ALOXI (palonosetron hydrochloride) ™
(Ah-lock-see)
Palonosetron HCI injection

PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

Instructions for Patients

• Patients should be advised to report to their physician all of their medical conditions, especially if they have heart problems including a problem called “congenital QT syndrome” or they are taking medicines that have caused or may cause severe heart beat changes such as diuretics, anti-arrhythmics or anthracycline. [see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS].
• Patients should be advised to report to their physician any pain, redness, or swelling in and around the infusion site [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
• Patients should be instructed to read the patient insert.

FDA-Approved Patient Labeling

Read the Patient Information that comes with ALOXI (palonosetron hydrochloride) before your treatment with ALOXI (palonosetron hydrochloride) and each time you get ALOXI (palonosetron hydrochloride) . There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or your treatment. If you have questions about ALOXI (palonosetron hydrochloride) , ask your doctor or pharmacist.

What is ALOXI (palonosetron hydrochloride) ?

ALOXI (palonosetron hydrochloride) is a medicine called an “antiemetic.” ALOXI (palonosetron hydrochloride) is used in adults to help prevent the nausea and vomiting that happens:

• right away with certain anti-cancer medicines (chemotherapy)
• or later with certain anti-cancer medicines

What is ALOXI (palonosetron hydrochloride) used for?

ALOXI (palonosetron hydrochloride) is used to prevent nausea and vomiting that may happen: soon after taking certain anti-cancer medicines later after taking certain anti-cancer medicines

Who should not take ALOXI (palonosetron hydrochloride) ?

Do not take ALOXI (palonosetron hydrochloride) if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in ALOXI. The active ingredient is palonosetron hydrochloride. See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of ingredients in ALOXI (palonosetron hydrochloride) .

ALOXI (palonosetron hydrochloride) has not been studied in children under 18 years of age.

What should I tell my doctor before using ALOXI (palonosetron hydrochloride) ?

Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

• have heart problems including a problem called “congenital QT syndrome”
• have low potassium in your blood have low magnesium in your blood
• are pregnant. It is not known if ALOXI (palonosetron hydrochloride) may harm your unborn baby. You and your doctor should decide if ALOXI (palonosetron hydrochloride) is right for you.
• are breastfeeding. It is not known if ALOXI (palonosetron hydrochloride) passes into your milk and if it can harm your baby. You should choose to either take ALOXI (palonosetron hydrochloride) or breastfeed, but not both.

Tell your doctor about all of the medicines you take including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. ALOXI (palonosetron hydrochloride) should be given with caution in patients who may be taking other medicines that have caused, or may cause, severe heart beat changes.

Especially, tell your doctor if you take:

• “water pills” (diuretics)
• medicine to control your heartbeat (anti-arrhythmics)
• anthracycline (an anti-cancer medicine)

How should I use ALOXI (palonosetron hydrochloride) ?

ALOXI (palonosetron hydrochloride) is given in your vein by IV (intravenous) injection. It is only given to you by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. ALOXI (palonosetron hydrochloride) is usually injected into your vein about 30 minutes before you get your anti-cancer medicine (chemotherapy).

What are the possible side effects of ALOXI (palonosetron hydrochloride) ?

ALOXI (palonosetron hydrochloride) should be given with caution in patients who have or may develop severe heart beat changes from QT prolongation. This can happen in people who have certain heart or other medical problems or who take certain medicines.

The most common side effects of ALOXI (palonosetron hydrochloride) are headache and constipation. Diarrhea and dizziness have also been observed.

These are not all the side effects from ALOXI (palonosetron hydrochloride) . For more information ask your doctor or pharmacist.

General information about ALOXI (palonosetron hydrochloride)

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions other than those listed in patient information leaflets. ALOXI (palonosetron hydrochloride) was prescribed for your medical condition.

This leaflet summarizes the most important information about ALOXI (palonosetron hydrochloride) . If you would like more information, talk with your doctor. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for information about ALOXI (palonosetron hydrochloride) that is written for health professionals. You can also visit the ALOXI (palonosetron hydrochloride) web site at www.ALOXI (palonosetron hydrochloride) .com. Or visit www.ManageCINV.com. This is a web site for patients with nausea and vomiting from anti-cancer medicines.

What are the ingredients in ALOXI?

Active ingredient: palonosetron hydrochloride

Inactive ingredients: mannitol, disodium edetate, and citrate buffer in water

Last reviewed on RxList: 9/25/2007
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.