Antiemetic

Recently Answered

• QHow does Aloxi treat nausea?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Aloxi (palonosetron) is typically given before chemotherapy or surgery to reduce risk of nausea. Aloxi is a type of drug known as a 5-HT3 receptor blocker, which helps prevent nausea by blocking the action of serotonin, a chemical in your brain and nervous system.

• QIs there a generic version of Aloxi?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  No generic version of Aloxi (palonosetron) is currently available. The patent for Aloxi is scheduled to expire in April 2015, after which a generic version of the drug may be manufactured.

• QHow does Aloxi interact with other medications or foods?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Aloxi (palonosetron) interacts with many medications. For example, when taken with apomorphine Aloxi can cause an unsafe drop in blood pressure that can result in fainting. Taking Aloxi with other drugs that increase serotonin in the brain, such as antidepressants and migraine medications, can lead to a dangerous condition called serotonin syndrome. Taking Aloxi along with water pills (diuretics) or heart rhythm drugs (including, amiodarone, bepridil, disopyramide, sotalol) may also pose problems. Tell your doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and supplements you take before starting treatment. There are no known interactions between Aloxi and food.
   
• QWho should not take Aloxi?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  If you are allergic to palonosetron, the main ingredient in Aloxi, or to similar medications such as alosetron (Lotronex), dolasetron (Anzemet), granisetron (Kytril, Sancuso), ondansetron (Zofran) you should not take this drug. Aloxi may also worsen several medical conditions, and people who have a history of heart conditions or low blood levels of magnesium and potassium should avoid this medication.

• QHow soon after taking Aloxi will my symptoms improve?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Aloxi (palonosetron) prevents nausea and vomiting, rather than improving these symptoms. Your doctor will inject you with Aloxi about half an hour before a chemotherapy treatment. Your doctor may also give you a shot of Aloxi before or after surgery to prevent nausea and vomiting related to anesthetic medications.

• QWhat happens if I miss a dose of Aloxi?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Aloxi (palonosetron) is typically injected half an hour before chemotherapy or surgery to reduce vomiting. If you are given Aloxi for use at home, call your doctor immediately if you miss a dose.

• QHow should I take Aloxi?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Your doctor will inject you with Aloxi (palonosetron) about half an hour before a chemotherapy treatment. Your doctor may also give you a shot of Aloxi before or after surgery.

• QWhat should I know about Aloxi before taking it?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Before taking Aloxi (palonosetron), you should know that it interacts with many medications. For example, when taken with apomorphine,  Aloxi can cause an unsafe drop in blood pressure that can result in fainting. Taking Aloxi with other drugs that increase serotonin in the brain, such as antidepressants and migraine medications, can lead to a dangerous condition called serotonin syndrome. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include agitation, hallucinations, rapid heart rate, dizziness, tremor, seizures, nausea and vomiting. Taking Aloxi along with water pills (diuretics) or heart rhythm drugs (including, amiodarone, bepridil, disopyramide, sotalol) may also pose problems. Tell your doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and supplements you take before starting treatment. If you are pregnant or may become pregnant talk to your doctor about taking Aloxi. Also, do not take this drug if you are allergic to palonosetron, the main ingredient in Aloxi, or to similar medications such as alosetron (Lotronex), dolasetron (Anzemet), granisetron (Kytril, Sancuso), ondansetron (Zofran). Aloxi may also worsen several medical conditions, and people who have a history of heart conditions or low blood levels of magnesium and potassium should avoid this medication. Aloxi can cause severe allergic reactions, so get help immediately if you have symptoms such as a rash, hives, or swelling. 
• QAre there any risks in taking Aloxi?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Aloxi (palonosetron) interacts with many medications. For example, when taken with apomorphine Aloxi can cause an unsafe drop in blood pressure that can result in fainting. Taking Aloxi along with water pills (diuretics) or heart rhythm drugs (including, amiodarone, bepridil, disopyramide, sotalol) may also pose problems. Taking Aloxi with other drugs that increase serotonin in the brain, such as antidepressants and migraine medications, can lead to a dangerous condition called serotonin syndrome. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include agitation, hallucinations, rapid heart rate, dizziness, tremor, seizures, nausea and vomiting. Tell your doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and supplements you take before starting treatment. Aloxi may also worsen several medical conditions, and people who have a history of heart conditions or low blood levels of magnesium and potassium should avoid this medication. Aloxi can cause dizziness or drowsiness, so avoid alcohol after getting an injection of Aloxi because alcohol may enhance these side effects. Also, because Aloxi may make you less alert do not drive or use machinery after the drug until you know whether you will be affected. Aloxi may pass into breast milk, so let your doctor know if you are nursing. Aloxi can cause severe allergic reactions, so get medical help immediately if you have symptoms such as a rash, hives, or swelling. 
• QWho should take Aloxi?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Aloxi (palonosetron) reduces the risk of developing nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy or surgery. Aloxi is administered by injection, typically one hour before chemotherapy or surgery.