Aloxi (palonosetron) blocks the actions of chemicals in the body that can trigger nausea and vomiting.
Aloxi is used in adults to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by surgery, or by receiving medicine to treat cancer (chemotherapy).
Aloxi is used in children only to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer medicine.
Aloxi is not for preventing nausea or vomiting that is caused by factors other than chemotherapy or surgery.
Important information
You should not use Aloxi if you are allergic to palonosetron or to similar medicines such as dolasetron (Anzemet), granisetron (Kytril), or ondansetron (Zofran).
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.
Tell your doctor if you forget to take your dose within 1 hour before chemotherapy. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Before receiving this medicine?
You should not use Aloxi if you are allergic to palonosetron.
To make sure Aloxi is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a similar medicine for nausea or vomiting, such as dolasetron (Anzemet) or ondansetron (Zofran).
FDA pregnancy category B. Aloxi is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
It is not known whether palonosetron passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
How is Aloxi given?
Take Aloxi exactly as it was prescribed for you. Aloxi is injected into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Aloxi is usually given 30 minutes before chemotherapy, or right before you are given anesthesia for surgery.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Because you will receive Aloxi in a clinical setting, you are not likely to miss a dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Since this medicine is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.
What should I avoid while receiving Aloxi?
Follow your doctor"s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Aloxi side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Aloxi: 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 Aloxi side effects may include:
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constipation; or
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headache.
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tired feeling.
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 Aloxi?
Other drugs may interact with 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.
