palonosetron (injection)
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 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 as young as 1 month old 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.
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).
Be sure your doctor knows if you also take stimulant medicine, opioid medicine, herbal products, or medicine for depression, mental illness, Parkinson's disease, migraine headaches, serious infections, or prevention of nausea and vomiting. These medicines may interact with palonosetron and cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
How is palonosetron given?
Palonosetron is given as an infusion into a vein. 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.
Seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as: agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Common side effects may include:
- nausea, vomiting;
- constipation;
- slow heartbeats; 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?
Many drugs can affect palonosetron. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
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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