Nabilone capsules

About nabilone

You will have been prescribed nabilone to prevent (or treat) feelings of sickness caused by your anticancer medicines. It is not clear how the medicine works, but it can be helpful even if other anti-sickness medicines have not been effective. It is usually prescribed by a hospital doctor. It is a man-made cannabinoid. This means that it has effects on your body similar to extracts from the cannabis plant.

Before taking nabilone

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking nabilone it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you have heart disease, or if you have high blood pressure.

• If you have any problems with the way your liver works.

• If you have ever been diagnosed with a mental health problem - for example, depression or schizophrenia.

• If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to take nabilone

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack and any additional information your doctor has given to you. These will give you more information about nabilone, and will also provide you with a full list of side-effects which you could experience from taking it.

• Take the capsules exactly as your doctor tells you to. It is likely that you will be prescribed one (1 mg) capsule twice-daily throughout each cycle of your chemotherapy and for up to two days afterwards. Swallow the capsule with a drink of water. You may be advised to take your first dose the night before you start chemotherapy and then another dose one to three hours before your treatment begins. If it is considered necessary, your doctor can increase your dose to a maximum of two 1 mg capsules three times a day.

• Take nabilone at the same time of day each day if possible - this will help you to take your doses regularly. Try to take the correct number of doses each day, but never take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Do not drink alcohol while you are on nabilone. Nabilone will increase the risk of some of the side-effects of alcohol, particularly feeling drowsy and dizzy.

• Nabilone is likely to affect your ability to drive. You must not drive whilst taking the medicine until you know how it affects you. It is against the law to drive if your driving ability is impaired.

• If you are planning a trip abroad, you are advised to carry a letter with you from your doctor to explain that you have been prescribed nabilone. This is because it is classed as a 'controlled drug' and is subject to certain restrictions.
  

Can nabilone cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains the most common ones associated with nabilone. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. Some of the side-effects listed below may last for two or three days after you've stopped taking nabilone.

If you experience other symptoms which you think may be due to the capsules, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store nabilone

• Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines