fosnetupitant and palonosetron (injection)

Pronunciation: FOS net UE pi tant and PAL oh NOE se tron

Brand: Akynzeo for Injection

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

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What is fosnetupitant and palonosetron?

Fosnetupitant and palonosetron is a combination medicine used to help prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. This medicine is given together with a steroid called dexamethasone.

Fosnetupitant and palonosetron helps prevent nausea and vomiting that occurs both during chemotherapy and later on (delayed nausea and vomiting).

Fosnetupitant and palonosetron may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving fosnetupitant and palonosetron?

Fosnetupitant and palonosetron may harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • liver or kidney disease; or
  • an allergic reaction to a medicine for nausea or vomiting, such as dolasetron (Anzemet), ondansetron (Zofran), or palonosetron (Aloxi).

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, or serious infections. These medicines may interact with fosnetupitant and palonosetron and cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome.

You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Fosnetupitant and palonosetron is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How is fosnetupitant and palonosetron given?

This medicine is given ahead of time and will not treat nausea or vomiting you already have.

About 30 minutes before chemotherapy, a healthcare provider will give you fosnetupitant and palonosetron as an infusion into a vein.

You will also take dexamethasone 30 minutes before chemotherapy, and you may need to keep taking dexamethasone for 3 days afterward. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Fosnetupitant and palonosetron is used as a single injection and does not have a daily dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while receiving fosnetupitant and palonosetron?

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

What are the possible side effects of fosnetupitant and 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, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Common side effects may include:

  • headache;
  • feeling weak or tired;
  • skin redness; or
  • upset stomach, constipation.

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 fosnetupitant and palonosetron?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Many drugs can affect fosnetupitant and 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 pharmacist can provide more information about fosnetupitant and palonosetron.

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