Netupitant and Palonosetron Hydrochloride and alcohol

• Generic Name: netupitant / palonosetron
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Akynzeo

Used in fixed combination for prevention of acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of cancer chemotherapy, including, but not limited to, highly emetogenic chemotherapy. Should be used in combination with dexamethasone.

Palonosetron prevents nausea and vomiting during the acute phase after chemotherapy; netupitant prevents nausea and vomiting during both the acute and delayed phase after chemotherapy.

For prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with highly emetogenic chemotherapy regimens (including an anthracycline plus cyclophosphamide), ASCO recommends a 3-drug antiemetic regimen consisting of an NK1 receptor antagonist (e.g., either oral aprepitant or IV fosaprepitant), a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist (e.g., dolasetron, granisetron, ondansetron, palonosetron), and dexamethasone. ASCO states that fixed-combination netupitant and palonosetron plus dexamethasone is an additional treatment option.

For moderately emetogenic chemotherapy regimens, ASCO recommends a 2-drug antiemetic regimen preferably consisting of palonosetron and dexamethasone. If palonosetron is not available, a first-generation 5-HT3 receptor antagonist (preferably granisetron or ondansetron) may be substituted. Limited evidence suggests that aprepitant may be added to this regimen; in such cases, use of any 5-HT3 receptor antagonist is appropriate.

For chemotherapy regimens with a low emetogenic risk, ASCO recommends administration of a single dose of dexamethasone prior to chemotherapy.

For chemotherapy regimens with minimal emetogenic risk, ASCO states that routine antiemetic administration is not necessary.