PALONOSETRON: 901 Adverse Event Reports & Safety Profile
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Active Ingredient: PALONOSETRON HYDROCHLORIDE · Drug Class: Serotonin 3 Receptor Antagonists [MoA] · Route: INTRAVENOUS · Manufacturer: Avyxa Pharma, LLC · FDA Application: 021372 · HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · FDA Label: Available
First Report: 20080409 · Latest Report: 20250625
What Are the Most Common PALONOSETRON Side Effects?
All PALONOSETRON Side Effects by Frequency
| Side Effect | Reports | % of Total | Deaths | Hosp. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 126 | 14.0% | 3 | 67 |
| Vomiting | 103 | 11.4% | 4 | 62 |
| Constipation | 70 | 7.8% | 2 | 39 |
| Diarrhoea | 67 | 7.4% | 4 | 45 |
| Fatigue | 57 | 6.3% | 2 | 19 |
| Dyspnoea | 54 | 6.0% | 9 | 19 |
| Pyrexia | 54 | 6.0% | 4 | 28 |
| Neutropenia | 51 | 5.7% | 2 | 42 |
| Alopecia | 50 | 5.6% | 0 | 24 |
| Asthenia | 43 | 4.8% | 1 | 32 |
| Acute kidney injury | 40 | 4.4% | 5 | 24 |
| Neuropathy peripheral | 38 | 4.2% | 0 | 10 |
| Off label use | 38 | 4.2% | 0 | 19 |
| Erythema | 35 | 3.9% | 2 | 23 |
| Tachycardia | 32 | 3.6% | 7 | 21 |
| Pain in extremity | 31 | 3.4% | 11 | 6 |
| Death | 29 | 3.2% | 29 | 1 |
| Hypotension | 28 | 3.1% | 1 | 16 |
| Drug ineffective | 26 | 2.9% | 1 | 5 |
| Drug interaction | 25 | 2.8% | 3 | 8 |
Who Reports PALONOSETRON Side Effects? Age & Gender Data
Gender: 57.3% female, 42.7% male. Average age: 57.9 years. Most reports from: JP. View detailed demographics →
Is PALONOSETRON Getting Safer? Reports by Year
| Year | Reports | Deaths | Hosp. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| 2010 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| 2011 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| 2014 | 46 | 14 | 22 |
| 2015 | 60 | 3 | 28 |
| 2016 | 99 | 4 | 40 |
| 2017 | 59 | 6 | 34 |
| 2018 | 28 | 1 | 13 |
| 2019 | 73 | 20 | 30 |
| 2020 | 67 | 9 | 32 |
| 2021 | 61 | 2 | 44 |
| 2022 | 39 | 1 | 20 |
| 2023 | 29 | 0 | 15 |
| 2024 | 27 | 2 | 9 |
| 2025 | 8 | 2 | 5 |
What Is PALONOSETRON Used For?
| Indication | Reports |
|---|---|
| Prophylaxis of nausea and vomiting | 285 |
| Product used for unknown indication | 161 |
| Premedication | 53 |
| Antiemetic supportive care | 40 |
| Nausea | 39 |
| Vomiting | 37 |
| Prophylaxis | 27 |
| Chemotherapy side effect prophylaxis | 24 |
| Breast cancer | 10 |
| Chemotherapy | 7 |
PALONOSETRON vs Alternatives: Which Is Safer?
Other Drugs in Same Class: Serotonin 3 Receptor Antagonists [MoA]
Official FDA Label for PALONOSETRON
Official prescribing information from the FDA-approved drug label.
Drug Description
Palonosetron hydrochloride injection contains palonosetron as palonosetron HCl, an antiemetic and antinauseant agent. It is a serotonin-3 (5-HT 3 ) receptor antagonist with a strong binding affinity for this receptor. Chemically, palonosetron hydrochloride is: (3a S) -2-[( S )-1-Azabicyclo [2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2,3,3a,4,5,6-hexahydro-1-oxo-1 H benz[ de ]isoquinoline hydrochloride. The empirical formula is C 19 H 24 N 2 O.HCl, with a molecular weight of 332.87. Palonosetron hydrochloride exists as a single isomer and has the following structural formula: Palonosetron hydrochloride is a white to off-white crystalline powder. It is freely soluble in water and soluble in methanol. Palonosetron hydrochloride injection is a sterile, clear, colorless, non-pyrogenic, isotonic, buffered solution for intravenous administration. Palonosetron hydrochloride injection is available as a 5 mL or 1.5 mL single-dose vial.
Each
5 mL vial contains: 0.25 mg palonosetron (equivalent to 0.28 mg palonosetron HCl), 207.5 mg mannitol, disodium edetate and sodium acetate trihydrate in water for intravenous administration.
Each
1.5 mL vial contains: 0.075 mg palonosetron (equivalent to 0.084 mg palonosetron HCl), 62.25 mg mannitol, disodium edetate and sodium acetate trihydrate in water for intravenous administration. The pH of the solution in the 5 mL and 1.5 mL vials is 4.5 to 5.5, Hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide may have been added to adjust pH. structure
FDA Approved Uses (Indications)
AND USAGE Palonosetron Hydrochloride Injection is a serotonin-3 (5-HT 3 ) receptor antagonist indicated in adults for: Moderately emetogenic cancer chemotherapy - prevention of acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses ( 1 .1) Highly emetogenic cancer chemotherapy - prevention of acute nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses ( 1.1 ) Prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) for up to 24 hours following surgery. Efficacy beyond 24 hours has not been demonstrated ( 1.3 )
Palonosetron Hydrochloride
Injection is indicated in 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 ( 1.2 )
1.1 Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting in Adults Palonosetron Hydrochloride Injection is indicated for: Moderately emetogenic cancer chemotherapy -- prevention of acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses Highly emetogenic cancer chemotherapy -- prevention of acute nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses
1.2 Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting in Pediatric Patients Aged 1 Month to Less than 17 Years Palonosetron Hydrochloride Injection is indicated for prevention of acute nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of emetogenic cancer chemotherapy, including highly emetogenic cancer chemotherapy.
1.3 Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Adults Palonosetron Hydrochloride Injection is indicated for prevention of 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.
Dosage & Administration
2.
Dosage And Administration
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting ( 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 Instructions for Intravenous Administration For a dose of 0.25 mg, use the entire contents (5 mL) of the prefilled syringe. Do not use the prefilled syringe to administer a dose of less than 0.25 mg (5 mL). ( 2.2 )
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
2.2 Instructions for Intravenous Administration Palonosetron Hydrochloride Injection is supplied ready for intravenous administration at a concentration of 0.05 mg/mL (50 mcg/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. Expel air from syringe prior to administration. For a dose of 0.25 mg, use the entire contents (5mL) of the prefilled syringe. Do not use the prefilled syringe to administer a dose less than 0.25mg (5mL) Use aseptic technique while handling the syringe
Contraindications
Palonosetron Hydrochloride Injection is contraindicated in patients known to have hypersensitivity to the drug or any of its components. [ see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 ) ].
Palonosetron Hydrochloride
Injection is contraindicated in patients known to have hypersensitivity to the drug or any of its components ( 4 )
Known Adverse Reactions
REACTIONS Serious or otherwise clinically significant adverse reactions reported in other sections of 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 (≥5%) are: headache and constipation ( 6.1 ) postoperative nausea and vomiting (≥ 2%) are: QT prolongation, bradycardia, headache, and constipation ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Avyxa Pharma, LLC at 1-888-520-0954 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatc h.
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. The safety of POSFREA has been established from adequate and well-controlled studies of another intravenous formulation of palonosetron <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Studies (14) ]</span> . Below is a display of the adverse reactions of palonosetron in these adequate and well-controlled studies. Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV) 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, ondansetron (Studies 1 and 3) or dolasetron (Study 2) administered intravenously 30 minutes prior to chemotherapy <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Studies (14.1) ]</span> . Adverse reactions were similar in frequency and severity in all three 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 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 any treatment group, in Studies 1, 2 and 3 were: Cardiac disorders : non-sustained tachycardia, bradycardia, myocardial ischemia, extrasystoles, sinus tachycardia, sinus arrhythmia, supraventricular extrasystoles. Skin & subcutaneous tissue disorders : allergic dermatitis, rash. Ear &labyrinth disorders : motion sickness, tinnitus. Gastrointestinal disorders : diarrhea, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, dry mouth, hiccups and flatulence. General disorders and administration site conditions : weakness, fatigue, fever, hot flash, flu-like syndrome. Investigations : QT prolongation, transient, asymptomatic increases in AST and/or ALT and bilirubin and these changes occurred predominantly in patients receiving HEC. Metabolism and nutrition disorders : hyperkalemia, electrolyte fluctuations, hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis, appetite decrease, anorexia. Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders : arthralgia.
Nervous
System disorders : dizziness, somnolence, insomnia, hypersomnia, paresthesia. Psychiatric disorders : anxiety, euphoric mood. Renal and urinary disorders : urinary retention, glycosuria. Vascular disorders : vein discoloration, vein distention, hypotension, hypertension. In other studies, two subjects experienced severe constipation following a single 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 eight years received a single 20 mcg/kg (maximum 1.5 mg) intravenous infusion of palonosetron 30 minutes before beginning the first cycle of emetogenic chemotherapy [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ] . Adverse reactions were evaluated in pediatric patients receiving palonosetron for up to four chemotherapy cycles. The following adverse reactions were reported in less than 1% of palonosetron-treated patients: Nervous System disorders : headache, dizziness, dyskinesia. General disorders and administration site conditions : infusion site pain. Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders : allergic dermatitis, skin disorder.
Postoperative
Nausea and Vomiting (PONV) The most common adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of adults receiving palonosetron 0.075 mg intravenously immediately before induction of anesthesia in three randomized placebo-controlled trials [see Clinical Studies (14.3) ] are shown in Table 3. Rates of adverse reactions between palonosetron and placebo groups were similar. Some events are known to be associated with, or may be exacerbated by, concomitant perioperative and intraoperative medications administered in this surgical population. A thorough QT/QTc study demonstrated palonosetron does not prolong the QT interval to any clinically relevant extent [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ] .
Table
3: Common Adverse Reactions* in Trials of Adults with Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting *Reported in at least 2% of patients in any treatment group Adverse Reaction Palonosetron 0.075 mg intravenously (N=336) Placebo (N=369) Electrocardiogram QT prolongation 5% 3% Bradycardia 4% 4% Headache 3% 4% Constipation 2% 3% Less common adverse reactions, reported in 1% or less of patients, in these PONV clinical trials were: Cardiac disorders : sinus bradycardia, tachycardia, arrhythmia, ventricular extrasystoles. The frequency of these adverse effects did not appear to be different from placebo. Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders : pruritus. Gastrointestinal disorders : flatulence, dry mouth, upper abdominal pain, salivary hypersecretion, dyspepsia, diarrhea, intestinal hypomotility. General disorders and administration site conditions : chills, generalized edema. Investigations : increases in AST and/or ALT, hepatic enzyme increased, QTc prolongation, blood pressure decreased, platelet count decreased, T wave amplitude decreased. Metabolism and nutrition disorders : hypokalemia, anorexia.
Nervous
System disorders : dizziness. Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders : hypoventilation, laryngospasm. Renal and urinary disorders : Urinary retention. Vascular disorders : Hypotension, Hypertension.
6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of palonosetron. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Hypersensitivity reactions : including dyspnea, bronchospasm, swelling/edema, erythema, pruritus, rash, urticaria, anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]</span> Injection site reactions : including burning, induration, discomfort and pain
Warnings
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 <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )]</span>. 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 <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Contraindications ( 4 )]</span>.
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). Patients should be monitored for the emergence of serotonin syndrome, especially with concomitant use of Palonosetron Hydrochloride Injection and other serotonergic drugs. If symptoms of serotonin syndrome occur, discontinue Palonosetron Hydrochloride Injection and initiate supportive treatment. Patients should be informed of the increased risk of serotonin syndrome, especially if Palonosetron Hydrochloride Injection is used concomitantly with other serotonergic drugs <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 )]</span> .
Drug Interactions
INTERACTIONS Palonosetron is eliminated from the body through both renal excretion and metabolic pathways with the latter mediated via multiple CYP enzymes. Further 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. 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) [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ]. Coadministration of 0.25 mg I.V. palonosetron and 20 mg I.V. dexamethasone in healthy subjects revealed no pharmacokinetic drug-interactions between palonosetron and dexamethasone. In an interaction study in healthy subjects where palonosetron 0.25 mg (I.V. bolus) 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). A study in healthy volunteers involving single-dose I.V. palonosetron (0.75 mg) and steady state oral metoclopramide (10 mg four times daily) demonstrated no significant pharmacokinetic interaction. In controlled clinical trials, Palonosetron Hydrochloride Injection has been safely administered with corticosteroids, analgesics, antiemetics /antinauseants, antispasmodics and anticholinergic agents. Palonosetron did not inhibit the antitumor activity of the five chemotherapeutic agents tested (cisplatin, cyclophosphamide, cytarabine, doxorubicin and mitomycin C) in murine tumor models. The potential for clinically significant drug interactions with palonosetron appears to be low ( 7 )