Palonosetron Injection

Conditions Treated

Palonosetron injection is used to prevent nausea and vomiting that may occur within 24 hours after receiving cancer chemotherapy or surgery. It is also used to prevent delayed nausea and vomiting that may occur several days after receiving certain chemotherapy medications. Palonosetron injection is in a class of medications called 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. It works by blocking the action of serotonin, a natural substance that may cause nausea and vomiting.

Possible Side Effects

What Side Effects Can This Cause?

Palonosetron injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• headache
• dizziness
• constipation
• diarrhea
• gas
• difficulty urinating
• anxiety
• weakness
• pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• hives
• rash
• itching
• difficulty breathing or swallowing

Palonosetron injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Usage Instructions

How Should This Medication Be Used

Palonosetron injection comes as a solution (liquid) to be injected intravenously (into a vein) by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. When palonosetron is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, it is usually given as a single dose about 30 minutes before the start of chemotherapy. If you are receiving more than one course of chemotherapy, you may receive a dose of palonosetron before each treatment cycle. When palonosetron is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by surgery, it is usually given as a single dose just before the surgery. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

What Dietary Instructions Should I Follow

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Are There Any Special Instructions

Before receiving palonosetron injection, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to palonosetron, alosetron (Lotronex), dolasetron (Anzemet), granisetron (Kytril, Sancuso), ondansetron (Zofran), or any other medications, or any of the ingredients in palonosetron injection. Ask your pharmacist or check the manufacturer's patient information for a list of the ingredients. tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any medical condition.