For patients who are using or have used Cariban

FAQs for Patients who are using or have used Cariban

What is Cariban?

Cariban is a medicine which is used to treat Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy in adults. It belongs to a group of medicines called antiemetics and antinauseants.

Cariban contains two medicines (‘active substances’) 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

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.

How should I take Cariban?

Cariban capsules should be swallowed whole (without chewing) and on an empty stomach, with a sufficient quantity of liquid, preferably water.³

Can Cariban cause any harm to my baby?

Cariban is intended for use in pregnant women.^1,3 Doxylamine and pyridoxine (Cariban’s active ingredients) have been used extensively in pregnancy and have been the subject of many epidemiological studies.^4.5

The results from these studies have shown no association with birth defects.⁵

Care should be taken with all medicines used during pregnancy. Speak to your healthcare professional if you have any concerns about using Cariban.

What should I do if I take more Cariban than I should?

If you have taken more Cariban than you should, inform your healthcare professional immediately.³

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.

Is Cariban sugar-free?

No, Cariban contains sucrose.^1,3If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicine.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.

Why have I been given Cariban?

If you experience Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy which could not be managed by conservative treatment e.g. dietary options, you may have been prescribed Cariban to help to control the symptoms.¹

Each patient’s symptoms will range in severity.⁶Please 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

How long should I take Cariban for?

The healthcare professional who prescribed Cariban for you will explain how long to take Cariban for. If you feel your symptoms are not controlled or worsening, please speak to 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

What should I do if Cariban is not controlling my symptoms or my symptoms worsen?

Please speak with your healthcare professional. Severe nausea and vomiting may lead to other conditions requiring hospital treatment.⁴

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

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.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.