Syndros

Syndros is a man-made version of cannabis (also known as marijuana).

Syndros is used to help increase appetite in people with AIDS who are losing weight.

Syndros is also used to treat severe nausea and vomiting that can occur after cancer chemotherapy. This medicine is typically given when other treatments for nausea and vomiting have not worked.

Syndros may also be used for other reasons that are not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all instructions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may change your dose from time to time. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Tell your doctor if you feel a stronger urge to use more of this medicine.

Syndros may be habit-forming. Misuse can lead to addiction, overdose, or death. Keep the medication where others cannot reach it. Selling or giving away this medicine is illegal.

To help stimulate appetite in people with AIDS, Syndros is usually taken 1 hour before lunch and 1 hour before dinner.

To prevent nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy:

• Take your first dose on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before eating.
• After your first dose, you can take Syndros with or without food, but take it at the same time in relation to your meals for each chemotherapy treatment.
• Syndros is usually taken 1 to 3 hours before your chemotherapy treatment, and then every 2 to 4 hours (up to 6 doses per day).

Older adults may need to use this medicine less often. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very closely.

Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.

Measure the liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided or a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Take the liquid medicine with a full glass of water.

You may need to follow a special diet while using Syndros. Follow all guidance from your doctor or dietitian. Learn about the foods you should eat to help increase your food intake.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen while using Syndros.

Do not stop using Syndros suddenly after long-term use, as this could cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine.

Store the capsules or unopened liquid medicine in a tightly closed container in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

You can also store the capsules at cool room temperature, away from moisture and heat. After opening the liquid medicine, keep it at room temperature. Dispose of any unused liquid 42 days after opening the bottle.

Syndros may cause new or worsening psychosis (unusual thoughts or behavior), especially if you have ever had depression or mental illness.

You should not use Syndros capsules if you are allergic to sesame oil. You should not use this medicine oral solution if you have had an allergic reaction to alcohol or if you also use disulfiram (Antabuse) or metronidazole (Flagyl).

Syndros can raise or lower blood pressure, especially in older adults or in people with heart problems.

Call your doctor at once if you have new or worsening mood symptoms, changes in behavior, headaches, vision problems, rapid heartbeats, or severe dizziness.

You should not use Syndros if you are allergic to it.

You should not take Syndros capsules if you are allergic to sesame oil.

Syndros oral solution (liquid medicine) contains alcohol. You should not take this liquid medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to alcohol or if you also use disulfiram (Antabuse) or metronidazole (Flagyl). Do not take this liquid medicine within 14 days after or 7 days before using disulfiram or metronidazole.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• an allergy to any medication;
• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
• heart problems, high or low blood pressure, fainting spells, fast heartbeats;
• alcoholism or drug addiction; or
• depression, mental illness, or psychosis.

It is not known whether Syndros will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

HIV can be passed to your baby if you are not properly treated during pregnancy. If you have HIV or AIDS, take all of your medicines as directed to control your infection.

Women with HIV or AIDS should not breastfeed a baby. Even if your baby is born without HIV, the virus may be passed to the baby in your breast milk. However, if you are being treated for nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy and you are breastfeeding, your doctor should check the weight of your baby often.

Syndros is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, skin rash or burning; mouth sores; warmth, redness, or tingly feeling; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Syndros may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• a seizure;
• fast or pounding heartbeats;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• confusion, trouble sleeping, problems with memory or concentration;
• unusual changes in mood or behavior;
• restlessness, feeling nervous or irritable;
• slurred speech, drowsiness;
• severe or ongoing nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain; or
• increased blood pressure--severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears.

Common side effects of Syndros may include:

• feeling "high";
• dizziness, drowsiness, thinking problems;
• unusual thoughts or fears;
• feelings of extreme happiness; or
• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Take the medicine as soon as you remember, but skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at once.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Symptoms of an overdose may include changes in mood, problems with memory, little or no urinating, constipation, loss of energy, difficulties with speech or coordination, or feeling light-headed.

Do not use marijuana while taking Syndros.

Avoid driving or using machinery until you understand how Syndros will affect you. Dizziness or severe drowsiness can lead to falls or other accidents.

Do not drink alcohol while taking Syndros.

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications together. Some drugs can change the levels of other drugs in your blood, which may lead to more side effects or make the medications less effective.

Using Syndros with other drugs that make you sleepy can make this effect worse. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Other drugs may affect Syndros, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you begin or stop using.