Alosetron (By mouth)

Introduction:

Alosetron (a-LOE-se-tron)

Treats irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in women who have diarrhea as the main symptom. This medicine is only used in severe cases that have not responded to other therapy.

Brand Name(s):

Lotronex

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to alosetron. Do not use this medicine if you have severe liver disease, a history of blood clots or severe constipation, or certain other bowel diseases (such as bowel bleeding, blockage, sores, swelling, Crohn's disease, or diverticulitis). Do not use this medicine if you are also using fluvoxamine (Luvox®). Tell your doctor about all digestive problems you have now or have ever had.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one. Your doctor might ask you to sign some forms to show that you understand this information.
  • You may take this medicine with or without food.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
  • Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using fluvoxamine (Luvox®), hydralazine (Apresoline®), isoniazid (Nydrazid®), or procainamide (Procanbid®, Pronestyl®).
  • Tell your doctor if you are using medicine to treat an infection (such as ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, gatifloxacin, levofloxacin, telithromycin, Biaxin®, Ciloxan®, Cipro®, Ketek®, Levaquin®, Tequin®), medicine to treat a fungus infection (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole, Nizoral®, Sporanox®, Vfend®), or medicine to treat HIV or AIDS (such as nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, Fortovase®, Invirase®, Norvir®, Viracept®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease.
  • This medicine may cause a very serious bowel disease called ischemic colitis. Call your doctor right away if you have bleeding from your rectum, blood in your diarrhea or stools, or new or worse stomach pain or cramps.
  • If you develop constipation, stop taking this medicine and call your doctor. Tell your doctor if the constipation does not go away after you have stopped using the medicine. Do not start taking the medicine again until your doctor tells you to.
  • If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
  • Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • Bleeding from your rectum.
  • Constipation.
  • Red or black stools.
  • Stomach pain or cramps (new or worse).

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Headache.
  • Mild gas or bloating.
  • Mild nausea.
  • Skin rash.
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