NETUPITANT,PALONOSETRON
Background and Date of Approval
Netupitant and palonosetron are antiemetic medications used in combination to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Netupitant is a neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonist, while palonosetron is a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. The fixed-dose combination was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in September 2014 for the prevention of acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy.
Uses
Netupitant, Palonosetron is an anti-emetic agent used to treat Postoperative nausea & vomiting. It is also used to treat Chemotherapy induced nausea & vomiting.
How is it administered?
Netupitant,Palonosetron is a prescription drug available in tablet and injection form. The medicine will be administered to you by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting. This injection will be given intravenously into a vein in your arm or hand. Do not self-administer this medicine. The dose of the injection will be decided by your doctor based on your disease condition and other factors. Palonosetron Hydrochloride Injection is usually given about 30 minutes before you receive your anti-cancer medicine (chemotherapy) or right before anaesthesia for surgery. If you are taking palonosetron as an oral tablet, it should be swallowed whole with a glass of water, with or without food, as directed by your healthcare provider.
Side Effects
The common side effects of Netupitant, Palonosetron are headache, fatigue, dizziness, abdominal pain. Other serious side effects include hives, swollen face, breathing trouble, and chest pain. Inform your physician if you face any of the symptoms.
Warnings
Netupitant, Palonosetron is not recommended in patients who have hypersensitivity reactions. This medicine may cause allergic reactions in some people. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, and a rapid heartbeat. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.
Precautions
Netupitant, Palonosetron may cause QT prolongation, which is a condition that can cause an irregular heartbeat. This is more likely to occur in people who have a history of heart problems. If you have a history of heart problems, tell your doctor right away. Inform your physician if you have any liver related disease, lung disease, blood/bleeding problems, or infection and about all the other prescribed, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, nutritional supplements, or herbal medications you take. It is not known whether palonosetron is safe for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, be sure to talk to your doctor before taking palonosetron. This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. It is unsafe to drive vehicles or operate heavy machinery after taking Palonosetron Injection because Palonosetron contains a small amount of alcohol which may cause dizziness and impair your concentration.
Word of Advice
Inform your doctor before taking Netupitant, Palonosetron if you have a history of repeated constipation, bowel blockage, heart problems, or imbalance of certain minerals such as potassium and magnesium in your blood. Tell your doctor or nurse if you are taking any medicines that affect your heartbeat, as they could cause a heartbeat problem when taken with Palonosetron solution for injection. Store Netupitant, Palonosetron in the original package at room temperature (25°C). Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children and pets. It is important to receive the dose at the scheduled time. If you miss the scheduled dose, contact your doctor to reschedule.
References
Accord Healthcare SLU, Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [Revised on Feb 2021] [ Accessed on 01st March 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.7235.pdf Fresenius kabi, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on Dec 2018] [Accessed on 01st March 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/208109s001lbl.pdf Goodman & Gilmanâs, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Treatment of disorders of bowel motility and water flux, 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 Netupitant, Palonosetron?
It can cause serious allergic reactions like hives, swollen face, breathing trouble and chest pain. Some common side effects include headache and constipation.
How will I receive Palonosetron HCl Injection?
Palonosetron HCl Injection will be given to you in your vein by intravenous (I.V.) injection. It is usually given about 30 minutes before you receive your anti-cancer medicine (chemotherapy) or right before anesthesia for surgery.
How does a Netupitant, palonosetron work?
Netupitant, Palonosetron works by blocking the action of a chemical called serotonin, which is involved in causing nausea and vomiting. The chemotherapeutic trigger zone(CTZ) contains the receptor serotonin, when this CTZ is stimulated, vomiting occurs. Palonosetron prevents the signals from serotonin and helps to reduce the symptoms of nausea and vomiting.
Who should not take a Netupitant, palonosetron?
Netupitant, Palonosetron should not be taken by individuals who are allergic to it or its ingredients.
What forms does Netupitant, palonosetron come in?
Netupitant, Palonosetron is available in the form of capsules, tablets and injections.