Vomiting and nausea, whether during chemotherapy or after a major operation, can be a very annoying experience, isn't it? It can be very tiring and makes it difficult to eat or drink. So today we are going to talk about a special medication that doctors use to control this condition. The name of this medication is Palonosetron.
Simply put, what is Palonosetron?
Palonosetron is a medicine that is given to you to prevent nausea and vomiting that you may experience during cancer treatment (chemotherapy) or after surgery. It is given as an injection into a vein.
Think about it, there are certain chemicals in our bodies that help cause nausea and vomiting. What this medicine does is block the action of those chemicals. It's like turning off a water tap, and it stops the vomiting. In medicine, we call these types of medicines antiemetics .
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before giving you this medicine, your doctor will ask you some questions, but it is very important that you inform him about these matters as well.
- Allergies: Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any allergies to Palonosetron or other medications that work in a similar way (such as dolasetron, granisetron, ondansetron). Also, tell your doctor if you have any allergies to any other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
- Pregnancy: Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a breastfeeding mother, you must also inform us about it.
It is very important for your safety to give this information to the doctor, so don't hide anything.
How do you get this medicine?
This is not a medicine that you can pick up at a pharmacy and take home. Palonosetron is an infusion. Therefore, it will only be given to you in a hospital or clinic under the supervision of medical staff.
Do you give this to small children?
Yes, in some special cases, this medicine is also given to babies younger than one month old. But it is done with great caution and only on medical advice.
What to do if you overdose?
This is given in a hospital setting, so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you think you may have overdosed, tell the staff immediately. Alternatively, you can call the National Poisons Information Centre at the National Hospital . You can also go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) .
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Some medications you are taking may interact with Palonosetron. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including vitamins and herbal remedies. You can learn more about this in the table below.
| Drug category | Description and examples |
|---|---|
| Medication for mental health problems | Some medications given for conditions like depression and anxiety. |
| Some painkillers | Strong painkillers like Fentanyl and Tramadol . |
| Antibiotics | Some antibiotics, such as Linezolid . |
| MAOI drugs | These are also a type of medication given for depression (e.g. Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate). |
| Other | Methylene blue injected into a vein. |
This list is not exhaustive, so tell your doctor about all the medications you take, and if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Possible side effects of taking the medicine
Like any medicine, this one can have some side effects. But not everyone gets them. Don't worry. The most important thing is to tell your doctor or nurse if you experience any unusual symptoms.
| Type of side effect | Features to look out for |
|---|---|
| 🚨 Things to report to your doctor or nurse immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Serotonin Syndrome | This can be a serious condition. Symptoms include: confusion, rapid or irregular heartbeat, muscle stiffness or twitching, excessive sweating, high fever, convulsions, chills, vomiting, and diarrhea. |
| 🙂 Tell your doctor if it persists or is bothersome. | |
| Constipation | Difficulty going to the toilet. |
| Headache | Common headache. |
If you notice anything unusual that is not on this list, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- Palonosetron is an intravenous medication that is given to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer treatment or surgery.
- Before taking this medication, be sure to tell your doctor about all your allergies, any other medications you are taking, and whether you are pregnant/breastfeeding.
- This is a medicine that is only given in a hospital or clinic. It is not allowed to take it home.
- Notify medical staff immediately if you experience any serious side effects, such as allergic symptoms or serotonin syndrome.
- If you have any further questions about this medicine, don't hesitate to ask your doctor.
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