DRONABINOL
Brand names: DRONABINOL, MARINOL, Dronabinol, SYNDROS, Marinol
Warnings
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS N e u r o p s y chiatric Adverse Reactions : May cause psychiatric and cognitive effects and impair mental and/or physical abilities. Avoid use in patients with a psychiatric history. Monitor for symptoms and avoid concomitant use of drugs with similar effects. Inform patients not to operate motor vehicles or other dangerous machinery until they are reasonably certain that dronabinol capsules does not affect them adversely. ( 5.1 ) H e m o d y n amic Instability : Patients with cardiac disorders may experience hypotension, hypertension, syncope or tachycardia. Avoid concomitant use of drugs with similar effects and monitor for hemodynamic changes after initiating or increasing the dosage of dronabinol capsules. ( 5.2 ) S e izures and Seizure-like Activity : Weigh the potential risk versus benefits before prescribing dronabinol capsules to patients with a history of seizures, including those requiring anti-epileptic medication or with other factors that lower the seizure threshold. Monitor patients and discontinue if seizures occur. ( 5.3 ) Mu lt iple Substance Abuse : Assess risk for abuse or misuse in patients with a history of substance abuse or dependence, prior to prescribing dronabinol capsules and monitor for the development of associated behaviors or conditions. ( 5.4 ) Paradoxical Nausea, Vomiting, or Abdominal Pain: Consider dose reduction or discontinuation, if worsening of symptoms while on treatment. ( 5.5 ) 5.1 Neuropsychiatric Adverse Reactions Psychiatric Adverse Reactions Dronabinol has been reported to exacerbate mania, depression, or schizophrenia. Significant CNS symptoms followed oral doses of 0.4 mg/kg (28 mg per 70 kg patient) of dronabinol in antiemetic studies. Prior to initiating treatment with dronabinol capsules, screen patients for a history of these illnesses. Avoid use in patients with a psychiatric history or, if the drug cannot be avoided, monitor patients for new or worsening psychiatric symptoms during treatment. Also, avoid concomitant use with other drugs that are associated with similar psychiatric effects. Cognitive Adverse Reactions Use of dronabinol capsules has been associated with cognitive impairment and altered mental state. Reduce the dose of dronabinol capsules or discontinue use of dronabinol capsules if signs or symptoms of cognitive impairment develop. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the neurological and psychoactive effects of dronabinol capsules [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4, 8.5)] . Hazardous Activities Dronabinol capsules can cause and may impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance of hazardous tasks such as driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery. Concomitant use of other drugs that cause dizziness, confusion, sedation, or somnolence such as CNS depressants may increase this effect (e.g., barbiturates, benzodiazepines, ethanol, lithium, opioids, buspirone, scopolamine, antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants, other anticholinergic agents, muscle relaxants). Inform patients not to operate motor vehicles or other dangerous machinery until they are reasonably certain that dronabinol capsules does not affect them adversely. 5.2 Hemodynamic Instability Patients may experience occasional hypotension, possible hypertension, syncope, or tachycardia while taking dronabinol capsules [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)] . Patients with cardiac disorders may be at higher risk. Avoid concomitant use of other drugs that are also associated with similar cardiac effects (e.g., amphetamines, other sympathomimetic agents, atropine, amoxapine, scopolamine, antihistamines, other anticholinergic agents, amitriptyline, desipramine, other tricyclic antidepressants). Monitor patients for changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and syncope after initiating or increasing the dosage of dronabinol capsules. 5.3 Seizures Seizure and seizure-like activity have been reported in patients receiving dronabinol. Weigh this potential risk against the benefits before prescribing dronabinol capsules to patients with a history of seizures, including those receiving anti-epileptic medication or with other factors that can lower the seizure threshold. Monitor patients with a history of seizure disorders for worsened seizure control during dronabinol capsules therapy. If a seizure occurs, advise patients to discontinue dronabinol capsules and contact a healthcare provider immediately. 5.4 Multiple Substance Abuse Patients with a history of substance abuse or dependence, including marijuana or alcohol, may be more likely to abuse dronabinol capsules as well. Assess each patient’s risk for abuse or misuse prior to prescribing dronabinol capsules and monitor patients with a history of substance abuse during treatment with dronabinol capsules for the development of these behaviors or conditions. 5.5 Paradoxical Nausea, Vomiting, or Abdominal Pain Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain can occur during treatment with synthetic delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC), the active ingredient in dronabinol capsules. In some cases, these adverse reactions were severe (e.g., dehydration, electrolyte abnormalities) and required dose reduction or drug discontinuation. Symptoms are similar to cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), which is described as cyclical events of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting in chronic, long-term users of delta-9-THC products. Because patients may not recognize these symptoms as abnormal, it is important to specifically ask patients or their caregivers about the development of worsening of nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain while being treated with dronabinol capsules. Consider dose reduction or discontinuing dronabinol capsules if a patient develops worsening nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain while on treatment.
