Alosetron (By Mouth)

Alosetron (a-LOE-se-tron)

Treats irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in women who have diarrhea as their main symptom.

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, or if you are constipated, have ever had problems with ongoing constipation, or have a history of certain other digestive diseases. 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 take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• You may take this medicine with or without food.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take 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 at room temperature, away from heat 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 also using any other medicines that may cause constipation. Tell your doctor if you are also using isoniazid (Rifamid®), procainamide (Procanbid®), or hydralazine (Apresoline®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease.
• Your doctor will ask you to sign a paper explaining the risks and benefits of taking this medicine. Be sure you understand the risks and benefits before signing the paper.
• Some of the side effects of this medicine can happen suddenly, without any warning.
• If you have a side effect called ischemic colitis, you should not take alosetron again. The symptoms of ischemic colitis are: bleeding from your rectum, blood in your diarrhea or stools, and new or worse stomach pain or cramps. Call your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms.
• If you develop constipation, stop taking this medicine and call your doctor. After the constipation goes away, talk to your doctor before starting the medicine again.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

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

• Constipation that does not get better even after treatment
• Skin rash

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

• Mild gas or bloating
• Mild nausea

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.