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INN monograph

Palonosetron

Therapeutic agent (verify pharmacological class) · POM

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Source-linked · Updated 03 Aug 2026 · Source: Local active-ingredient clinical extract; FDA drug label via OpenFDA/DailyMed; Professional class pharmacology (Therapeutic agent (verify pharmacological class))

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Contraindications

  • 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Palonosetron hydrochloride injection is contraindicated in patients known to have hypersensitivity to palonosetron [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] .
  • Hypersensitivity to palonosetron or any of its components ( 4 )

Precautions

  • 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock: reported in patients with or without known hypersensitivity to other selective 5-HT 3 receptor antagonists.
  • If symptoms occur, discontinue palonosetron hydrochloride injection and initiate appropriate medical treatment.
  • ( 5.1 ) Serotonin syndrome: reported with 5-HT 3 receptor antagonists alone, but particularly with concomitant use of serotonergic drugs.
  • ( 5.2 , 7.1 ) 5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock, have been reported with administration of palonosetron hydrochloride injection [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )] .
  • These reactions occurred in patients with or without known hypersensitivity to other 5-HT 3 receptor antagonists.
  • If hypersensitivity reactions occur, discontinue palonosetron hydrochloride injection and initiate appropriate medical treatment.
  • Do not reinitiate palonosetron hydrochloride injection in patients who have previously experienced symptoms of hypersensitivity [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . 5.2 Serotonin Syndrome The development of serotonin syndrome has been reported with 5-HT 3 receptor antagonists.
  • Most reports have been associated with concomitant use of serotonergic drugs (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors, mirtazapine, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, and intravenous methylene blue).
  • Some of the reported cases were fatal.
  • Serotonin syndrome occurring with overdose of another 5-HT 3 receptor antagonist alone has also been reported.
  • The majority of reports of serotonin syndrome related to 5-HT 3 receptor antagonist use occurred in a post- anesthesia care unit or an infusion center.
  • Symptoms associated with serotonin syndrome may include the following combination of signs and symptoms: mental status changes (e.g. agitation, hallucinations, delirium, and coma), autonomic instability (e.g., tachycardia, labile blood pressure, dizziness, diaphoresis, flushing, hyperthermia), neuromuscular symptoms (e.g., tremor, rigidity, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, incoordination), seizures, with or without gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea).

Point of care

Dosing

Adult

( 2.1 ) *Note different dosing units in pediatrics Age Dose* Infusion Time Adults 0.25 mg as a single dose Infuse over 30 seconds beginning approximately 30 minutes before the start of chemotherapy Pediatrics (1 month to less than 17 years) 20 micrograms per kilogram (maximum 1.5 mg) as a single dose Infuse over 15 minutes beginning approximately 30 minutes before the start of chemotherapy Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting ( 2.1 ) The recommended adult dosage is 0.075 mg as a single intravenous dose administered over 10 seconds immediately before the induction of anesthesia. 2.1 Recommended Dosage Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting The recommended dosage of palonosetron hydrochloride injection for prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with HEC and MEC in adults and associated with emetogenic chemotherapy, including HEC in pediatric patients 1 month to less than 17 years of age is shown in Table 1 . Table 1: Recommended Dosage of Palonosetron Hydrochloride Injection for the Prevention of Nausea and Vomiting Associated with Chemotherapy in Adults and Pediatric Patients 1 Month to Less than 17 Years *Note different dosing units in pediatrics Age Dose* Infusion Time Adults 0.25 mg as a single dose Infuse over 30 seconds beginning approximately 30 minutes before the start of chemotherapy Pediatrics (1 month to less than 17 years) 20 micrograms per kilogram (max 1.5 mg) as a single dose Infuse over 15 minutes beginning approximately 30 minutes before the start of chemotherapy Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting The recommended dosage of palonosetron hydrochloride injection in adults for PONV is 0.075 mg administered as a single intravenous dose over 10 seconds immediately before the induction of anesthesia. 2.2 Instructions for Intravenous Administration Palonosetron hydrochloride injection is supplied ready for intravenous administration at a concentration of 0.05 mg per mL (50 mcg per mL). Do not mix palonosetron hydrochloride injection with other drugs. Flush the infusion line with normal saline before and after administration of palonosetron hydrochloride injection. Inspect palonosetron hydrochloride injection visually for particulate matter and discoloration before administration. Discard unused portion.