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Dronabinol oral solution is contraindicated in patients: with a history of a hypersensitivity reaction to dronabinol. Reported hypersensitivity reactions to dronabinol include lip swelling, hives, disseminated rash, oral lesions, skin burning, flushing, throat tightness [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . with a history of a hypersensitivity reaction to alcohol. who are receiving, or have recently received, disulfiram- or metronidazole-containing products within 14 days [see Warning and Precautions (5.3) ] . Dronabinol oral solution contains 50% (w/w) dehydrated alcohol and 5.5% (w/w) propylene glycol. Sensitivity to dronabinol or alcohol. ( 4 ) History of hypersensitivity reaction to alcohol. ( 4 ) Patients receiving, or have received, disulfiram- or metronidazole-containing products within the past 14 days. ( 4 , 5.3 , 7.1 )
Overdose
10 OVERDOSAGE Dronabinol oral solution contains 50% (w/w) dehydrated alcohol and 5.5% (w/w) propylene glycol. Ingestion of the product over the recommended dose could result in significant toxicity. Dronabinol Signs and symptoms of dronabinol overdose include drowsiness, euphoria, heightened sensory awareness, altered time perception, reddened conjunctiva, dry mouth, tachycardia, memory impairment, depersonalization, mood alteration, urinary retention, reduced bowel motility, decreased motor coordination, lethargy, slurred speech, and postural hypotension. Patients may also experience panic reactions if they have a prior history of nervousness or anxiety and seizures may occur in patients with existing seizure disorders. It is not known if dronabinol can be removed by dialysis in cases of overdose. Alcohol Signs and symptoms of alcohol overdose include changes in mood or behavior, impaired judgment or social functioning, and one or more physical signs such as slurred speech, unsteadiness, lack of coordination, increased or irregular heart rate, respiratory depression, impaired attention, or loss of consciousness. Propylene Glycol Signs and symptoms of acute poisoning occur only in rare circumstances where patients ingest large amounts of propylene glycol over several days. These include hypoglycemia, severe metabolic acidosis (caused by the metabolism into lactic acid), and CNS depression including coma and seizures. Management of Overdosage If over-exposure of dronabinol oral solution occurs, call your Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for current information on the management of poisoning or overdosage.
Drug interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Inhibitors and Inducers of CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 : May alter dronabinol systemic exposure; monitor for dronabinol-related adverse reactions or loss of efficacy. ( 7.2 ) Highly Protein-Bound Drugs : Potential for displacement of other drugs from plasma proteins; monitor for adverse reactions to concomitant narrow therapeutic index drugs (e.g., warfarin, cyclosporine, or amphotericin B) when initiating or increasing the dosage of dronabinol oral solution. ( 7.3 ) 7.1 Disulfiram and Metronidazole Dronabinol oral solution contains 50% (w/w) dehydrated alcohol and 5.5% (w/w) propylene glycol, which can produce disulfiram-like reactions when co-administered with disulfiram or other drugs that produce this reaction (e.g., metronidazole). Discontinue products containing disulfiram or metronidazole at least 14 days before starting treatment with dronabinol oral solution and do not administer these products within 7 days of completing treatment with dronabinol oral solution [see Contraindications (4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . When administered concomitantly with propylene glycol, ethanol competitively inhibits the metabolism of propylene glycol, which may lead to elevated concentrations of propylene glycol. However, the contribution of propylene glycol, if any, to the interaction between disulfiram and dronabinol oral solution is unknown. 7.2 Effect of Other Drugs on Dronabinol Dronabinol is primarily metabolized by CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 enzymes. Inhibitors of these enzymes may increase, while inducers may decrease, the systemic exposure of dronabinol and/or its active metabolite resulting in an increase in dronabinol-related adverse reactions or loss of efficacy of dronabinol oral solution. Monitor for increased dronabinol-related adverse reactions when dronabinol oral solution is co-administered with inhibitors of CYP2C9 (e.g., amiodarone, fluconazole) and inhibitors of CYP3A4 enzymes (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir, erythromycin, grapefruit juice). 7.3 Highly Protein-Bound Drugs Dronabinol is highly bound to plasma proteins, and therefore, might displace and increase the free fraction of other concomitantly administered protein-bound drugs. Although this displacement has not been confirmed in vivo, monitor patients for increased adverse reactions to narrow therapeutic index drugs (e.g., warfarin, cyclosporine, amphotericin B) when initiating treatment or increasing the dosage of dronabinol oral solution.
