alosetron 0.5 mg tablet

Generic name:
Alosetron - oral

Pronunciation
(al-OH-se-tron)

Brand name(s)
Lotronex

Alosetron has rarely caused serious, sometimes fatal side effects of the intestines. These effects include reduced blood flow to the large intestine (ischemic colitis) and serious complications of constipation. If you have constipation, new or worsening stomach/abdominal pain, or bloody diarrhea/stools, stop taking this medication and get medical help right away. If your constipation does not go away after stopping alosetron, again tell your doctor right away. Do not take this medication again unless your doctors tells you to do so.

This medication should only be used by women with severe irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) whose main problem is diarrhea. Only carefully selected patients may use this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information about the risks and benefits of using alosetron.

Alosetron is used to treat women with severe irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who have diarrhea as the main problem. It is not a cure, but it may help to decrease abdominal pain, sudden urges to have a bowel movement, and diarrhea.

This medication is not recommended for use by children because of the serious side effects that have been seen in adults.

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking alosetron and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not start taking this medication if you are constipated.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.

See also Warning section.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Stop taking this medication and get medical help right away if any of these very serious side effects occur:

• constipation
• bloody diarrhea/stools
• new or worsening stomach/abdominal pain

This medication may increase serotonin and rarely cause a very serious condition called serotonin syndrome/toxicity. The risk increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin, so tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take (see Drug Interactions section). Get medical help right away if you develop some of the following symptoms:

• fast heartbeat
• hallucinations
• loss of coordination
• severe dizziness
• severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea
• twitching muscles
• unexplained fever
• unusual agitation/restlessness

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before taking alosetron, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• constipation
• other bowel/intestinal disorders (such as bowel blockage, ischemic colitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis)
• liver disease
• blood clots

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (such as prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially constipation.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (such as prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

A product that may interact with this drug is:

• apomorphine

Other medications can affect the removal of alosetron from your body, which may affect how alosetron works. Examples include fluvoxamine, viloxazine, among others

The risk of serious complications of constipation increases if you are also taking other drugs that may cause constipation. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of all the products you may take.

The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin. Some examples are street drugs such as MDMA/ "ecstasy," St. John's wort, certain antidepressants (such as SSRIs like fluoxetine/paroxetine, SNRIs like duloxetine/venlafaxine), among others. The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity may be more likely when you start or increase the dose of these drugs.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.

Do not share this medication with others.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.