
| Side effect | What to do |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions - skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. | Seek medical advice immediately. |
| Heartbeat – fast or irregular. | Notify your doctor immediately. |
| Low blood pressure - dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. | Notify your doctor immediately. |
| Mental and behavioral changes - severe anxiety, agitation, confusion, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, increased depression. | Inform the doctor immediately without any delay. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious (but should be reported to the doctor if bothersome) | |
| Confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth. | If these persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. |
| Feeling unusually happy or excited. | If these persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. |
| Loss of body balance, difficulty walking, insomnia. | If these persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. |
How do you store and dispose of the medicine?
- Safety: Keep this medicine in a safe place out of the reach of children and pets. Since this medicine has the potential to be abused, it is best to keep it locked up in a place that can be protected from theft.
- Do not share: This medicine is for you only. Do not give it to anyone else for any reason. Selling or giving this medicine to others is against the law and is very dangerous.
- Disposal: Mix any unused capsules with something like cat litter or ground coffee grounds, place in a tightly sealed container or bag, and discard. Do not use expired medication.
- Storage: Store at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius).
Take-Home Message
- Nabilone is a special medication used to treat severe nausea and vomiting caused by cancer treatment that cannot be controlled with other medications.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about your complete medical history, all other medications you are taking, and any allergies you may have.
- Avoid driving and performing tasks that require alertness while taking this medication, as drowsiness and dizziness may occur.
- Completely avoid drinking alcohol and using marijuana.
- Be aware of changes in mental status or behavior. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any serious side effects.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
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