Paediatric

8.4 Pediatric Use Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting Safety and effectiveness of palonosetron hydrochloride injection have been established in pediatric patients aged 1 month to less than 17 years for the prevention of acute nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of emetogenic cancer chemotherapy, including HEC. Use is supported by a clinical trial where 165 pediatric patients aged 2 months to less than 17 years were randomized to receive a single dose of palonosetron hydrochloride injection 20 mcg/kg (maximum 1.5 mg) administered as an intravenous infusion 30 minutes prior to the start of emetogenic chemotherapy [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )] . While this study demonstrated that pediatric patients require a higher palonosetron dose than adults to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, the safety profile is consistent with the established profile in adults [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Safety and effectiveness of palonosetron hydrochloride injection in neonates (less than 1 month of age) have not been established. Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting Studies Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Two pediatric trials were performed. Pediatric Study 1, a dose finding study was conducted to compare two doses of palonosetron, 1 mcg/kg (maximum 0.075 mg) versus 3 mcg/kg (maximum 0.25 mg). A total of 150 pediatric surgical patients participated, age range 1 month to less than 17 years. No dose response was observed. Pediatric Study 2, a multicenter, double-blind, double-dummy, randomized, parallel group, active control, single-dose non-inferiority study, compared intravenous palonosetron HCl (1 mcg/kg, maximum 0.075 mg) versus intravenous ondansetron. A total of 670 pediatric surgical patients participated, age 30 days to less than 17 years. The primary efficacy endpoint, Complete Response (CR: no vomiting, no retching, and no antiemetic rescue medication) during the first 24 hours postoperatively was achieved in 78.2% of patients in the palonosetron group and 82.7% in the ondansetron group. Given the pre-specified non-inferiority margin of -10%, the stratum adjusted Mantel-Haenszel statistical non-inferiority confidence interval for the difference in the primary endpoint, complete response (CR), was [-10.5, 1.7%], therefore non-inferiority was not demonstrated. Adverse reactions to palonosetron were similar to those reported in adults.

Renal

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Hepatic

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Safety

Drug interactions

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Safety

Adverse effects

  • labeling: Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Serotonin Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Most common adverse reactions in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in adults (greater than or equal to 5%) are: headache and constipation ( 6.1 ) postoperative nausea and vomiting (greater than or equal to 2%) are: QT prolongation, bradycardia, headache, and constipation.
  • ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Avenacy Inc. at 1-855-283-6229 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
  • Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting Adults In double-blind randomized clinical trials for the prevention of nausea and vomiting induced by MEC or HEC, 1374 adult patients received a single dose of palonosetron hydrochloride injection, ondansetron (Studies 1 and 3) or dolasetron (Study 2) administered 30 minutes prior to chemotherapy [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )] .
  • Adverse reactions were similar in frequency and severity in all 3 treatment groups.
  • Common adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients in these trials are shown in Table 2 .
  • Table 2: Common Adverse Reactions* in Adults with Receiving MEC (Studies 1 and 2) or HEC (Study 3) * Reported in at least 2% of patients in any treatment group Adverse Reaction Palonosetron hydrochloride injection 0.25 mg intravenously (N=633) Ondansetron 32 mg intravenously (N=410) Dolasetron 100 mg intravenously (N=194) Headache 9% 8% 16% Constipation 5% 2% 6% Diarrhea 1% 2% 2% Dizziness 1% 2% 2% Fatigue < 1% 1% 2% Abdominal Pain < 1% < 1% 2% Insomnia < 1% 1% 2% Less common adverse reactions, reported in 1% or less of patients, in Studies 1, 2 and 3 were: Cardiovascular: non-sustained tachycardia, bradycardia, hypotension, hypertension, myocardial ischemia, extrasystoles, sinus tachycardia, sinus arrhythmia, supraventricular extrasystoles and QT prolongation.
  • Dermatological: allergic dermatitis, rash Hearing and Vision: motion sickness, tinnitus, eye irritation and amblyopia Gastrointestinal System: diarrhea, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, dry mouth, hiccups and flatulence General: weakness, fatigue, fever, hot flash, flu-like syndrome Liver: transient, asymptomatic increases in AST and/or ALT and bilirubin.
  • These changes occurred predominantly in patients receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy Metabolic: hyperkalemia, electrolyte fluctuations, hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis, glycosuria, appetite decrease, anorexia Musculoskeletal: arthralgia Nervous System: dizziness, somnolence, insomnia, hypersomnia, paresthesia Psychiatric: anxiety, euphoric mood Urinary System: urinary retention Vascular: vein discoloration, vein distention In other studies, 2 subjects experienced severe constipation following a single palonosetron hydrochloride injection dose of approximately 0.75 mg (three times the recommended dose).
  • Pediatrics Aged 2 Months to 17 Years In a pediatric clinical trial, 163 pediatric cancer patients with a mean age of 8 years received a single 20 mcg/kg (maximum 1.5 mg) intravenous infusion of palonosetron hydrochloride injection 30 minutes before beginning the first cycle of emetogenic chemotherapy [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )] .
  • Adverse reactions were evaluated in pediatric patients receiving palonosetron hydrochloride injection for up to 4 chemotherapy cycles.
  • The following adverse reactions were reported in less than 1% of patients: Nervous System: headache, dizziness, dyskinesia.
  • General: infusion site pain.
  • Dermatological: allergic dermatitis, skin disorder.
  • Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting The most common adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of adults receiving palonosetron hydrochloride injection 0.075 mg intravenously immediately before induction of anesthesia in 3 randomized placebo-controlled trials [see Clinical Studies ( 14.3 )] are shown in Table 3 .

