This medication is used to treat seizures due to certain
medical conditions (such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome,
tuberous sclerosis complex - TSC). It is not known how this medication
works for these seizures. Cannabidiol belongs to a class of drugs known as
cannabinoids.
Read the Medication Guide and Instructions for Use
provided by your pharmacist before you start taking cannabidiol and each
time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your
doctor, usually twice daily. You may take this medication with or without
food, but it is important to choose one way and take this medication the
same way with every dose. The dosage is based on your medical condition,
weight, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be
sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use
(including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal
products).
To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may
direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase
your dose. Also, if you are directed to stop taking this medication, your
doctor may decrease your dose gradually. Follow your doctor's instructions
carefully.
Carefully measure the dose using a special measuring
device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the
correct dose.
Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each
day.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
Drowsiness, tiredness, trouble sleeping, unusual lack of
energy, decreased appetite, decreased weight, or diarrhea may occur. If any
of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- signs of liver damage (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't
stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark
urine)
- signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away,
fever, chills, cough)
A small number of people who take anti-seizure drugs for
any condition (such as seizure, bipolar disorder, pain) may experience
depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, or other mental/mood problems. Tell
your doctor right away if you or your family/caregiver notice any
unusual/sudden changes in your mood, thoughts, or behavior such as
irritability, signs of depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, thoughts
about harming yourself.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking cannabidiol, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as sesame seed oil),
which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your
pharmacist for more details.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- liver problems
- mental/mood problems (such as anxiety, depression, thoughts
of suicide)
- personal or family history of a substance use disorder (such
as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol)
This drug may make you drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana can
make you more drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that
needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk
to your doctor if you are using marijuana.
This medication may contain sugar, aspartame, or
alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, liver disease,
phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition that requires you to
limit/avoid these substances in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist
about taking this medication safely.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. However, since untreated seizures are a serious
condition that can harm both a pregnant woman and her unborn baby, do not
stop taking this medication unless directed by your doctor. If you are
planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, talk to
your doctor right away about the benefits and risks of taking this
medication during pregnancy.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This medication can slow down the removal of other
medications from your body, which may affect how they work. Examples of
affected drugs include fezolinetant, mavacamten, among
others.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other
products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such
as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana, drugs for sleep or anxiety
(such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as
carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine,
diphenhydramine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy
or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause
drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products
safely.
This medication may affect certain lab test results
(such as cannabis drug screening). Make sure lab personnel and all your
doctors know you take this drug.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as liver function) should
be done before you start taking this medication and while you are taking
it. Keep all medical and lab appointments.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store in the original bottle at room temperature. Do not
freeze. Keep the bottle in an upright position. Tightly close the bottle
when not in use. Once the bottle is opened, this medication expires after
12 weeks. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical
emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call
1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).