Dosage Forms
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product
Capsule, Oral:
Akynzeo: Netupitant 300 mg and palonosetron 0.5 mg [DSC], Netupitant 300 mg and palonosetron hydrochloride 0.5 mg
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Netupitant is a selective substance P/neurokinin (NK1) receptor antagonist, which augments the antiemetic activity of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists and corticosteroids to inhibit acute and delayed chemotherapy-induced emesis. Palonosetron is a selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, which blocks serotonin, both on vagal nerve terminals in the periphery and centrally in the chemoreceptor trigger zone. Palonosetron inhibits the cross-talk between the 5-HT3 and NK1 receptors. The combination of palonosetron and netupitant works synergistically to inhibit substance P response to a greater extent than either agent alone (Aapro 2014).
Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics
Absorption
Netupitant: Within 15 minutes to 3 hours; Palonosetron: Well absorbed
Distribution
Netupitant: Vd: 1,982 ± 46 L; Palonosetron: Vd: 663 ± 24 L
Metabolism
Netupitant: Extensively hepatic via CYP3A4 (major), CYP2C9 (minor) and CYP2D6 (minor); forms active metabolites M1, M2, and M3
Palonosetron: ~50% metabolized to relatively inactive metabolites (N-oxide-palonosetron and 6-S-hydroxy-palonosetron); CYP2D6, 3A4, and 1A2 contribute to metabolism
Excretion
Netupitant: Feces (~71%); urine (~4%)
Palonosetron: Feces (5% to 8%); urine (85% to 93%; 40% as unchanged drug)
Time to Peak
Netupitant and palonosetron: ~4 to 5 hours
Half-Life Elimination
Netupitant: 80 ± 29 hours; Palonosetron: 50 ± 16 hours
Protein Binding
Netupitant: >99.5% for netupitant; >97% for major metabolites
Palonosetron: ~62%
Use in Specific Populations
Special Populations: Hepatic Function Impairment
For netupitant, the mean AUC was 67% higher and the mean Cmax was 40% higher in patients with mild hepatic impairment. The mean AUC was 86% higher and the mean Cmax was 41% higher in patients with moderate impairment. For palonosetron, the AUC was 33% higher in patients with mild hepatic impairment and 62% higher in patients with moderate impairment; the mean Cmax was 14% higher in patients with mild hepatic impairment.
Special Populations: Gender
For netupitant, the Cmax was 35% higher in females than in males while the AUC was similar between males and females. For palonosetron, the mean AUC was 35% higher and the mean Cmax was 26% higher in females than in males.
Use: Labeled Indications
Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: 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 (in combination with dexamethasone).
Contraindications
There are no contraindications listed in the manufacturer's US labeling.
Canadian labeling: Hypersensitivity to netupitant, palonosetron, or any component of the formulation; pregnancy; concomitant use with pimozide, terfenadine, astemizole, or cisapride
Dosage and Administration
Dosing: Adult
Highly emetogenic chemotherapy (including cisplatin-based): Oral: One capsule 1 hour before chemotherapy on day 1 (Gralla 2014; Hesketh 2017; Roila 2016). Note: Antiemetic regimen also includes dexamethasone 12 mg orally 30 minutes before chemotherapy on day 1 and 8 mg orally once daily on days 2 to 4.
Anthracycline and cyclophosphamide-based chemotherapy and chemotherapy not considered highly emetogenic: Oral: One capsule 1 hour before chemotherapy on day 1 (Gralla 2014; Hesketh 2017; Roila 2016). Note: Antiemetic regimen also includes dexamethasone 12 mg orally 30 minutes before chemotherapy on day 1 (only).
Dosing: Geriatric
Refer to adult dosing.
Administration
Oral: Administer 1 hour before chemotherapy. May administer with or without food.
