For patients who have been prescribed Cariban in Ireland

What is Cariban?

Cariban is a medicine that is used to treat adult patients experiencing Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy.

Cariban contains two medicines called: ‘doxylamine succinate’ and ‘pyridoxine hydrochloride’. Doxylamine succinate belongs to a group of medicines called ‘antihistamines’. Pyridoxine hydrochloride is another name for Vitamin B₆.^1,3

Cariban is recommended by the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists) as a first line treatment for Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy.²

If you have any questions about Cariban, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist or alternatively click here to contact us. Please ensure you take Cariban as indicated by your healthcare professional.

Cariban has now attained official inclusion in the reimbursement list, allowing you, the patient, to access it through the Drugs Payment Scheme or Medical Card without any requirement for consultant signed forms.

Patient Resources

Cariban Patient Guide

This leaflet will provide you with useful information on Cariban.
View guide
Patient Support Group

This will bring you to the patient support group in Ireland
Visit website
NVP Leaflet

This leaflet will provide you with information on Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy.
View leaflet

Reporting of Side Effects

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.

This includes any possible side effects not listed in the package leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the HPRA Pharmacovigilance Website: www.hpra.ie. Side effects should also be reported to Galen on 048 3833 4974 and select the customer services option, or e-mail customer.services@galen-pharma.com.

By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why have I been given Cariban?

If you experience Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy (NVP) which could not be managed by conservative treatment e.g. dietary options, you may have been prescribed Cariban to help to control the symptoms. Each patient’s symptoms will range in severity. Please speak with your healthcare professional if you feel your symptoms are not controlled or worsening.

Cariban is recommended by the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists) for the treatment of Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy.²

What should I do if I forget to take Cariban?

If you miss a dose, you should take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the forgotten dose and continue as usual. Do not take a double dose to make up for forgotten doses.³

Where can I get Cariban?

Cariban is only available on prescription. This can be via either your General Practitioner, Maternity Hospital or other relevant professionals, who will prescribe Cariban if it is the most suitable treatment option for you. Your prescription can then be taken to a local pharmacy.

What side effects should I expect when taking Cariban?

Like all medicines, Cariban can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The side effects of Cariban in general, are mild and transient, being more frequent in the first days of treatment.³

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) are: drowsiness and other side effects such as a dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, urinary retention or increased bronchial secretion.³

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the patient information leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the HPRA Pharmacovigilance Website: www.hpra.ie. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. Side effects should also be reported to Galen on 048 3833 4974 and select the customer services option, or e-mail customer.services@galen-pharma.com.

How often should I take Cariban?

Cariban allows for flexible dosing, which can be adapted according to the patient’s response (the maximum recommended dose is four capsules daily).^1,3 Please take Cariban as directed by your healthcare professional.

Is it okay to take Cariban during pregnancy?

Yes, Cariban is intended for use in pregnant women to treat symptoms of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. ^1,3

Is Cariban reimbursed?

Yes, Cariban can now be reimbursed for patients when prescribed by all healthcare professionals (this includes your GP). There is no longer a requirement to obtain a signed consultant form to obtain reimbursement for Cariban.

Can I drive after taking Cariban?

Cariban can cause drowsiness in some patients, therefore you should avoid any situations which require you to be alert, such as driving, at least for the first few days of treatment until you know how it affects you.^1,3