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Cesamet (Nabilone) - Indications and Dosage

 
 



INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Cesamet capsules are indicated for the treatment of the nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy in patients who have failed to respond adequately to conventional antiemetic treatments. This restriction is required because a substantial proportion of any group of patients treated with Cesamet can be expected to experience disturbing psychotomimetic reactions not observed with other antiemetic agents.

Because of its potential to alter the mental state, Cesamet is intended for use under circumstances that permit close supervision of the patient by a responsible individual particularly during initial use of Cesamet and during dose adjustments.

Cesamet contains nabilone, which is controlled in Schedule II of the Controlled Substances Act. Schedule II substances have a high potential for abuse. Prescriptions for Cesamet should be limited to the amount necessary for a single cycle of chemotherapy (i.e., a few days).

Cesamet capsules are not intended to be used on as needed basis or as a first antiemetic product prescribed for a patient.

As with all controlled drugs, prescribers should monitor patients receiving nabilone for signs of excessive use, abuse and misuse. Patients who may be at increased risk for substance abuse include those with a personal or family history of substance abuse (including drug or alcohol abuse) or mental illness.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

The usual adult dosage is 1 or 2 mg 2 times a day. On the day of chemotherapy, the initial dose should be given 1 to 3 hours before the chemotherapeutic agent is administered. To minimize side effects, it is recommended that the lower starting dose be used and that the dose be increased as necessary. A dose of 1 or 2 mg the night before may be useful. The maximum recommended daily dose is 6 mg given in divided doses 3 times a day.

Cesamet may be administered 2 or 3 times a day during the entire course of each cycle of chemotherapy and, if needed, for 48 hours after the last dose of each cycle of chemotherapy.

HOW SUPPLIED

Cesamet® capsules (blue and white): 1 mg (bottles of 50 capsules) NDC 0037-1221-50. Capsules are imprinted with MEDA on the blue cap and a four-digit code (1221) on the white body. Store at controlled room temperature, 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Rx Only

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Meda Pharmaceuticals Inc. at 1-800-526-3840 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .

Revised: April 2011
Part No. 22101757

Manufactured by:
Valeant Canada LP, Quebec, Canada
For:
Meda Pharmaceuticals®
Meda Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Somerset, New Jersey 08873-4120

©2011 Meda Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Made in Canada

Cesamet® is a trademark of Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America.

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