Alosetron HCl oral
Category: Alosetron HCl oral
Info:
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
ALOSETRON - ORAL
(al-OH-seh-tron)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lotronex
WARNING: Alosetron has rarely caused serious, sometimes fatal intestinal side effects including constipation and ischemic colitis. This medication should only be used in women with severe cases of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) where the major symptom is diarrhea. If you experience constipation, new or worsening bowel pains, or blood in your diarrhea or stool, stop taking this drug and contact your doctor immediately. Before your doctor can prescribe this medication for you, your doctor must have completed the Prescribing Program for Lotronex (PPL). Only carefully selected patients may use this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information about the risks and benefits of using this medication.
USES: This medication is used to treat severe cases of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in women who have diarrhea as a major symptom. Alosetron is not effective in men with IBS.
HOW TO USE: Read and complete the Patient-Physician Agreement form provided by your doctor. Also, be sure to get a Medication Guide from your pharmacist, and then read it carefully. Your prescription must have a sticker affixed to it in order for your pharmacy to dispense you a supply of this medicine. Take this medication by mouth, initially once daily with or without food. Do not begin this medication if you are currently constipated. Contact your doctor for further instructions.
SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, stomach upset, or hemorrhoids may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects: bloating, depression. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects: constipation, bloody stools, unexplained fever, unusually fast pulse, new or sudden worsening of stomach/abdominal/bowel pain. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: certain intestinal disorders (e.g., ileus, ischemic colitis, impaired intestinal circulation, constipation or its complications, obstruction, megacolon, stricture/adhesions, or perforation), Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, blood disorders (e.g., history of blood clots). Before using this medication, tell your doctor your medical history, including: liver disease, allergies. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of constipation if it occurs. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially of: isoniazid, procainamide, hydralazine. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include difficulty breathing, loss of coordination, tremors, and seizures.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature, 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted.