DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Dolasetron Injection (dol-A-se-tron)
Brand Name: Anzemet

Anzemet is used for:

Preventing nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy. It may also be used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting after surgery.

Anzemet is an antiemetic. It works by blocking the hormone that causes vomiting.

Do NOT use Anzemet if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Anzemet

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Anzemet :

Some medical conditions may interact with Anzemet . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have heart problems (eg, irregular heartbeat, especially if it is due to QT prolongation) or low potassium or magnesium levels in the blood

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Anzemet . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Astemizole, cisapride, class I or III antiarrhythmics (eg, amiodarone, sotalol), diuretics (eg, furosemide), dofetilide, droperidol, ketolides (eg, telithromycin), macrolides (eg, erythromycin), phenothiazines (eg, thioridazine), pimozide, quinolones (eg, grepafloxacin), streptogramins (eg, mikamycin), terfenadine, or ziprasidone because the risk of irregular heart rhythm is increased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Anzemet may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Anzemet :

Use Anzemet as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Anzemet is usually administered as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic.
• If Anzemet contains particles or is discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged in any way, do not use it.
• Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and away from pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain local regulations for proper disposal.
• If you miss a dose of Anzemet , contact your doctor immediately.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Anzemet .

Important safety information:

• Anzemet may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Anzemet . Using Anzemet alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
• Anzemet may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, and fever can increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness.
• Use Anzemet only on the days that you take your cancer treatment, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. If you continue to experience moderate to severe vomiting while using Anzemet , check with your doctor.
• Anzemet is not recommended for use in CHILDREN younger than 2 years of age. Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Anzemet during pregnancy. It is unknown if Anzemet is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Anzemet , check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Anzemet :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Chills; diarrhea; dizziness; fever; headache; indigestion; itching; lightheadedness; tiredness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); change in heartbeat or irregular heartbeat; chest pain; fainting; pounding in the chest; severe lightheadedness; urination problems.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include dizziness.

Proper storage of Anzemet :

Anzemet is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using Anzemet at home, store Anzemet as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Anzemet out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Anzemet , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Anzemet is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Anzemet . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.