Marinol (Dronabinol) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Marinol

Cancer »

What is cancer?

Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells anywhere in a body. The abnormal cells are termed cancer cells, malignant cells, or tumor cells. Many cancers and the abnormal cells that compose the cancer tissue are further identified by the name of the tissue that the abnormal cells originated from (for example, breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer). Cancer is not confined to humans; animals and other living organisms can get cancer. Below is a schematic that shows normal cell division and how when a cell is damaged or altered without repair to its system, the cell usually dies. Also shown is what can occur when such damaged or unrepaired cells do not die and become cancer cells and proliferate with uncontrolled growth; a mass of cancer cells develop. Frequently, cancer cells can break away from this original mass of cells, travel through the blood and lymph systems, and lodge in other organs where they can again repeat the ...

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Marinol

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Marinol Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

DRONABINOL - ORAL

(dro-NAB-in-all)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Marinol

USES: This medication is used to treat nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy. It is used when other drugs to control nausea and vomiting have not been successful. Dronabinol is also used to treat loss of appetite and weight loss in patients infected with HIV (the virus that causes AIDS). Dronabinol (also called THC) is a man-made form of the active natural substance in marijuana.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. If you are taking this medication to control nausea and vomiting, your dose is also based on your body size.

Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often without your doctor's approval. Your risk of serious side effects may be increased. If you are taking dronabinol to stimulate appetite (for AIDS patients), do not take more than 20 milligrams per day unless approved by your doctor.

This medication may cause withdrawal reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal symptoms (such as irritability, trouble sleeping, restlessness, hot flashes, and diarrhea) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.

Although it is very unlikely to occur, this medication can also result in abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction/habit-forming). Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed. This will lessen the chances of becoming addicted.

Inform your doctor if your symptoms worsen or do not improve.