What Is Alosetron?
Alosetron is used to treat severe, chronic irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in women who have had diarrhea as the main symptom for at least 6 months. Alosetron should be used only in women who have tried other IBS treatments without success. Alosetron has not been shown to be effective in men with IBS.
Alosetron is available only under a special program called the Prometheus Prescribing Program. You must be registered in the program and sign documents stating that you understand the risks and benefits of taking this medication.
Alosetron may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Alosetron is available only under a special program called the Prometheus Prescribing Program. You must be registered in the program and sign documents stating that you understand the risks and benefits of taking this medication.
Do not start taking alosetron if you are constipated. If you have constipation while taking alosetron, stop taking the medication and call your doctor right away.
Serious or fatal side effects on the stomach and intestines have occurred in some people taking alosetron. In rare cases, alosetron has caused severe constipation, or ischemic colitis (caused by reduced blood flow to the intestines).
Stop taking alosetron and call your doctor right away if you develop new or worsening constipation, stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, or blood in your stools (bowel movements). If constipation does not improve or if it gets worse, do not start taking alosetron again until you talk to your doctor.
Alosetron does not improve the symptoms of IBS for everyone. When alosetron does work well, it helps reduce stomach pain and discomfort, bowel urgency, and diarrhea. Some or all symptoms may improve within one to two weeks of treatment.
Stop taking alosetron if your IBS symptoms do not improve after 4 weeks of treatment. If you stop taking alosetron, do not start taking it again without your doctor's advice.
Do not use alosetron if you have:
- constipation (especially if it is your main IBS symptom);
- a history of severe or ongoing constipation;
- obstruction or perforation of your intestines;
- Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or diverticulitis;
- blood clots, or circulation problems affecting your intestines;
- severe liver disease; or
- if you are also taking fluvoxamine (Luvox) to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Serious or fatal side effects on the stomach and intestines have occurred in some people taking alosetron. In rare cases, alosetron has caused severe constipation, or ischemic colitis (caused by reduced blood flow to the intestines).
Stop taking alosetron and call your doctor right away if you develop new or worsening constipation, stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, or blood in your stools (bowel movements). If constipation does not improve or if it gets worse, do not start taking alosetron again until you talk to your doctor.
FDA pregnancy category B. Alosetron is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether alosetron passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not take alosetron without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Older adults and those who are ill or debilitated may be more likely to have serious complications from constipation.
This medicine should not be given to a child younger than 18 years old.
Alosetron Side Effects
Stop taking alosetron and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
- new or worsening stomach pain;
- bleeding from your rectum or blood in your stools; or
- fast or uneven heartbeats.
- mild stomach discomfort, bloating, or nausea;
- mild constipation;
- burping with heartburn;
- rectal hemorrhoids;
- bloating or gas;
- headache; or
- skin rash.
Alosetron Interactions
Do not take alosetron if you are also taking fluvoxamine (Luvox) to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:
- cimetidine (Tagamet);
- ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), voriconazole, (VFEND);
- isoniazid (for treating tuberculosis);
- hydralazine (BiDil);
- procainamide (Procanbid, Procan SR, Pronestyl);
- HIV medicines such as tipranavir (Aptivus), indinavir (Crixivan), saquinavir (Invirase), lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra), fosamprenavir (Lexiva), ritonavir (Norvir), atazanavir (Reyataz), or nelfinavir (Viracept); or
- an antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), clarithromycin (Biaxin), levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), norfloxacin (Noroxin), ofloxacin (Floxin), or telithromycin (Ketek).
Alosetron Dosage
Take this medicine with a full glass of water.
Alosetron may be taken with or without food.
Stop taking alosetron and call your doctor if you become constipated while taking alosetron.
Alosetron does not improve the symptoms of IBS for everyone. When alosetron does work well, it helps reduce stomach pain and discomfort, bowel urgency, and diarrhea. Some or all symptoms may improve within one to two weeks of treatment.
Alosetron is not a cure for irritable bowel syndrome. If you stop taking alosetron, symptoms may return within one week.
Stop taking alosetron if your IBS symptoms do not improve after 4 weeks of treatment. If you stop taking alosetron, do not start taking it again without your doctor's advice.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Alosetron Pictures
