Brand Names: Marinol

Generic Name: dronabinol (Pronunciation: droe NAH bih nol)

• What is dronabinol (Marinol)?
• What are the possible side effects of dronabinol (Marinol)?
• What is the most important information I should know about dronabinol (Marinol)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking dronabinol (Marinol)?
• How should I take dronabinol (Marinol)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Marinol)?
• What happens if I overdose (Marinol)?
• What should I avoid while taking dronabinol (Marinol)?
• What other drugs will affect dronabinol (Marinol)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is dronabinol (Marinol)?

Dronabinol is a man-made form of cannabis (marijuana is an herbal form of cannabis). Dronabinol causes many effects on your central nervous system.

Dronabinol is used to treat loss of appetite in people with AIDS. It is also used to treat severe nausea and vomiting that is caused by cancer chemotherapy. Dronabinol is for use only when other medications have been unable to control the nausea and vomiting.

Dronabinol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Marinol 5 mg

spherical, maroon, imprinted with RL

What are the possible side effects of dronabinol (Marinol)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using dronabinol and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• seizure (convulsions);
• paranoia, extreme fear;
• fast heart rate;
• feeling light-headed, fainting; or
• unusual thoughts or behavior.

Continue using dronabinol and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

• mood changes;
• dizziness, trouble concentrating;
• feeling "high";
• weakness, lack of coordination;
• anxiety, confusion;
• stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• warmth or tingly feeling; or
• sleep problems (insomnia).

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about dronabinol (Marinol)?

Dronabinol may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Dronabinol should never be given to another person, especially someone who has a history of drug addiction or habitual marijuana use. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

Do not use dronabinol if you have ever had an allergic reaction to natural or man-made marijuana.

Before taking dronabinol, tell your doctor if you have a seizure disorder, high blood pressure, heart disease, a history of mental illness or drug addiction, or if you are also using other medicines that can affect your central nervous system, such as a tranquilizer, sleep medicine, or anti-psychotic medications.

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor.

Avoid using other medicines that affect the central nervous system (such as stimulants, diet pills, cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, anxiety, mental illness, or Parkinson's disease). These other drugs can add to the effects of dronabinol.

Dronabinol causes effects that will impair your thinking or reactions. Do not drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert until the effects of dronabinol wear off.

There are many other medicines that can add to the side effects of dronabinol. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.