Use

Indications

  • of: acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of moderately emetogenic cancer chemotherapy (MEC). acute nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses highly emetogenic cancer chemotherapy (HEC). postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) for up to 24 hours following surgery.
  • Efficacy beyond 24 hours has not been demonstrated.
  • As with other antiemetics, routine prophylaxis is not recommended in patients in whom there is little expectation that nausea and/or vomiting will occur postoperatively.
  • In patients where nausea and vomiting must be avoided during the postoperative period, palonosetron hydrochloride injection is recommended even where the incidence of postoperative nausea and/or vomiting is low.
  • Palonosetron hydrochloride injection is indicated in pediatric patients 1 month to less than 17 years of age for prevention of: acute nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of emetogenic cancer chemotherapy, including highly emetogenic cancer chemotherapy.
  • Palonosetron hydrochloride injection is a serotonin-3 (5-HT 3 ) receptor antagonist indicated in: Adults for prevention of: acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of moderately emetogenic cancer chemotherapy (MEC).
  • ( 1 ) acute nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of highly emetogenic cancer chemotherapy (HEC).
  • ( 1 ) postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) for up to 24 hours following surgery.
  • Efficacy beyond 24 hours has not been demonstrated ( 1 ) Pediatric patients aged 1 month to less than 17 years for prevention of: acute nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of emetogenic cancer chemotherapy, including highly emetogenic cancer chemotherapy (HEC).

Pharmacology

Mode of action

5-HT 3 receptor antagonist with a strong binding affinity for this receptor and little or no affinity for other receptors.

5-HT 3 receptor antagonist with a strong b… Cancer chemotherapy may be associated with… It is thought that chemotherapeutic agents…
Full mechanism text

5-HT 3 receptor antagonist with a strong binding affinity for this receptor and little or no affinity for other receptors. Cancer chemotherapy may be associated with a high incidence of nausea and vomiting, particularly when certain agents, such as cisplatin, are used. 5-HT 3 receptors are located on the nerve terminals of the vagus in the periphery and centrally in the chemoreceptor trigger zone of the area postrema. It is thought that chemotherapeutic agents produce nausea and vomiting by releasing serotonin from the enterochromaffin cells of the small intestine and that the released serotonin then activates 5-HT 3 receptors located on vagal afferents to initiate the vomiting reflex. Postoperative nausea and vomiting is influenced by multiple patient, surgical and anesthesia related factors and is triggered by release of 5-HT in a cascade of neuronal events involving both the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract. The 5-HT 3 receptor has been demonstrated to selectively participate in the emetic response.

