Drugs & Vitamins

Palonosetron Active Ingredients: Palonosetron Representative Names: Aloxi What is palonosetron Injection? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should this medicine be used? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with palonosetron? What side effects may I notice from receiving palonosetron? What should I watch for while taking palonosetron? Where can I keep my medicine? What is palonosetron Injection? (Back to top) PALONOSETRON (Aloxi™) helps to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with cancer treatments (chemotherapy). Palonosetron may also help to prevent delayed nausea and vomiting that you might experience within a few days after your chemotherapy regimen. Generic palonosetron injections are not yet available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •abnormal heart rhythm or family history of abnormal heart rhythm (such as congenital QT syndrome) •dehydration •heart disease •low blood level of magnesium •low blood level of potassium •an unusual reaction to palonosetron, other similar drugs for nausea or vomiting (like dolasetron, granisetron, ondansetron), other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should this medicine be used? (Back to top) Palonosetron is for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) This does not apply. What drug(s) may interact with palonosetron? (Back to top) •alosetron •anthracycline (anti-cancer medication) •arsenic trioxide •astemizole •bepridil •certain other medications used for nausea and vomiting, such as dolasetron or droperidol •cisapride •cyclobenzaprine •halofantrine •pentamidine •probucol •some antibiotics, such as clarithromycin or erythromycin •some drugs used to control heart beat or rhythm (examples: amiodarone, digoxin, disopyramide, flecainide, quinidine) •some drugs used for depression or other mental problems, such as psychosis (examples: amoxapine, haloperidol, maprotiline, phenothiazines, pimozide, risperidone, tricyclic antidepressants, sertindole, or ziprasidone) •terfenadine •water pills (diuretics) Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from receiving palonosetron? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •difficulty breathing, wheezing, shortness of breath •fast or irregular heartbeat •fainting •tightness in the chest •skin rash, itching •swelling of the face, tongue, throat, hands and feet Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •constipation or diarrhea •drowsiness or dizziness •dry mouth •headache •not able to fall asleep, or early awakening •stomach pain What should I watch for while taking palonosetron? (Back to top) Your condition will be closely monitored by health care professionals while you receive this medication. If you have recurring nausea or vomiting after receiving this medicine and your cancer drug regimen, inform your health care professional as soon as possible. If you are taking the drug alosetron (Lotronex®) for irritable bowel syndrome, inform your health care provider immediately if you develop constipation after being treated with palonosetron. Serious stomach problems could occur. If you are taking digoxin, your health care provider may want to check your digoxin blood levels and/or heart rhythm before starting palonosetron. If you are going to have surgery, inform your health care provider if you have received palonosetron in the past 7 days. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) This medication will be given to you in a hospital or health clinic setting. You will not be given this medicine to take home. Last Updated:07/11/2005 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.