Lotronex (alosetron) blocks the action of a chemical called serotonin in the intestines. This slows the movement of stools (bowel movements) through the intestines.
Lotronex 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. Lotronex should be used only in women who have tried other IBS treatments without success. This medicine has not been shown to be effective in men with IBS.
Lotronex 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.
Lotronex may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Lotronex 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 Lotronex if you are constipated. If you have constipation while taking Lotronex, 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 Lotronex. In rare cases, this medicine has caused severe constipation, or ischemic colitis (caused by reduced blood flow to the intestines). Stop taking Lotronex 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 Lotronex again until you talk to your doctor.
Lotronex does not improve the symptoms of IBS for everyone. When Lotronex 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 this medicine if your IBS symptoms do not improve after 4 weeks of treatment. If you stop taking Lotronex, do not start taking it again without your doctor"s advice.
Before taking this medicine
Do not use Lotronex if you have:
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constipation (especially if it is your main IBS symptom);
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a history of severe or ongoing constipation;
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obstruction or perforation of your intestines;
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Crohn"s disease, ulcerative colitis, or diverticulitis;
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blood clots, or circulation problems affecting your intestines;
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severe liver disease; or
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if you are also taking fluvoxamine (Luvox) to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any of the conditions listed above.
Serious or fatal side effects on the stomach and intestines have occurred in some people taking Lotronex. In rare cases, Lotronex has caused severe constipation, or ischemic colitis (caused by reduced blood flow to the intestines). Stop taking this medicine 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 Lotronex again until you talk to your doctor.
FDA pregnancy category B. Lotronex 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 Lotronex without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
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.
How should I take Lotronex?
Take Lotronex exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take this medicine with a full glass of water.
Lotronex may be taken with or without food.
Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor if you become constipated.
Lotronex does not improve the symptoms of IBS for everyone. When Lotronex 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.
Lotronex is not a cure for irritable bowel syndrome. If you stop taking this medicine, symptoms may return within one week.
Stop taking Lotronex if your IBS symptoms do not improve after 4 weeks of treatment. If you stop taking Lotronex, do not start taking it again without your doctor"s advice.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose?
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.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid?
Follow your doctor"s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Lotronex side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Lotronex: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop taking Lotronex and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
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new or worsening stomach pain;
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bleeding from your rectum or blood in your stools; or
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fast or uneven heartbeats.
Less serious Lotronex side effects may include:
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.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Lotronex?
Do not take Lotronex if you are also taking fluvoxamine (Luvox) to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:
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cimetidine (Tagamet);
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ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), voriconazole, (VFEND);
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isoniazid (for treating tuberculosis);
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hydralazine (BiDil);
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procainamide (Procanbid, Procan SR, Pronestyl);
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HIV medicines such as tipranavir (Aptivus), indinavir (Crixivan), saquinavir (Invirase), lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra), fosamprenavir (Lexiva), ritonavir (Norvir), atazanavir (Reyataz), or nelfinavir (Viracept); or
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an antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), clarithromycin (Biaxin), levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), norfloxacin (Noroxin), ofloxacin (Floxin), or telithromycin (Ketek).
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with Lotronex. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