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Dronabinol capsules are indicated in adults for the treatment of: anorexia associated with weight loss in patients with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy in patients who have failed to respond adequately to conventional antiemetic treatments. Dronabinol capsules are a cannabinoid indicated in adults for the treatment of: Anorexia associated with weight loss in patients with AIDS. (1) Nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy in patients who have failed to respond adequately to conventional antiemetic treatments. (1)
Dosage forms & strengths
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Administration ( 2.1 ): Always use the enclosed calibrated oral dosing syringe. The calibrated oral syringe measures a maximum dronabinol oral solution dose of 5 mg. If the prescribed dose is greater than 5 mg, the total dose will need to be divided and drawn up in two or more portions using the oral syringe. Take dronabinol oral solution with a full glass of water (6 to 8 ounces). Dronabinol oral solution can be administered via silicone enteral feeding tubes. Anorexia Associated with Weight Loss in Adult Patients with AIDS ( 2.2 ): The recommended starting dosage is 2.1 mg orally twice daily, one hour before lunch and dinner. See the full prescribing information for dosage titration to manage adverse reactions and to achieve desired therapeutic effect. Nausea and Vomiting Associated with Chemotherapy in Adult Patients Who Failed Conventional Antiemetics ( 2.3 ): The recommended starting dosage is 4.2 mg/m 2 , administered 1 to 3 hours prior to chemotherapy, then every 2 to 4 hours after chemotherapy for a total of 4 to 6 doses per day. Administer the first dose on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes prior to eating; subsequent doses can be taken without regard to meals. See the full prescribing information for dosage titration to manage adverse reactions and to achieve desired therapeutic effect. 2.1 Important Administration Instructions Oral Administration Always use the enclosed calibrated oral dosing syringe when administering dronabinol oral solution to ensure the dose is measured and administered accurately. The calibrated oral syringe measures a maximum dronabinol oral solution dose of 5 mg. If the prescribed dose is greater than 5 mg, the total dose will need to be divided and drawn up in two or more portions using the oral syringe. Take each dose of dronabinol oral solution with a full glass of water (6 to 8 ounces). For information on dosing dronabinol oral solution with regard to meals, see Dosage and Administration 2.2 and 2.3 . Administration via Feeding Tube (silicone only, greater than or equal to 14 French) Dronabinol oral solution can be administered via enteral feeding tubes that are manufactured using silicone, size greater than or equal to 14 French, such as Naso-Gastric (NG), Gastrostomy Tube (G-tube), Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy tube (PEG-tube) and Gastro-Jejunostomy tube (GJ-tube). Do not use tubes manufactured of polyurethane. Draw up the prescribed dose with the calibrated dosing syringe packaged with dronabinol oral solution. If the prescribed dose is greater than 5 mg, the total dose will need to be divided and drawn up in two or more portions using the oral syringe. Using the calibrated dosing syringe, administer the dose via the feeding tube. Using a catheter-tip syringe, flush the feeding tube with 30 mL of water. 2.2 Anorexia Associated with Weight Loss in Adult Patients with AIDS Starting Dosage The recommended adult starting dosage of dronabinol oral solution is 2.1 mg orally twice daily, one hour before lunch and one hour before dinner. In elderly patients, or patients unable to tolerate 2.1 mg twice daily, consider initiating dronabinol oral solution at 2.1 mg once daily one hour before dinner or at bedtime to reduce the risk of central nervous system (CNS) symptoms [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5) ]. Dosing later in the day may reduce the frequency of Central Nervous System (CNS) adverse reactions. CNS adverse reactions are dose-related [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] ; therefore, monitor patients and reduce the dosage as needed. If CNS adverse reactions of feeling high, dizziness, confusion, and somnolence occur, they usually resolve in 1 to 3 days and usually do not require dosage reduction. If CNS adverse reactions are severe or persistent, reduce the dosage to 2.1 mg once daily one hour before dinner or in the evening at bedtime. Dosage Titration If tolerated and further therapeutic effect is desired, the dosage may be increased gradually to 2.1 mg one hour before lunch and 4.2 mg one hour before dinner. Increase the dose of dronabinol oral solution gradually in order to reduce the frequency of dose-related adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Most patients respond to 2.1 mg twice daily, but the dose may be further increased to 4.2 mg one hour before lunch and 4.2 mg one hour before dinner, as tolerated to achieve a therapeutic effect. Maximum Dosage: 8.4 mg twice daily. 