Akynzeo (fosnetupitant) 235 mg-0.25 mg/20 mL intravenous solution

Generic name:
Fosnetupitant/palonosetron - injection

Pronunciation
(FOS-net-UE-pi-tant/PAL-oh-NOE-se-tron)

Brand name(s)
Akynzeo

This product is a combination of 2 medications: fosnetupitant and palonosetron. It is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer drug treatment (chemotherapy). Fosnetupitant and palonosetron work by blocking natural substances in the body (such as substance P/neurokinin 1, serotonin) that cause vomiting.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional. It is given as directed by your doctor, usually 30 minutes before the start of chemotherapy.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Tell your doctor if you have nausea or vomiting.

Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site may occur. Headache, tiredness, or weakness may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

This medication may increase serotonin and rarely cause a very serious condition called serotonin syndrome/toxicity. The risk increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin, so tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take (see Drug Interactions section). Get medical help right away if you develop some of the following symptoms:

• fast heartbeat
• hallucinations
• loss of coordination
• severe dizziness
• severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea
• twitching muscles
• unexplained fever
• unusual agitation/restlessness

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to fosnetupitant or palonosetron; or to netupitant; or to other anti-nausea serotonin blockers (such as ondansetron, granisetron); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• kidney disease
• liver disease

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

This medication can slow down the removal of other medications from your body, which may affect how they work. Examples of affected drugs include elacestrant, flibanserin, lomitapide, among others.

Other medications can affect the removal of this product from your body, which may affect how it works. Examples include rifamycins (such as rifampin), St. John's wort, among others.

The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin. Examples include street drugs such as MDMA/"ecstasy," St. John's wort, certain antidepressants (including SSRIs such as fluoxetine/paroxetine, SNRIs such as duloxetine/venlafaxine), among others. The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity may be more likely when you start or increase the dose of these drugs.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.

Not applicable.

It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital or clinic or doctor's office and will not be stored at home.

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.