Anzemet

The recommended adult dose of Anzemet (Dolasetron) in tablet form is 100 mg taken one hour before chemotherapy.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the one above, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

Anzemet (Dolasetron) may be taken with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole, with water.

It is very important to use Anzemet (Dolasetron) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you vomit a dose within an hour of taking it, take another tablet as soon as possible. If you miss a dose and you do not feel sick, take the next dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Anzemet (Dolasetron) at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Anzemet is no longer being manufactured for sale in Canada and is no longer available under any brand names. This article is being kept available for reference purposes only. If you are using Anzemet (Dolasetron), speak with your doctor or pharmacist for information about your treatment options.

Do not take Anzemet (Dolasetron) if you:

• are allergic to Anzemet (Dolasetron) or any ingredients of the medication
• are a surgery patient (for the treatment or prevention of nausea after surgery)
• are under 18 years of age
• are being treated with the medication Apomorphine

There may be an interaction between Anzemet (Dolasetron) and any of the following:

• Amiodarone
• amphoteracin B
• anthracyclines (e.g., doxorubicin, daunorubicin)
• antipsychotics (e.g., Chlorpromazine, Haloperidol, Ziprasidone)
• azole antifungals (e.g., fluconazole, ketoconazole, Voriconazole)
• beta-agonists (e.g., formoterol, salmeterol)
• chloroquine
• Cimetidine
• corticosteroids (high dose; e.g., Hydrocortisone, Methylprednisolone, Prednisone)
• Disopyramide
• diuretics (water pills; e.g., Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide, Indapamide)
• Domperidone
• Famotidine
• flecanaide
• laxatives
• macrolide antibiotics (e.g., azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin)
• opioids (e.g., Codeine, Methadone, Morphine, Oxycodone)

• other serotonin receptor antagonists (e.g., Granisetron, Ondansetron)
• pentamidine
• procainamide
• Propafenone
• quinidine
• quinine
• quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin)
• rifampin
• ritonavir
• saquinavir
• selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., Citalopram, Fluoxetine)
• Sotalol
• Tacrolimus
• Tamoxifen
• Tapentadol
• Tramadol
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Amitriptyline, Imipramine, Nortriptyline)
• Trimethoprim
• tyrosine kinase inhibitors (e.g., Nilotinib, Sunitinib)
• Venlafaxine
• Vorinostat

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Anzemet (Dolasetron). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take Anzemet (Dolasetron).

HEALTH CANADA ADVISORY

May 15, 2014

Health Canada has issued new restrictions concerning the use of Anzemet (Anzemet (Dolasetron)). To read the full Health Canada Advisory, visit Health Canada's web site at www.hc-sc.gc.ca.

Abnormal heart rhythms: Anzemet (Dolasetron) can cause changes to the rhythm of the heart, which may lead to serious complications, including death. If you have a condition that may make you more likely to develop heart rhythm changes, discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of taking Anzemet (Dolasetron).

You are more at risk for this type of abnormal heart rhythm and its complications if you:

• are female
• are older than 65 years of age
• have a family history of sudden cardiac death
• have a history of heart disease or abnormal heart rhythms
• have a slow heart rate
• have congenital prolongation of the QT interval
• have Diabetes
• have had a Stroke
• have low potassium, magnesium, or calcium levels
• have nutritional deficiencies
• are taking chemotherapy medications known as anthracyclines (e.g., Doxorubicin, Daunorubicin)
• are taking diuretics ("water pills")

If you have a history of heart disease, abnormal heart rhythms, or are taking medications to treat abnormal heart rhythms, discuss with your doctor how Anzemet (Dolasetron) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Anzemet (Dolasetron), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Kidney function: Reduced kidney function may cause Anzemet (Dolasetron) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have Kidney Disease or reduced kidney function, discuss with your doctor how Anzemet (Dolasetron) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Anzemet (Dolasetron), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your kidney function regularly with blood tests while you are taking this medication.

Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Anzemet (Dolasetron) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Anzemet (Dolasetron) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Anzemet (Dolasetron), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Anzemet (Dolasetron).

Pregnancy: Anzemet (Dolasetron) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Anzemet (Dolasetron), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Anzemet (Dolasetron) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Anzemet (Dolasetron), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Anzemet (Dolasetron) have not been established for children.

Seniors: Seniors may be more likely to experience side effects related to irregular heart rhythm if they take Anzemet (Dolasetron). Anzemet (Dolasetron) should be avoided by seniors.