What is nabilone?
Nabilone is a man-made form of cannabis (marijuana is an herbal form of cannabis). Nabilone causes many effects on your central nervous system.
Nabilone is used to treat severe nausea and vomiting that is caused by cancer chemotherapy. Nabilone is for use only when other medications have been unable to control the nausea and vomiting.
Nabilone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about nabilone?
Nabilone may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Nabilone should never be given to another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or habitual marijuana use. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.
Do not use nabilone if you have ever had an allergic reaction to natural or man-made marijuana.
Before taking nabilone, tell your doctor if you have 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 nabilone.
Nabilone 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 nabilone wear off.
There are many other medicines that can add to the side effects of nabilone. 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.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking nabilone?
Do not use nabilone if you have ever had an allergic reaction to natural or man-made marijuana such as dronabinol (Marinol).
Before using nabilone, tell your doctor if you have:
high blood pressure (hypertension);
heart disease;
past or present mental illness such as depression, schizophrenia, or other psychotic disorders;
a history of drug or alcohol 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.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use nabilone, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
Nabilone may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Nabilone should never be given to another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or habitual marijuana use. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether nabilone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Older adults may be especially sensitive to the side effects of nabilone.
Nabilone is not for use in patients younger than 18 years old.