Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol



Sativex®







Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol

(tet ra hye dro kan NAB i nol & kan na bi DI ol)

Canadian Brand Names
Sativex®
Pharmacologic Category
Analgesic, Miscellaneous
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol, or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have any of the following conditions: Heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, or schizophrenia.
  • If you are a male patient with a sexual partner who plans on becoming pregnant at any time while you are being treated.
  • If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat pain in patients with multiple sclerosis.
How does it work?
  • Tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol work through the brain to relieve pain and spasms.
How is it best taken?
  • Do not spray near an open flame.
  • Shake well before use.
  • Do not apply spray to irritated mouth.
  • Prime pump by squeezing it 2-3 times.
  • Spray into mouth below the tongue or on the inside of the cheeks.
  • Do not spray the back of the throat.
  • Move site in the mouth with each spray.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • This medicine may be habit-forming with long-term use.
  • If you have seizures, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • If you have drug or alcohol addiction, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you are 65 or older, use this medicine with caution. You could have more side effects.
  • Use caution to prevent injury and avoid falls or accidents.
  • You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) or other medicines and natural products that slow your actions and reactions. These include sedatives, tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, antihistamines, and other pain medicine.
  • Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred vision, or a change in thinking clearly. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert or have clear vision until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Headache.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Mouth irritation.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Dry mouth may cause an increase in cavities. Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Significant change in balance.
  • Severe dizziness or passing out.
  • Feeling extremely tired or weak.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe mouth irritation.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store unopened vials in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
  • Store opened vials at room temperature. Throw away any unused portion after 1 month.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: