What is this medication for?
Akynzeo is a combination of two medicines, Netupitant and Palonosetron. It is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer treatments with high risk of nausea and vomiting such as certain chemotherapies.
How should I take or use this medication?
- This medicine should be taken 1 hour before chemotherapy.
- You may take this medication with or without food.
- Akynzeo may also be given as an injection into your vein (intravenous).
What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?
Inform your healthcare professional if:
- You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
- You are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant
- You are breastfeeding
- You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
What are some common side effects of this medication?
- Headache
- Mild headaches may be relieved by taking paracetamol
- Constipation
- Take more fibre and drink more water
- Hiccups
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?
- Allergic reactions. Please alert your healthcare professional if you experience any of the following during your treatment.
- Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
- Difficulty in breathing
- Itchy skin rashes over your whole body
- Nausea that lasts for more than a few days, or if nausea is interfering with daily activities
- Vomiting large amounts more than twice a day
- When you are unable to keep liquids such as water, juices, soups, food or medicine down
- Signs of dehydration such as dizziness, dark yellow urine or reduced urinary frequency
- Unexplained fever, confusion, severe weakness, uncontrolled movements or twitching of the muscles
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.
What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?
Avoid taking other anti-nausea medications without checking with a healthcare professional while on this medicine.
How should I store this medication?
Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.
How do I throw away this medication safely?
Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing it into the rubbish chute or bin.
Disclaimer
Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side-effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side-effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist. If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.
This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (NHG Health, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.
Contributed By
- Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore