Anzemet (dolasetron) is a medication used to prevent nausea and vomiting due to cancer medications (chemotherapy). It's used for adults and children 2 years and older. This medication is taken by mouth within 1 hour before chemotherapy.
Prevention of nausea and vomiting due to cancer medications (chemotherapy)
Anzemet (dolasetron) is an antiemetic medication. It works by blocking the actions of serotonin in the part of your brain that causes nausea and vomiting. This helps you feel less nauseous and less of an urge to vomit.
Source:Â DailyMed
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Chest pain or discomfort
lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
slow or irregular heartbeat
unusual tiredness or weakness
Less common
Chills
decrease in the amount of urine
fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
Rare
Agitation
black, tarry stools
bleeding gums
bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
blood in the urine or stools
blurred vision
burning while urinating
changes in skin color
confusion
delirium
difficult or labored breathing
difficult or painful urination
difficulty with swallowing
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
feeling of warmth
feeling uncoordinated
hallucinations
headache
hives or welts, itching, or skin rash
increased volume of pale, dilute urine
irritability
lethargy
muscle twitching
noisy breathing
numbness and tingling of the face, fingers, or toes
pain in the arms, legs, or lower back, especially pain in the calves or heels upon exertion
pain, tenderness, or swelling of the foot or leg
pale skin
pale, bluish-colored, or cold hands or feet
pinpoint red or purple spots on the skin
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
rapid weight gain
red skin
rigid muscles
seizures
sweating
swelling of the face, ankles, or hands
tightness in the chest
tingling of the hands or feet
troubled breathing with exertion
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual weight gain or loss
vomiting
weak or absent pulses in the legs
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Rare
Abnormal dreams
bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste
bloody nose
change in taste
changes in vision
continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears
darkened urine
difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
difficulty seeing at night
difficulty with moving
feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
feeling of unreality
hearing loss
increased sensitivity of the eyes to sunlight
increased sweating
joint pain
loss of appetite
muscle aching or cramping
muscle pain or stiffness
pain or burning sensation at the injection site
pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
sensation of spinning
sense of detachment from self or body
shakiness and unsteady walk
shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
swollen joints
unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
yellow eyes or skin
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Works well to prevent nausea and vomiting
Can use in children as young as 2 years old
Can use safely in people with liver or kidney problems
Available as a brand name only, which can be expensive
Not the best choice for people with heart rhythm problems
Can interact with certain medications, like antidepressants and migraine medications
No longer available as an injection for people who might have trouble swallowing or keeping things down
Make sure you understand when you're supposed to take Anzemet (dolasetron) to get the most out of the medication to prevent nausea or vomiting. Take Anzemet (dolasetron) 1 hour before your chemotherapy.
Take Anzemet (dolasetron) with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole. Don't crush or chew the tablets.
Anzemet (dolasetron) can make you feel tired and dizzy. Don't drive until you know how this medication affects you.
Anzemet (dolasetron) can interact with many other medications, such as certain antidepressants, migraine medications called triptans, and some medications that affect your heart rhythm. Make sure to tell your provider about all the medications you take before starting Anzemet (dolasetron). Also, don't start any new medications while taking Anzemet (dolasetron) without talking to your provider first.
Anzemet (dolasetron) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk factors: Low blood potassium or magnesium levels | Older age | Kidney problems | History of heart problems, slow heart rate, or other abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) | Personal or family history of long QT syndrome | Taking other medications that cause QT prolongation
Anzemet (dolasetron) can affect your heart rhythm, which can be serious and life-threatening. One example includes lengthening the time period from when the heart pumps and then relaxes. This is known as QT prolongation. Your risk for QT prolongation is higher if you have certain factors, including abnormal electrolyte levels, heart rhythm problems, or are taking other medications that cause heart rhythm problems, such as amiodarone (Pacerone) and ciprofloxacin (Cipro), among others.
To lower your risk, your provider will periodically monitor your heart and perform electrocardiograms (EKGs) to make sure your heart rhythm is normal. If you feel your chest pounding, have shortness of breath, have chest pain, or feel faint or lightheaded while taking Anzemet (dolasetron), call 911 right away.
Risk factors: Taking other medications that raise serotonin levels in your brain
Some people taking Anzemet (dolasetron) have developed a rare, but potentially life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome. This condition happens where there's too much serotonin in the brain. Your risk for serotonin syndrome goes up if you use Anzemet (dolasetron) with other medications that can raise your serotonin levels, such as certain antidepressants, mental health medications, pain medications, and migraine medications.
Let your provider know about all the medications you take before starting Anzemet (dolasetron). Also, don't start any new medications without talking to your provider first. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include fast heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, fever, and confusion. Get medical help right away if you have any of these symptoms.
Some people have experienced a severe allergic reaction to Anzemet (dolasetron). These reactions can be life-threatening and include facial swelling, hives, and anaphylaxis (e.g., closing of the throat). If you notice dizziness, fast heartbeat, a choking sensation, difficulty breathing, swelling around your eyes, swelling of the lips or tongue, or any signs of a severe skin reaction after taking Anzemet (dolasetron), get medical attention right away.
Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
---|---|---|---|
50mg | 30 tablets | $855.92 | $28.53 |
Each tablet contains 50 mg of dolasetron.
Age 17 years and older: The typical dose is 100 mg by mouth within 1 hour before chemotherapy.
Age 2 to 16 years: The dose depends on your child's body weight. The typical dose is 1.8 mg/kg of body weight (and up to 100 mg) by mouth within 1 hour before chemotherapy.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Prevention of nausea and vomiting due to cancer medications (chemotherapy)
Prevention of nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy in adults and children 1 month of age and older
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Prevention of nausea and vomiting due to cancer medications (chemotherapy) or radiation therapy
Prevention of nausea and vomiting after surgery
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