2.3 Nausea and Vomiting Associated with Cancer Chemotherapy in Adult Patients Who Failed Conventional Antiemetics Starting Dosage The recommended starting dosage of dronabinol oral solution is 4.2 mg/m 2 orally administered 1 to 3 hours prior to chemotherapy and then every 2 to 4 hours after chemotherapy for a total of 4 to 6 doses per day. Calculate the starting dose by following the steps below: Starting dose (mg) = Patient body surface area (BSA) in m 2 multiplied by 4.2 mg/m 2 Round dose to the nearest 0.1 mg increment Convert from milligrams (mg) to milliliters (mL): Starting dose (mg) rounded to the nearest 0.1 mg increment divided by 5 = Starting dose in milliliters (mL) To correspond with the calibrated oral dosing syringe, the dose may need to be rounded to the nearest 0.1 mL increment. In elderly patients, consider initiating dronabinol oral solution at 2.1 mg/m 2 once daily 1 to 3 hours prior to chemotherapy to reduce the risk of CNS symptoms [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5) ] . Because food delays the absorption of dronabinol oral solution, administer the first dose on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before eating. Subsequent doses can be taken without regard to meals. Because food can substantially change the systemic exposure to dronabinol and its active metabolite, the timing of dosing in relation to meal times should be kept consistent for each chemotherapy cycle, once the dosage has been determined from the titration process. Dosage Titration The dosage can be titrated to clinical response during a chemotherapy cycle or subsequent cycles, based upon initial effect, as tolerated to achieve a clinical effect, in increments of 2.1 mg/m 2 . Maximum Dosage: 12.6 mg/m 2 per dose for 4 to 6 doses per day. Adverse reactions are dose-related and psychiatric symptoms increase significantly at the maximum dosage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Monitor patients for adverse reactions and consider decreasing the dose to 2.1 mg once daily 1 to 3 hours prior to chemotherapy to reduce the risk of CNS adverse reactions.
All identified pills
Side effects
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS • Most common adverse reactions (≥3%) are: abdominal pain, dizziness, euphoria, nausea, paranoid reaction, somnolence, thinking abnormal and vomiting. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Camber Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-866-495-8330 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The following serious adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in the labeling. Neuropsychiatric Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Hemodynamic Instability [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Paradoxical Nausea, Vomiting, and Abdominal Pain [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] Studies of AIDS-related weight loss included 157 patients receiving dronabinol capsules at a dose of 2.5 mg twice daily and 67 receiving placebo. Studies of nausea and vomiting related to cancer chemotherapy included 317 patients receiving dronabinol capsules and 68 receiving placebo. In the tables below is a summary of the adverse reactions in 474 patients exposed to dronabinol capsules in studies. Studies of different durations were combined by considering the first occurrence of events during the first 28 days. A cannabinoid dose-related “high” (easy laughing, elation and heightened awareness) has been reported by patients receiving dronabinol capsules in both the antiemetic (24%) and the lower dose appetite stimulant clinical trials (8%). The most frequently reported adverse experiences in patients with AIDS during placebo-controlled clinical trials involved the CNS and were reported by 33% of patients receiving dronabinol capsules. About 25% of patients reported a CNS adverse reaction during the first 2 weeks and about 4% reported such a reaction each week for the next 6 weeks thereafter. adr 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of dronabinol capsules. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. General disorders and administration site conditions: Fatigue Hypersensitivity reactions: Lip swelling, hives, disseminated rash, oral lesions, skin burning, flushing, throat tightness [see Contraindications (4)] Injury, poisoning and procedural complications: Fall [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5)] Nervous system disorders: Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] , disorientation, movement disorder, loss of consciousness Psychiatric disorders: Delirium, insomnia, panic attack Vascular disorders: Syncope [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]