This page contains brief details about the drug , it's indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.

Background and Date of Approval

Fosnetupitant, Palonosetron is an antiemetics medication developed by the U.S. Food And Drug Administration and initially approved on 2018, for treating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

Mechanism of Action of undefined

Fosnetupitant, Palonosetron is a fixed-dose combination of two active ingredients, fosnetupitant and palonosetron. Fosnetupitant is a neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor antagonist, while palonosetron is a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. Together, they work by blocking specific receptors in the brain and gut that trigger nausea and vomiting, providing more effective control of these side effects.

Uses of undefined

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.

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

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.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

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.

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.

Word Of Advice

Proper hydration can help reduce the risk of CINV. Drink plenty of fluids, and inform your physician if you have difficulty keeping fluids down. Try to maintain a balanced diet when possible. Eating small, frequent meals and snacks throughout the day can help prevent nausea and vomiting.  Stress and anxiety can worsen nausea. Engage in relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or meditation, to help manage stress. Adequate rest and sleep are also important during the treatment with Fosnetupitant, Palonosetron.

Frequently Asked Question

References

  1. 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 
  2. Akynzeo (fosnetupitant/palonosetron) - Magellan Provider,  [Accessed on 13th Sept 2023], https://specialtydrug.magellanprovider.com/media/91541/akynzeo-iv.pdf 
  3. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Treatment of bowel motility and water flux disorders, 12th edition, 2011, 1341.
  4. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Antiemetic, prokinetic and digestant drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 669.
     

Disclaimer

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice; it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.