ADME

Pharmacokinetics & PD

Onset Product-specific
Duration Product-specific
Route INTRAVENOUS
Distribution Palonosetron has a volume of distribution of approximately 8.3 ± 2.5 L/kg. Approximately 62% of palonosetron is bound to plasma proteins.
Metabolism Palonosetron is eliminated by multiple routes with approximately 50% metabolized to form two primary metabolites: N-oxide-palonosetron and 6-S-hydroxy-palonosetron. These metabolites each have less than 1% of the 5-HT 3 receptor antagonist activity of palonosetron. In vitro metab...
Elimination from the body. Mean maximum plasma concentration (C max ) and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC 0-∞ ) are generally dose-proportional over the dose range of 0.3 to 90 mcg/kg in healthy subjects and in cancer patients. Following a single intravenous dose of palonosetron...
Half-life is approximately 40 hours.
Full PK/PD text

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action Palonosetron is a 5-HT 3 receptor antagonist with a strong binding affinity for this receptor and little or no affinity for other receptors. Cancer chemotherapy may be associated with a high incidence of nausea and vomiting, particularly when certain agents, such as cisplatin, are used. 5-HT 3 receptors are located on the nerve terminals of the vagus in the periphery and centrally in the chemoreceptor trigger zone of the area postrema. It is thought that chemotherapeutic agents produce nausea and vomiting by releasing serotonin from the enterochromaffin cells of the small intestine and that the released serotonin then activates 5-HT 3 receptors located on vagal afferents to initiate the vomiting reflex. Postoperative nausea and vomiting is influenced by multiple patient, surgical and anesthesia related factors and is triggered by release of 5-HT in a cascade of neuronal events involving both the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract. The 5-HT 3 receptor has been demonstrated to selectively participate in the emetic response. 12.2 Pharmacodynamics Cardiac Electrophysiology The effect of intravenous palonosetron on blood pressure, heart rate, and ECG parameters including QTc were comparable to intravenous ondansetron and dolasetron in CINV clinical trials. In PONV clinical trials the effect of palonosetron on the QTc interval was no different from placebo. In non-clinical studies palonosetron possesses the ability to block ion channels involved in ventricular de- and re-polarization and to prolong action potential duration. At a dose of 9 times the maximum recommended adult dose, palonosetron hydrochloride injection does not prolong the QT interval to any clinically relevant extent. 12.3 Pharmacokinetics After intravenous dosing of palonosetron HCl in healthy subjects and cancer patients, an initial decline in palonosetron plasma concentrations is followed by a slow elimination from the body. Mean maximum plasma concentration (C max ) and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC 0-∞ ) are generally dose-proportional over the dose range of 0.3 to 90 mcg/kg in healthy subjects and in cancer patients. Following a single intravenous dose of palonosetron HCl at 3 mcg/kg (or 0.21 mg/70 kg) to six cancer patients, mean (±SD) maximum plasma concentration was estimated to be 5630 ± 5480 ng/L and mean AUC was 35.8 ± 20.9 h•mcg/L. Following intravenous administration of palonosetron hydrochloride injection 0.25 mg once every other day for 3 doses in 11 cancer patients, the mean increase in plasma palonosetron concentration from Day 1 to Day 5 was 42 ± 34%. Following intravenous administration of palonosetron hydrochloride injection 0.25 mg once daily for 3 days in 12 healthy subjects, the mean (±SD) increase in plasma palonosetron concentration from Day 1 to Day 3 was 110 ± 45%. After intravenous dosing of palonosetron hydrochloride injection in patients undergoing surgery (abdominal surgery or vaginal hysterectomy), the pharmacokinetic characteristics of palonosetron were similar to those observed in cancer patients. Distribution Palonosetron has a volume of distribution of approximately 8.3 ± 2.5 L/kg. Approximately 62% of palonosetron is bound to plasma proteins. Elimination After a single intravenous dose of 10 mcg/kg [ 14 C]-palonosetron, approximately 80% of the dose was recovered within 144 hours in the urine with palonosetron representing approximately 40% of the administered dose. In healthy subjects, the total body clearance of palonosetron was 0.160 ± 0.035 L/h/kg and renal clearance was 0.067± 0.018 L/h/kg. Mean terminal elimination half-life is approximately 40 hours. Metabolism Palonosetron is eliminated by multiple routes with approximately 50% metabolized to form two primary metabolites: N-oxide-palonosetron and 6-S-hydroxy-palonosetron. These metabolites each have less than 1% of the 5-HT 3 receptor antagonist activity of palonosetron. In vitro metabolism studies have suggested that CYP2D6 and to a lesser extent, CYP3A4 and CYP1A2 are involved in the metabolism of palonosetron. However, clinical pharmacokinetic parameters are not significantly different between poor and extensive metabolizers of CYP2D6 substrates. Specific Populations Pediatric Patients Pharmacokinetic data was obtained from a subset of pediatric cancer patients that received 10 mcg/kg or 20 mcg/kg as a single intravenous dose of palonosetron hydrochloride injection. When the dose was increased from 10 mcg/kg to 20 mcg/kg a dose-proportional increase in mean AUC was observed. Peak plasma concentrations (CT) reported at the end of the 15-minute infusion of 20 mcg/kg were highly variable in all age groups and tended to be lower in patients less than 6 years than in older patients as shown in Table 4 . The median half-life was 30 hours in overall age groups and ranged from about 20 to 30 hours across age groups after administration of 20 mcg/kg. The total body clearance (L/h/kg) in patients 12 to 17 years old was similar to that in healthy adults. There are no apparent differences in volume of distribution when expressed as L/kg. Table 4: Pharmacokinetics Parameters in Pediatric Cancer Patients following Intravenous Infusion of 20 mcg/kg Palonosetron Hydrochloride Injection Over 15 minutes a Geometric Mean (CV) except for t1/2 which is median values b C T is the plasma palonosetron concentration at the end of the 15-minute infusion c Clearance and Vss calculated from 10 and 20 mcg/kg and are weight adjusted PK Parameter a Pediatric Age Group Less than 2 years 2 years to less than 6 years 6 years to less than 12 years 12 years to less than 17 years N=12 N=42 N=38 N=44 C T b , ng/L 9025 (197) 9414 (252) 16275 (203) 11831 (176) N=5 N=7 N=10 AUC 0-∞ , h·mcg/L 103.5 (40.4) 98.7 (47.7) 124.5 (19.1) N=6 N=14 N=13 N=19 Clearance c , L/h/kg 0.31 (34.7) 0.23 (51.3) 0.19 (46.8) 0.16 (27.8) Vss c , L/kg 6.08 (36.5) 5.29 (57.8) 6.26 (40.0) 6.20 (29.0) Racial or Ethnic Groups The pharmacokinetics of palonosetron were characterized in 24 healthy Japanese subjects over an intravenous dose range of 3 to 90 mcg/kg. Total body clearance was 25% higher in Japanese subjects compared to Whites, however, this increase is not considered to be clinically meaningful. Patients with Renal Impairment Mild to moderate renal impairment does not significantly affect palonosetron pharmacokinetic parameters. Total systemic exposure increased by approximately 28% in patients with severe renal impairment relative to healthy subjects. This increase is not considered clinically meaningful. Patients with Hepatic Impairment Hepatic impairment does not significantly affect total body clearance of palonosetron compared to the healthy subjects. Drug Interaction Studies In vitro studies indicated that palonosetron is not an inhibitor of CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2D6, CYP2E1 and CYP3A4/5 (CYP2C19 was not investigated) nor does it induce the activity of CYP1A2, CYP2D6, or CYP3A4/5. Therefore, the potential for clinically significant drug interactions with palonosetron appears to be low. Dexamethasone Coadministration of 0.25 mg palonosetron hydrochloride injection and 20 mg dexamethasone administered intravenously in healthy subjects revealed no pharmacokinetic drug-interactions between palonosetron and dexamethasone. Oral Aprepitant In an interaction study in healthy subjects where a single 0.25 mg intravenous dose of palonosetron hydrochloride injection was administered on day 1 and oral aprepitant for 3 days (125 mg/80 mg/80 mg), the pharmacokinetics of palonosetron were not significantly altered (AUC: no change, C max : 15% increase). Metoclopramide A study in healthy subjects involving a single 0.75 mg intravenous dose of palonosetron hydrochloride injection and steady state oral metoclopramide (10 mg four times daily) demonstrated no significant pharmacokinetic interaction. Corticosteroids, Analgesics, Antiemetics/Antinauseants, Antispasmodics and Anticholinergic Agents In controlled clinical trials, palonosetron hydrochloride injection has been safely administered with corticosteroids, analgesics, antiemetics/antinauseants, antispasmodics and anticholinergic agents.

