We all know that cancer treatment, that is, chemotherapy, is not an easy thing to do. While treating the disease, the side effects of the treatment, such as nausea and vomiting, cause great discomfort to the body and mind. So, today we are talking about a special injection that doctors use to control this discomfort, that is, to prevent nausea and vomiting.
Simply put, what is this medicine?
This medicine has two names: Fosnetupitant and Palonosetron . It is a combination injection of these two. Its main function is to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer treatment (chemotherapy).
Simply put, certain chemicals in our bodies send signals to the brain that say "I need to vomit now." This medicine stops those signals from being sent. To be precise, these belong to the group of antiemetics, or medically known as ``antiemetics.'' Since this is given before the treatment begins, the chances of nausea and vomiting are greatly reduced.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before giving you this medicine, it is very important that your doctor is aware of your complete health condition. This is because this medicine may interact with some of your medical conditions. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor .
| Your situation | Why is it important to the doctor ? |
|---|---|
| Kidney disease | Because medications are eliminated from the body through the kidneys, it is important to be aware of kidney function. |
| Liver disease | Because the liver processes medications, its function can affect the dosage of the medication. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to this medicine or other similar antiemetics (e.g. ondansetron, granisetron), you should mention that. Also mention any allergies to other medicines, foods, or dyes. |
| If you are pregnant or expecting a baby | It is essential to seek medical advice before using any medication during pregnancy. |
| If a mother is breastfeeding her child | The doctor must determine whether the ingredients of the medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk. |
How do you use this medicine?
This is not a medicine you can take home.
- This is given as an injection into a vein .
- It is only given in a hospital or clinic under the supervision of medical staff.
- If you are giving this medicine to young children, special care may be needed. Talk to your doctor about this.
Important: If you think you have accidentally taken too much of this medicine, you should immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Can it interact with other medications?
Yes, absolutely. It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking. Some medicines can interact with this vaccine and cause unwanted effects. Tell your doctor about any vitamins, herbal remedies, or supplements you are taking. Be especially careful about the following medicines:
- Some other medications used for cancer
- Medications for conditions such as depression and anxiety
- Medications for fungal infections (e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole)
- Some medications for sleep
- Medicines that prevent blood clotting (e.g. warfarin)
- Painkillers, for example `(Fentanyl)`, `(Tramadol)`
- Medicines like `Dexamethasone`, `Midazolam`, `Rifampin`
- Medicines belonging to the `MAOIs` group
- `Methylene blue` (intravenously)
This list is not complete, so be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.
What are the possible side effects?
As with any medication, there are some side effects that can occur. Some require immediate attention, while others are usually not serious.
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor or nurse immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Side effect | Possible symptoms |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Serotonin Syndrome | Anxiety, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle stiffness or twitching, excessive sweating, high fever, convulsions, vomiting, diarrhea. (This is a very serious condition) |
| These are usually not serious, but if they persist, tell your doctor. | |
| Constipation | Difficulty going to the toilet. |
| Fatigue | Excessive fatigue in the body. |
| Headache | Common headache. |
| Upset stomach | Stomach burning or discomfort. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual in addition to these, please inform the medical staff.
Take-Home Message
- Fosnetupitant; Palonosetron is a vaccine given to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer treatment (chemotherapy).
- Before taking this medication, it is essential to tell your doctor about any allergies you have, other medical conditions, and all other medications you are taking.
- This is a medicine that is given in a hospital or clinic, under the supervision of medical professionals.
- If you experience any allergic symptoms (skin rash, swelling) or symptoms associated with serotonin syndrome (high fever, agitation) during or after taking the medicine, inform the medical staff immediately .
- If you have any questions about this medicine, don't hesitate to ask your doctor.
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