Akynzeo contains a combination of netupitant and palonosetron. Netupitant and palonosetron are used in adults to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by medicine to treat cancer (chemotherapy).
Akynzeo helps prevent nausea and vomiting that occurs both during your chemotherapy treatment, or that occurs later on (delayed nausea and vomiting).
Akynzeo is not for preventing nausea or vomiting caused by factors other than chemotherapy.
Important information
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Akynzeo if you are allergic to netupitant or palonosetron.
To make sure Akynzeo is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Akynzeo will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
It is not known whether netupitant and palonosetron passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
Akynzeo is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I take Akynzeo?
Take Akynzeo exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Akynzeo is usually taken 1 hour before the start of chemotherapy. Follow your doctor"s instructions.
You may take Akynzeo with or without food.
This medicine is given ahead of time and will not treat nausea or vomiting you already have.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Akynzeo dosing information
Usual Adult Dose of Akynzeo for Nausea/Vomiting - Chemotherapy Induced:
Highly Emetogenic Chemotherapy, Including Cisplatin Based Chemotherapy:
-Day 1: One capsule (300 mg netupitant/0.5 mg palonosetron) orally approximately 1 hour prior to the start of chemotherapy along with 12 mg dexamethasone orally 30 minutes prior to chemotherapy
-Days 2 to 4: One capsule (300 mg netupitant/0.5 mg palonosetron) orally approximately 1 hour prior to the start of chemotherapy along with 8 mg dexamethasone orally once a day
Anthracyclines, Cyclophosphamide Based Chemotherapy, and Chemotherapy Not Considered Highly Emetogenic:
-Day 1: One capsule (300 mg netupitant/0.5 mg palonosetron) orally approximately 1 hour prior to the start of chemotherapy along with 12 mg dexamethasone orally 30 minutes prior to chemotherapy
-Days 2 to 4: One capsule (300 mg netupitant/0.5 mg palonosetron) orally approximately 1 hour prior to the start of chemotherapy; dexamethasone administration not necessary
Comments:
-Can be taken with or without food
Use: Prevention of acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of cancer chemotherapy
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking Akynzeo?
Follow your doctor"s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Akynzeo side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Akynzeo: hives; chest pain, difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
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high levels of serotonin in the body - agitation, hallucinations, fever, fast heart rate, overactive reflexes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, fainting.
Common Akynzeo side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Akynzeo?
Other drugs may interact with netupitant and palonosetron, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
