Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take Anzemet (Dolasetron).
HEALTH CANADA ADVISORY
May 15, 2014
Health Canada has issued new restrictions concerning the use of Anzemet (Anzemet (Dolasetron)). To read the full Health Canada Advisory, visit Health Canada's web site at www.hc-sc.gc.ca.
Abnormal heart rhythms: Anzemet (Dolasetron) can cause changes to the rhythm of the heart, which may lead to serious complications, including death. If you have a condition that may make you more likely to develop heart rhythm changes, discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of taking Anzemet (Dolasetron).
You are more at risk for this type of abnormal heart rhythm and its complications if you:
- are female
- are older than 65 years of age
- have a family history of sudden cardiac death
- have a history of heart disease or abnormal heart rhythms
- have a slow heart rate
- have congenital prolongation of the QT interval
- have Diabetes
- have had a Stroke
- have low potassium, magnesium, or calcium levels
- have nutritional deficiencies
- are taking chemotherapy medications known as anthracyclines (e.g., Doxorubicin, Daunorubicin)
- are taking diuretics ("water pills")
If you have a history of heart disease, abnormal heart rhythms, or are taking medications to treat abnormal heart rhythms, discuss with your doctor how Anzemet (Dolasetron) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Anzemet (Dolasetron), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Kidney function: Reduced kidney function may cause Anzemet (Dolasetron) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have Kidney Disease or reduced kidney function, discuss with your doctor how Anzemet (Dolasetron) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Anzemet (Dolasetron), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your kidney function regularly with blood tests while you are taking this medication.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Anzemet (Dolasetron) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Anzemet (Dolasetron) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Anzemet (Dolasetron), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Anzemet (Dolasetron).
Pregnancy: Anzemet (Dolasetron) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Anzemet (Dolasetron), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Anzemet (Dolasetron) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Anzemet (Dolasetron), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Anzemet (Dolasetron) have not been established for children.
Seniors: Seniors may be more likely to experience side effects related to irregular heart rhythm if they take Anzemet (Dolasetron). Anzemet (Dolasetron) should be avoided by seniors.
