Anzemet

Anzemet is an oral and injectable drug for the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy, including initial and repeat courses and for the prevention of nausea and vomiting after surgery.

Anzemet is available as 50 mg and 100 mg film coated tablets.

Instructions

You should read the product information leaflet before using this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication should be taken by mouth as instructed by your doctor. Do not crush or chew the drug because it may diminish its effects. This medication should be taken with a full glass of water unless your doctor tells you otherwise. You should swallow the drug whole.

Your dosage is based on your medical condition and the way you will respond to treatment. This drug is usually taken within 1 hour before your cancer chemotherapy or within 2 hours before surgery, or as directed by your doctor.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. Continue to use it as prescribed by your doctor or as stated on the package label.

Interactions

Anzemet may interact with medications such as:

• Apomorphine
• Drugs that can slow the heart rate (such as beta blockers including atenolol, calcium channel blockers including verapamil)
• Cimetidine
• Previous treatment with certain chemotherapy drugs (anthracyclines such as daunorubicin/doxorubicin)
• Rifamycins (e.g., rifampin)
• Dofetilide
• Pimozide
• Procainamide
• Amiodarone
• Quinidine
• Ziprasidone
• Sotalol
• Macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin)

Side Effects

There are no side effects known aside from a possible allergic reaction in people who have previous or unknown hypersensitivity to the drug.

Watch out for signs of allergic reactions such as:

• Rash
• Itching
• Swelling

Warnings

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have the following:

• Allergy to dolasetronor to other 5-HT3 blockers (e.g., granisetron, ondansetron)
• Heart problems (e.g., irregular heartbeat)
• Stomach/intestinal problems (e.g., recent surgery, ileus, swelling)
• Kidney disease
• Certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG)
• Family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death)
• Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood
• Intake of certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills")
• Severe sweating
• Diarrhea or vomiting
• Pregnancy or lactation