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Pregnancy & lactation

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no available data on palonosetron HCl use in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk. In animal reproduction studies, no effects on embryo-fetal development were observed with the administration of oral palonosetron HCl during the period of organogenesis at doses up to 1,894 and 3,789 times the recommended human intravenous dose in rats and rabbits, respectively (see Data ). The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data In animal reproduction studies, no effects on embryo-fetal development were observed in pregnant rats given oral palonosetron HCl at doses up to 60 mg/kg/day (1,894 times the recommended human intravenous dose based on body surface area) or pregnant rabbits given oral doses up to 60 mg/kg/day (3,789 times the recommended human intravenous dose based on body surface area) during the period of organogenesis.

Lactation

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no available data on palonosetron HCl use in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk. In animal reproduction studies, no effects on embryo-fetal development were observed with the administration of oral palonosetron HCl during the period of organogenesis at doses up to 1,894 and 3,789 times the recommended human intravenous dose in rats and rabbits, respectively (see Data ). The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data In animal reproduction studies, no effects on embryo-fetal development were observed in pregnant rats given oral palonosetron HCl at doses up to 60 mg/kg/day (1,894 times the recommended human intravenous dose based on body surface area) or pregnant rabbits given oral doses up to 60 mg/kg/day (3,789 times the recommended human intravenous dose based on body surface area) during the period of organogenesis. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of palonosetron in human milk, the effects of palonosetron on the breastfed infant, or the effects of palonosetron on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for palonosetron hydrochloride injection and any potential adverse effect on the breastfed infant from palonosetron or from the underlying maternal condition. 8.4 Pediatric Use Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting Safety and effectiveness of palonosetron hydrochloride injection have been established in pediatric patients aged 1 month to less than 17 years for the prevention of acute nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of emetogenic cancer chemotherapy, including HEC. Use is supported by a clinical trial where 165 pediatric patients aged 2 months to less than 17 years were randomized to receive a single dose of palonosetron hydrochloride injection 20 mcg/kg (maximum 1.5 mg) administered as an intravenous infusion 30 minutes prior to the start of emetogenic chemotherapy [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )] . While this study demonstrated that pediatric patients require a higher palonosetron dose than adults to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, the safety profile is consistent with the established profile in adults [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Safety and effectiveness of palonosetron hydrochloride injection in neonates (less than 1 month of age) have not been established. Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting Studies Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Two pediatric trials were performed. Pediatric Study 1, a dose finding study was conducted to compare two doses of palonosetron, 1 mcg/kg (maximum 0.075 mg) versus 3 mcg/kg (maximum 0.25 mg). A total of 150 pediatric surgical patients participated, age range 1 month to less than 17 years. No dose response was observed. Pediatric Study 2, a multicenter, double-blind, double-dummy, randomized, parallel group, active control, single-dose non-inferiority study, compared intravenous palonosetron HCl (1 mcg/kg, maximum 0.075 mg) versus intravenous ondansetron. A total of 670 pediatric surgical patients participated, age 30 days to less than 17 years. The primary efficacy endpoint, Complete Response (CR: no vomiting, no retching, and no antiemetic rescue medication) during the first 24 hours postoperatively was achieved in 78.2% of patients in the palonosetron group and 82.7% in the ondansetron group. Given the pre-specified non-inferiority margin of -10%, the stratum adjusted Mantel-Haenszel statistical non-inferiority confidence interval for the difference in the primary endpoint, complete response (CR), was [-10.5, 1.7%], therefore non-inferiority was not demonstrated. Adverse reactions to palonosetron were similar to those reported in adults. 8.5 Geriatric Use Of the 1374 adult cancer patients in clinical studies of intravenously administered palonosetron HCl, 316 (23%) were 65 years and over, while 71 (5%) were at least 75 years and over. Of the 1520 adult patients in clinical studies of intravenously administered palonosetron HCl, 73 (5%) were at least 65 years old [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 , 14.3 )] . No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, but greater sensitivity in some older individuals cannot be ruled out. Population pharmacokinetics analysis did not reveal any differences in palonosetron pharmacokinetics between cancer patients 65 years of age and older compared to younger patients [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . No dose adjustment is required for geriatric patients.

Diet

Food & alcohol

  • Drug & food interactions (label) 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Serotonergic Drugs: Monitor for serotonin syndrome; if symptoms occur, discontinue palonosetron hydrochloride injection and initiate supportive treatment. ( 7.1 ) 7.1 Serotonergic Drugs Serotonin syndrome (including altered mental status, autonomic instability, and neuromuscular symptoms) has been described following the concomitant use of 5-HT 3 receptor antagonists and other serotonergic drugs, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Monitor for the emergence of serotonin syndrome. If symptoms occur, discontinue palonosetron hydrochloride injection and initiate supportive treatment [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] .

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Source: Local active-ingredient clinical extract; FDA drug label via OpenFDA/DailyMed; Professional class pharmacology (Therapeutic agent (verify pharmacological class))

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