Uses

What is palonosetron used for?

Palonosetron is commonly used to prevent nausea and vomiting that can happen when using medicines for cancer (chemotherapy) and after surgery.

Palonosetron may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does palonosetron work (mechanism of action)?

Palonosetron blocks a specific receptor in the gut (intestines) and brain called 5-HT3 that normally causes nausea and vomiting when your body is exposed to certain substances, such as chemotherapy or anesthesia, or after surgery (especially on gut).  By blocking this receptor, palonosetron reduces nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy or surgery/anesthesia.

How is palonosetron supplied (dosage forms)?

Palonosetron is available as an injectable solution that is given by a healthcare provider.

How should I store palonosetron?

Palonosetron will be stored and administered by a healthcare provider.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of palonosetron?

The most common side effects of palonosetron are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Headache
  • Constipation

There may be other side effects of palonosetron that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of palonosetron?

While less common, the most serious side effects of palonosetron are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Palonosetron may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using palonosetron and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Heart Rhythm Changes. Palonosetron may cause a rare, dangerous heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation and torsade de pointes. Some people have a higher risk of this, including people who are older, have other people in their family who have had these conditions, have low potassium or magnesium levels, or who take some medicines for other heart rhythm problems. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you faint or have changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast or skipping heartbeat.

Serotonin Syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is when there is too much of a substance called serotonin in your body. Palonosetron can cause serotonin syndrome when it is used alone or with other medicines that affect serotonin (see Interactions). This condition can be life-threatening. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of serotonin syndrome.

  • Sweating, fever, or flushing
  • Confusion
  • Feeling agitated or restless
  • Seeing or hearing unusual things
  • Dizziness
  • Fast or racing heartbeat
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Muscle twitching, stiffness, or tremor
  • Seizures

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use palonosetron?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use palonosetron.

  • Palonosetron
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific palonosetron products they stock.

What should I know about palonosetron before using it?

Palonosetron will be administered to you by your healthcare provider. It is important to be on time for your appointments, as palonosetron must be given at a specific time to ensure maximum effectiveness at preventing nausea and vomiting.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using palonosetron?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if palonosetron is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Palonosetron may increase your risk for serotonin syndrome (see Side Effects) if you are taking certain other medicines. Before using palonosetron, tell your healthcare provider about any medicines you are taking. See Side Effects and Interactions sections for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how palonosetron could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if palonosetron passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does palonosetron interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between palonosetron and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect palonosetron.

Does palonosetron interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using palonosetron.

  • A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which is a medicine commonly used for anxiety and depression
  • A serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), which is a medicine commonly used for anxiety and depression
  • A type of medicine called a triptan, such as sumatriptan (Imitrex and others), eletriptan (Relpax), and others, which is commonly used to treat migraines

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with palonosetron. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does Palonosetron interact with other drugs you are taking?
Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much palonosetron?

If you or someone else has used too much palonosetron, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of palonosetron?

Palonosetron is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. Your healthcare provider will make sure you are receiving palonosetron as scheduled.