Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Aloxi (Palonosetron).
Heart rhythm: Very rarely, Aloxi (Palonosetron) can affect the heart's electrical activity and cause an abnormal heart rhythm called QT prolongation. If you have heart problems (e.g., an irregular heartbeat, QT prolongation) or a family history of QT prolongation or sudden cardiac death before the age of 50, discuss with your doctor how Aloxi (Palonosetron) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Aloxi (Palonosetron), and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you are taking other medications that can also affect heart rhythm, tell your doctor before using Aloxi (Palonosetron).
Liver function: Aloxi (Palonosetron) is broken down and removed from the body by the liver. Decreased liver function slows down the removal of the medication from the body and increases the risk of side effects from Aloxi (Palonosetron). If you have liver disease or reduced liver function, discuss with your doctor how Aloxi (Palonosetron) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Aloxi (Palonosetron), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): Aloxi (Palonosetron), like other similar medications, can cause a potentially fatal syndrome known as neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). If you notice the symptoms of NMS such as high Fever, muscle stiffness, confusion or loss of consciousness, sweating, racing or irregular heartbeat, or fainting, get immediate medical attention.
Serotonin syndrome: Severe reactions are possible when Aloxi (Palonosetron) is combined with other medications that act on serotonin, such as tricyclic antidepressants and serotonin reuptake inhibitors, medications used to treat Depression. These combinations should be avoided. Symptoms of a reaction may include muscle rigidity and spasms, difficulty moving, or changes in mental state including delirium, agitation, unconsciousness, and coma.
Pregnancy: The safety of Aloxi (Palonosetron) for use by pregnant women has not been established. Aloxi (Palonosetron) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Aloxi (Palonosetron), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Aloxi (Palonosetron) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Aloxi (Palonosetron), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Aloxi (Palonosetron) capsules have not been established for children under 18 years of age. The safety and effectiveness of using Aloxi (Palonosetron) injection have not been established for children under the age of 2 years.
