palonosetron

Do not take palonosetron without first talking to your doctor if you:

• have an allergy or sensitivity to other similar medicines such as dolasetron (Anzemet), granisetron (Kytril), or ondansetron (Zofran);

• have low levels of potassium in the blood;

• have low levels of magnesium in the blood;

• are taking a diuretic (water pill);

• have a history of congenital QT syndrome; or

• are taking a medicine to treat an irregular heartbeat.

Palonosetron may affect the heart, especially if you have any of the conditions or are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Palonosetron is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take palonosetron without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether palonosetron passes into breast milk. Do not take palonosetron without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Palonosetron is administered as an intravenous (into a vein) injection by a healthcare provider. If you are administering palonosetron at home, your doctor will give you detailed instructions regarding administration and storage.

Palonosetron is injected prior to administration of chemotherapy that may cause nausea or vomiting.

If you are injecting palonosetron at home, do not use any medication that is discolored, has particles in it, or appears different from previous doses of the medication.

Palonosetron is intended to be used before administration of chemotherapy. Use of palonosetron during or following chemotherapy may not be effective. Contact your healthcare provider if a dose of palonosetron is missed.

If you experience any of the following uncommon but serious side effects, stop taking palonosetron and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or

• irregular heartbeats.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take palonosetron and talk to your doctor if you experience

• headache;

• fatigue or dizziness;

• constipation; or

• diarrhea.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Do not take palonosetron without first talking to your doctor if you have heart problems or if you take other medicines. Palonosetron can affect the way that the heart beats, which can be dangerous.

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of a palonosetron overdose are not well known but might include seizures, difficulty breathing, pale or blue colored skin, and collapse.