NABILONE for your next dose, do not double the What other PRECAUTIONS should dose, just carry on with your regular you follow while using this drug?

schedule. Other NAMES : Cesamet  Before starting nabilone, notify your

What ADVERSE EFFECTS can this doctor if you have liver disease or a WHY is this drug prescribed? drug cause? What should you do history of emotional disorders such as

about them? depression, bipolar disease (manic Nabilone is a narcotic drug used to treat depression), and schizophrenia severe nausea and vomiting. It is in a Nabilone can commonly cause (psychosis, hallucinations). family of drugs called cannabinoids (eg. unsteadiness, dizziness, difficulty marijuana). Occasionally, it is also used concentrating, drowsiness, dryness As this drug may cause some people to to help improve appetite. of the mouth, and/or headache . become dizzy, drowsy or less alert than

Changes in vision, loss of appetite, normal, you should NOT drive, use HOW should this drug be taken? muscle pain or weakness occur rarely. machinery or do anything else that

could be dangerous if you are dizzy or Nabilone comes as 0.25, 0.5 and 1 mg These effects may go away during are not alert. capsules. The usual dosage of nabilone treatment as your body adjusts to the is 1 to 2 mg twice a day. Since each drug. However, notify your doctor if any Nabilone can increase the effect of person responds differently to medical of these effects continue or become various drugs or substances. For treatments, your doctor will recommend bothersome. example, it can increase the effects of the dose and duration of therapy that is alcohol and other central nervous best for you. Inform your doctor immediately if any system depressants such as sedatives,

of the following effects occur: changes muscle relaxants, narcotics, drugs for Your dosage is: in mood (depression, anxiety), seizures and antihistamines. Avoid taking alcohol while you are taking confusion, difficulty breathing, fainting, 0.25 mg capsule irregular heartbeat, tremors, nabilone. Inform your doctor and 0.5 mg capsule hallucinations and increased blood pharmacist of all prescribed and non- 1 mg capsule pressure as they may indicate an prescribed drugs you are taking. As overdose. well, you should inform them of natural ___ capsule (___mg) ____times a day products you are taking. If you wish to It is important that you keep your start a new drug or natural product, Nabilone can be taken with or without doctor appointments and come for please consult with your pharmacist food. your laboratory tests so that your before doing so. progress can be followed. What should you do if you FORGET a Nabilone may cause dryness of the dose? mouth. For temporary relief, sugarless candy or gum, ice or saliva substitutes If you miss a dose of nabilone, take it as may be used. soon as possible. However, if it is time The safety of nabilone during pregnancy or during breastfeeding has not yet been established. Until more information is known, nabilone should NOT be used if you are pregnant. Also, breastfeeding should be avoided while you are taking nabilone. Discuss this NABILONE with your doctor if this is a concern.

How should this drug be STORED?

Nabilone should be stored in a cool (15

- 30 °C) dry place, protected from light and well out of the reach of children.

Ensure that the drug has not expired by checking the expiry date (“EXP”) shown MEDICATION on the outside of the package.

Do not store in your bathroom or FACT SHEET kitchen, as heat and moisture may cause the drug to be less active.

If you have any questions or concerns about this drug or if you are experiencing adverse effects, please discuss them with your pharmacist, doctor or nurse.

Write questions or concerns down to ensure they are addressed.

The following pharmacist is available to answer questions: Reference: Product monograph Cesamet  (nabilone). Montréal, Qc, Canada: Valeant Canada Ltd., 2009. Pharmacist: ______Prepared by the Ontario HIV Pharmacy Professional Specialty Group, 2003. Updated 2009. Telephone: ______Additional medication fact sheets and updates may be found at: www.hivclinic.ca