Palonosétron pour prévenir les nausées et vomissements après la chimiothérapie

About palonosetron

Palonosetron is an anti-sickness medicine, also known as an antiemetic. It is a serotonin receptor antagonist. It is prescribed to stop you from feeling sick (nauseated). It works by blocking the effect of a naturally produced chemical in your body, called serotonin. Serotonin is also referred to as 5HT₃.

Chimiothérapie can cause the release of an increased amount of serotonin in your body. There are tiny areas in your small intestine and brain called 5HT₃ receptors. Serotonin acts on these receptors and causes you to feel sick. Palonosetron works by blocking serotonin from acting on the receptors, and this stops you from feeling sick or being sick (vomiting).

There is a brand of palonosetron which contains another anti-sickness medicine called netupitant - the brand is called Akynzeo®. Netupitant works by blocking the effect of another naturally produced chemical in your body, called substance P.

Before taking palonosetron

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking palonosetron it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You should not take this medicine if you are expecting, or breastfeeding, a baby.

• If you have had a problem with severe constipation.

• Si on vous a dit que vous avez un rythme cardiaque irrégulier.

• Si vous avez déjà eu une réaction allergique à un médicament.

• Si vous prenez d'autres médicaments. Cela inclut tous les médicaments que vous prenez et qui sont disponibles à l'achat sans ordonnance, ainsi que les médicaments à base de plantes et les médecines complémentaires.

How to take palonosetron capsules

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about palonosetron, and it will also provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you could experience from taking it.

• Take the capsule exactly as your doctor tells you to. You will be asked to take a single dose of one Akynzeo® capsule (containing 500 micrograms of palonosetron), one hour before your chemo treatment starts.

• Swallow the capsule whole - it may help to take it with a drink of water. You can take the capsule either with or without food.

• Alternatively you may be given palonosetron as an injection during your chemotherapy appointment.

Tirer le meilleur parti de votre traitement

• You will only be given palonosetron before you have chemotherapy. If you need anything for sickness after your treatment, you will be given a different medicine to take.

• Même si vous n'avez pas envie de manger ou de boire, essayez de siroter de l'eau régulièrement pour éviter de vous déshydrater. De plus, au lieu d'essayer de manger trois repas principaux par jour, essayez de consommer de petites collations simples mais nourrissantes toutes les quelques heures.

Can palonosetron cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the more common ones associated with palonosetron. The best place to find a full list of the side-effects which can be associated with your medicine, is from the manufacturer's printed information leaflet supplied with the medicine. Alternatively, you can find an example of a manufacturer's information leaflet in the reference section below. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following become troublesome.

Important: in a very few people, medicines like palonosetron can cause a problem called serotonin syndrome. Although this occurs only rarely, should you develop stiff or shaky muscles, a very high temperature (fever), a fast heartbeat, or become confused or agitated, you should call for medical assistance straightaway.

Si vous ressentez d'autres symptômes que vous pensez être dus au médicament, parlez-en à votre médecin ou à votre pharmacien pour obtenir des conseils supplémentaires.

How to store palonosetron

• Gardez tous les médicaments hors de la portée et de la vue des enfants.

• Conserver dans un endroit frais et sec, à l'abri de la chaleur et de la lumière directes.

Informations importantes sur tous les médicaments