Alosetron (Systemic)

Brand Names : Lotronex

Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For alosetron, the following should be considered:

Allergies - Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to alosetron. Also, tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy - Alosetron has not been studied in pregnant women. However, alosetron has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in animal studies.

Breast-feeding - It is not known whether alosetron passes into human breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are taking this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.

Children - Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of alosetron in children with use in other age groups.

Older adults - Older adults or adults weak from an illness may be especially sensitive to the effects of alosetron. This may increase the chance of serious constipation problems.

Other medical problems - The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Constipation or
• Crohn's disease or
• Diverticulitis or
• Excessive blood clotting problems or
• Intestinal blood circulation problems or
• Intestinal adhesions, obstructions, perforations, or strictures or
• Ischemic colitis or
• Thrombophlebitis or
• Toxic megacolon or
• Ulcerative colitis