palonosetron (injection)

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Pronunciation: PAL oh NOE se tron

Brand: Aloxi

What is the most important information I should know about palonosetron?

Before you receive palonosetron, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions or allergies, and all the medicines you are using. Also make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

What is palonosetron?

Palonosetron blocks the actions of chemicals in the body that can trigger nausea and vomiting.

Palonosetron is used in adults to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by surgery, or by receiving medicine to treat cancer (chemotherapy).

Palonosetron is used in children only to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer medicine.

Palonosetron may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving palonosetron?

You should not be treated with palonosetron if you are allergic to it.

To make sure palonosetron is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a similar medicine for nausea or vomiting, such as dolasetron (Anzemet) or ondansetron (Zofran).

Palonosetron is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether palonosetron passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

How is palonosetron given?

Palonosetron is injected into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Palonosetron is usually given 30 minutes before chemotherapy, or right before you are given anesthesia for surgery.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Because you will receive palonosetron in a clinical setting, you are not likely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Since this medicine is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid while receiving palonosetron?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What are the possible side effects of palonosetron?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; chest pain, difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • high levels of serotonin in the body --agitation, hallucinations, fever, fast heart rate, overactive reflexes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, fainting.

Common side effects may include:

  • constipation; or
  • headache.

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.

What other drugs will affect palonosetron?

Using palonosetron while you are using certain other medicines can cause high levels of serotonin to build up in your body, a condition called "serotonin syndrome," which can be fatal. Tell your doctor if you also use:

  • medicine to treat depression;
  • medicine to treat a psychiatric disorder;
  • a narcotic (opioid) medication; or
  • medicine to prevent nausea and vomiting.

This list is not complete and many other drugs can interact with palonosetron. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Give a list of all your medicines to any healthcare provider who treats you.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about palonosetron.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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