Patient FAQs

Frequently asked questions about ANZEMET® (dolasetron mesylate, USP) Tablets

If your doctor has recently prescribed Anzemet Tablets for you or your child, you may have questions. The following answers may help.

What are Anzemet Tablets?

Anzemet Tablets are a prescription medicine called an “antiemetic.” Anzemet Tablets are used in adults and children 2 years and older to help prevent the nausea and vomiting that happens with certain anti-cancer medicines (chemotherapy).

Anzemet Tablets belong to the class of medicines known as 5-HT₃ receptor antagonists.

Why was I prescribed Anzemet Tablets?

Your doctor prescribed Anzemet Tablets to help prevent the nausea and vomiting that can happen with certain anti-cancer medicines (chemotherapy).

How do I take Anzemet Tablets?

Anzemet Tablets come as 50 mg tablets in 10-count bottles. The recommended doses of Anzemet Tablets should not be exceeded:

Adults take Anzemet Tablets with water, 1 hour before chemotherapy at a recommended dose of 100 mg.
Pediatric patients 2 to 16 years of age take an oral weight-based dose of Anzemet Tablets, 1 hour before chemotherapy. The recommended oral dosage is 1.8 mg/kg, up to a maximum of 100 mg.
Anzemet Tablets are not for pediatric patients under 2 years of age.

What common side effects are associated with Anzemet Tablets?

The most common side effects of Anzemet Tablets include headache, fatigue, diarrhea, bradycardia (slower than normal heart rate), dizziness, pain, tachycardia (faster than normal heart rate), indigestion, and chills/shivering.

What serious side effects are associated with Anzemet Tablets?

Anzemet Tablets may cause serious allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis. Get emergency medical help right away if you get any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: hives, swollen face, trouble breathing, or chest pain.

Anzemet Tablets can cause long QT syndrome, a disorder of the heart’s electrical system that predisposes individuals to irregular heartbeats, fainting spells, and sudden death. Tell your doctor if you have had a heart rhythm disorder, long QT syndrome, congestive heart failure, or an electrolyte imbalance. If you have or have had any of these disorders, or are elderly, your doctor should monitor your heart while you are taking Anzemet Tablets. Do not take Anzemet Tablets if you are at risk for or have complete heart block (your heart beats slowly or skips beats) unless you have a pacemaker.

Serotonin syndrome can happen with Anzemet Tablets particularly when on treatment with certain other medicines such as anti-depressants and anti-migraine medicines and can be life threatening. Stop taking Anzemet Tablets and go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away if you get any of the following symptoms: agitation, hallucinations or other changes in mental status, dizziness, fast heartbeat, sweating, high body temperature, fainting, shortness of breath, shaking (tremors), unsteady movements, muscle twitching (overactive reflexes), or seizures with or without nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

What should I tell my doctor before taking Anzemet Tablets?

Tell your doctor (or nurse) about all your medical conditions, including if you are taking other medications, especially medications to treat depression and migraines, water pills, and medications to prevent or treat abnormal heart beats. You should also tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or plan to become pregnant or breastfeed.

Take Anzemet Tablets only as prescribed by your doctor. The risk information provided here is not comprehensive. For additional information, see the full Prescribing Information.

You may report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS to Validus Pharmaceuticals LLC at 1-866-982-5438 or to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

View Safety Information

Important Safety Information

Approved Use

ANZEMET® (dolasetron mesylate, USP) Tablets are a prescription medicine called an “antiemetic.” ANZEMET is used in adults and children 2 years and older to help control the nausea and vomiting that happens with certain anti-cancer medicines (chemotherapy).

Important Safety Considerations

ANZEMET may cause serious allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction to a trigger such as an allergy. Get emergency medical help right away if you experience any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: hives, swollen face, trouble breathing, or chest pain.
ANZEMET can cause long QT syndrome, a disorder of the heart’s electrical system that predisposes individuals to irregular heartbeats, fainting spells, and sudden death. Tell your doctor if you have had a heart rhythm disorder or were told by your doctor that you have a long QT syndrome, congestive heart failure, or an electrolyte imbalance. If you have or have had any of these disorders, your doctor should monitor your heart while you are taking ANZEMET. Do not take ANZEMET if you are at risk of having a complete heart block (your heart beats slowly or skips beats). If you have a pacemaker, check with your cardiologist before you take ANZEMET.
Serotonin syndrome can happen with ANZEMET, particularly when taken along with certain other medicines, such as anti-depressants and anti-migraine medicines. Serotonin syndrome can be life-threatening. If any of the following symptoms occur while taking ANZEMET tablets, STOP taking ANZEMET immediately and go to the nearest hospital emergency room: agitation, hallucinations or other changes in mental status, dizziness, fast heartbeat, sweating, high body temperature, fainting, shortness of breath, shaking (tremors), unsteady movements, muscle twitching (overactive reflexes), or seizures with or without nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Report your symptoms and all medicines you are taking to the attending doctor.
The most common side effects that have been reported from patients taking ANZEMET Tablets include headache, fatigue, diarrhea, bradycardia (slower than normal heart rate), dizziness, pain, tachycardia (faster than normal heart rate), indigestion, and chills/shivering.
Tell your doctor or nurse about all your medical conditions, including if you are taking other medications (especially medications to treat depression or migraines, water pills, and medications to prevent or treat abnormal heart beats) and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or plan to become pregnant or breastfeed.
ANZEMET is approved for use in children over 2 years of age who are able to swallow tablets.
The recommended adult dose of ANZEMET Tablets is 100 mg given within one hour before chemotherapy. In pediatric patients 2 to 16 years, the recommended dose is 1.8 mg/kg given within one hour before chemotherapy, up to a maximum dose of 100 mg. Do not exceed these doses.

Only take ANZEMET as prescribed by your doctor. The risk information provided here is not comprehensive. For additional information see the Full Prescribing Information.

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Validus Pharmaceuticals LLC at 1-866-982-5438 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.