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dolasetron - injection, Anzemet

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GENERIC NAME: DOLASETRON - INJECTION (doh-LASS-eh-tron)

BRAND NAME(S): Anzemet

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: Dolasetron is used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting after surgery. It belongs to a class of medications called 5-HT3 blockers. It works by blocking one of the body's natural substances (serotonin) that can cause vomiting.This medication should not be given by injection into a vein to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer drug treatment (chemotherapy) because of the risk of serious side effects.This product has been withdrawn from the Canadian market due to safety problems.

HOW TO USE: This drug is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional. It is usually given before, during, or after surgery.Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. The dosage may also be based on weight. Use this medication exactly as directed to get the most benefit from it. Do not use more medication or use it more often than prescribed. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.If you or your child cannot swallow the tablet form of this medication, this liquid product for injection may be mixed in apple or apple-grape juice and taken by mouth. The juice mixture may be kept up to 2 hours at room temperature before use. See also Storage section.When this medication is taken by mouth, it is usually taken within 1 hour before your cancer chemotherapy or within 2 hours before surgery, or as directed by your doctor. This medication may be taken with or without food. However, your doctor may tell you not to eat before chemotherapy or surgery. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.Tell your doctor if your nausea does not improve or if it worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, diarrhea, dizziness, or pain/redness/swelling at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor 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 right away if you have any serious side effects, including: stomach/abdominal pain, vision changes.Get medical help right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, severe dizziness, fainting, slow/fast/irregular heartbeat.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: 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.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration   You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.