FOSNETUPITANT,PALONOSETRON

Background and Date of Approval

Fosnetupitant and palonosetron is an antiemetic medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2018 for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy.

Uses

Fosnetupitant, Palonosetron is used to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). It is prescribed to help cancer patients better tolerate their chemotherapy treatments by reducing the likelihood of these distressing side effects and is also used to control postoperative nausea and vomiting.

How is it administered?

Fosnetupitant, Palonosetron is a prescription medicine available in injection form. Fosnetupitant, Palonosetron can be given only as an intravenous injection into a vein by your physician in a hospital setting. It is usually administered as a 30-minute infusion before you receive your anti-cancer medicine (chemotherapy) or right before anesthesia for surgery.

Side Effects

The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Fosnetupitant, Palonosetron are headache, fatigue, dizziness, and abdominal pain. Some serious side effects also include allergic reactions, hives, swollen face, breathing trouble, and chest pain.

Warnings

The common side effects that are likely to occur with this medicine are hives, swollen face, breathing trouble, and chest pain. Inform your healthcare provider if these side effects concern you or persist for longer than usual. If you have liver problems or renal impairment, discuss this with your physician. Dosing adjustments may be necessary in such cases. There is a potential risk of serotonin syndrome when Fosnetupitant, Palonosetron is combined with other serotonergic medications. Serotonin syndrome can cause symptoms such as agitation, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, fever, muscle stiffness, and coordination problems. Inform your physician about all medications, including antidepressants and other serotonergic drugs, that you are taking.

Precautions

The safety and efficacy of Fosnetupitant, Palonosetron in pediatric patients have not been established. It is primarily intended for use in adults. It is unsafe to administer this drug to pregnant women because it may cause harm to the baby. Please consult your doctor before taking this medicine. It is unclear whether this drug passes into breast milk for breastfeeding women, and consulting a doctor for guidance would be a better choice.

Word of Advice

Maintaining proper hydration can help reduce the risk of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). Drink adequate fluids and inform your doctor if you experience difficulty retaining fluids. Attempt to maintain a balanced diet where feasible. Consuming small, frequent meals and snacks throughout the day may help prevent nausea and vomiting. Stress and anxiety can intensify nausea. Employ relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or meditation, to manage stress effectively. Sufficient rest and sleep are also important during treatment with fosnetupitant and palonosetron.

References

Helsinn Birex Pharmaceuticals, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on April 2018] [Accessed on 13th Sept 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/210493s000lbl.pdf Akynzeo (fosnetupitant/palonosetron) - Magellan Provider, [Accessed on 13th Sept 2023], https://specialtydrug.magellanprovider.com/media/91541/akynzeo-iv.pdf Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Treatment of bowel motility and water flux disorders, 12th edition, 2011, 1341. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Antiemetic, prokinetic and digestant drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 669.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the possible side effects of Fosnetupitant, Palonosetron?

Fosnetupitant, Palonosetron can cause serious allergic reactions like hives, swollen face, breathing trouble, and chest pain. Some common side effects include headache and constipation.

How does a Fosnetupitant, Palonosetron work?

Fosnetupitant, Palonosetron works by blocking the action of a chemical called serotonin, which is involved in causing nausea and vomiting.

How effective is Fosnetupitant, Palonosetron in preventing CINV?

Fosnetupitant, Palonosetron is considered effective in preventing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. It combines two different classes of antiemetic medications (NK-1 receptor antagonist and 5-HT3 receptor antagonist), which can provide more comprehensive control of nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. The effectiveness may vary from person to person, but it is often prescribed to provide significant relief.

Who should not take a Fosnetupitant, Palonosetron?

Fosnetupitant, Palonosetron should not be taken by individuals who are allergic to it or its ingredients.

What forms does Fosnetupitant, Palonosetron come in?

Fosnetupitant, Palonosetron is available in the form of injection and tablet.

Written By: Muskan Patel, M.Pharm

Reviewed By: Dr. Vishwa Patel, MBBS