Marinol (Dronabinol) Drug Overview of Side Effects and Precautions for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Marinol

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Marinol

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Marinol Consumer (continued)

SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, feeling "high", an exaggerated sense of well-being, lightheadedness, headache, red eyes, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, clumsiness, or unsteadiness may occur, especially during the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: weakness, flushing of the face, fast/pounding heartbeat, mental/mood changes (e.g., difficulty concentrating, memory loss, hallucinations, abnormal thoughts, paranoia, depression, nervousness), slurred speech, ringing in the ears, vision changes, fainting.

It is important that you take this medication under the supervision of a responsible adult because mental, mood, or behavior changes may occur. If you experience any such effects, remain calm and try not to panic. Tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more dronabinol until after you consult with your doctor.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking dronabinol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to marijuana; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as sesame oil), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: regular use/abuse of drugs/alcohol/other substances, heart disease, high blood pressure, mental/mood conditions (e.g., mania, depression, schizophrenia), seizure disorder.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or affect your judgment. Do not engage in activities requiring alertness and clear thinking, such as driving or using machinery, until you know how this medication affects you and until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Alcohol can worsen these side effects. Avoid alcoholic beverages.

To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position.

Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially drowsiness and mental/mood changes.

Caution is advised when using this drug in children because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially drowsiness and mental/mood changes.

This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy because of possible unborn baby/infant harm reported with marijuana exposure (dronabinol contains the active substance found in marijuana). Consult your doctor for more details.

This drug passes into breast milk. Therefore, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.