Storage
Capsules: Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions are permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F)
Drug Interactions
Abemaciclib: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Abemaciclib. Monitor therapy
Acalabrutinib: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Acalabrutinib. Management: Reduce acalabrutinib dose to 100 mg once daily with concurrent use of a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor. Monitor patient closely for both acalabrutinib response and evidence of adverse effects with any concurrent use. Consider therapy modification
AmLODIPine: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of AmLODIPine. Monitor therapy
Apixaban: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Apixaban. Monitor therapy
Apomorphine: Antiemetics (5HT3 Antagonists) may enhance the hypotensive effect of Apomorphine. Avoid combination
Aprepitant: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Aprepitant. Avoid combination
ARIPiprazole: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of ARIPiprazole. Management: Monitor for increased aripiprazole pharmacologic effects. Aripiprazole dose adjustments may or may not be required based on concomitant therapy and/or indication. Consult full interaction monograph for specific recommendations. Monitor therapy
Asunaprevir: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Asunaprevir. Avoid combination
Avanafil: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Avanafil. Management: The maximum avanafil adult dose is 50 mg per 24-hour period when used together with a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor. Patients receiving such a combination should also be monitored more closely for evidence of adverse effects. Consider therapy modification
Avapritinib: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Avapritinib. Management: Avoid use of moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors with avapritinib. If this combination cannot be avoided, reduce the avapritinib dose from 300 mg once daily to 100 mg once daily. Consider therapy modification
Axitinib: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Axitinib. Monitor therapy
Benzhydrocodone: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Benzhydrocodone. Specifically, the concentration of hydrocodone may be increased. Monitor therapy
Blonanserin: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Blonanserin. Monitor therapy
Bosentan: May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inducers). Monitor therapy
Bosentan: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Bosentan. Management: Concomitant use of both a CYP2C9 inhibitor and a CYP3A inhibitor or a single agent that inhibits both enzymes with bosentan is likely to cause a large increase in serum concentrations of bosentan and is not recommended. See monograph for details. Monitor therapy
Bosutinib: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Bosutinib. Avoid combination
Brexpiprazole: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Brexpiprazole. Management: The brexpiprazole dose should be reduced to 25% of usual if used together with both a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor and a strong or moderate CYP2D6 inhibitor, or if a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor is used in a CYP2D6 poor metabolizer. Monitor therapy
Brigatinib: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Brigatinib. Management: Avoid concurrent use of brigatinib with moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors when possible. If such a combination cannot be avoided, reduce the dose of brigatinib by approximately 40% (ie, from 180 mg to 120 mg, from 120 mg to 90 mg, or from 90 mg to 60 mg). Consider therapy modification
Bromocriptine: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Bromocriptine. Management: The bromocriptine dose should not exceed 1.6 mg daily with use of a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor. The Cycloset brand specifically recommends this dose limitation, but other bromocriptine products do not make such specific recommendations. Consider therapy modification
Budesonide (Systemic): CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Budesonide (Systemic). Avoid combination
Budesonide (Topical): CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Budesonide (Topical). Management: Per US prescribing information, avoid this combination. Canadian product labeling does not recommend strict avoidance. If combined, monitor for excessive glucocorticoid effects as budesonide exposure may be increased. Consider therapy modification
Cannabidiol: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Cannabidiol. Monitor therapy
Cannabis: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Cannabis. More specifically, tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol serum concentrations may be increased. Monitor therapy
Cilostazol: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Cilostazol. Management: Consider reducing the cilostazol dose to 50 mg twice daily in adult patients who are also receiving moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4. Consider therapy modification
Cobimetinib: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Cobimetinib. Management: Avoid the concomitant use of cobimetinib and moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors. If concurrent short term (14 days or less) use cannot be avoided, reduce the cobimetinib dose to 20 mg daily. Avoid combination
Codeine: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase serum concentrations of the active metabolite(s) of Codeine. Monitor therapy
Colchicine: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Colchicine. Management: Reduce colchicine dose as directed when using with a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor, and increase monitoring for colchicine-related toxicity. See full monograph for details. Use extra caution in patients with impaired renal and/or hepatic function. Consider therapy modification
CYP3A4 Inducers (Moderate): May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inducers). Monitor therapy
CYP3A4 Inducers (Strong): May decrease the serum concentration of Netupitant. Avoid combination
CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors): Netupitant may increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors). Monitor therapy
Dabrafenib: May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inducers). Management: Seek alternatives to the CYP3A4 substrate when possible. If concomitant therapy cannot be avoided, monitor clinical effects of the substrate closely (particularly therapeutic effects). Consider therapy modification
Dapoxetine: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Dapoxetine. Management: The dose of dapoxetine should be limited to 30 mg per day when used together with a moderate inhibitor of CYP3A4. Consider therapy modification
Deferasirox: May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inducers). Monitor therapy
Deflazacort: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase serum concentrations of the active metabolite(s) of Deflazacort. Management: Administer one third of the recommended deflazacort dose when used together with a strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor. Consider therapy modification
DexAMETHasone (Systemic): Netupitant may increase the serum concentration of DexAMETHasone (Systemic). Management: Decrease dexamethasone doses to 12 mg on day 1, and if needed based on the emetic potential of the regimen, 8 mg daily on days 2 to 4 of chemotherapy when administered with netupitant. Consider therapy modification
Disopyramide: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Disopyramide. Monitor therapy
Dofetilide: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Dofetilide. Monitor therapy
Domperidone: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Domperidone. Management: Drugs listed as exceptions to this monograph are discussed in further detail in separate drug interaction monographs. Avoid combination
DOXOrubicin (Conventional): CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of DOXOrubicin (Conventional). Management: Seek alternatives to moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors in patients treated with doxorubicin whenever possible. One U.S. manufacturer (Pfizer Inc.) recommends that these combinations be avoided. Consider therapy modification
Dronabinol: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Dronabinol. Monitor therapy
Eletriptan: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Eletriptan. Management: The use of eletriptan within 72 hours of a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor should be avoided. Consider therapy modification
Elexacaftor, Tezacaftor, and Ivacaftor: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Elexacaftor, Tezacaftor, and Ivacaftor. Management: When combined with moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors, two elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (100 mg/50 mg/75 mg) tablets should be given in the morning, every other day. Ivacaftor (150 mg) should be given in the morning, every other day on alternate days. Consider therapy modification
Eliglustat: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Eliglustat. Management: Use should be avoided under some circumstances. See full drug interaction monograph for details. Consider therapy modification
Encorafenib: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Encorafenib. Management: Avoid concomitant use of encorafenib and moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors whenever possible. If concomitant administration is unavoidable, decrease the encorafenib dose prior to initiation of the CYP3A4 inhibitor. See full monograph for details. Consider therapy modification
Entrectinib: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Entrectinib. Management: Avoid moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors during treatment with entrectinib. Reduce dose to 200 mg/day if combination cannot be avoided in adults and those 12 yrs of age or older with a BSA of at least 1.5 square meters. No alternative dosing provided for others. Consider therapy modification
Eplerenone: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Eplerenone. Management: When used concomitantly with moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4, eplerenone dosing recommendations vary by indication and international labeling. See full drug interaction monograph for details. Consider therapy modification
Erdafitinib: May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inducers). Monitor therapy
Estrogen Derivatives: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Estrogen Derivatives. Monitor therapy
Everolimus: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Everolimus. Management: Everolimus dose reductions are required for most indications. See full monograph or prescribing information for specific dose adjustment and monitoring recommendations. Consider therapy modification
FentaNYL: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of FentaNYL. Management: Monitor patients closely for several days following initiation of this combination, and adjust fentanyl dose as necessary. Consider therapy modification
Flibanserin: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Flibanserin. Avoid combination
Fosaprepitant: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Fosaprepitant. Avoid combination
GuanFACINE: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of GuanFACINE. Management: Reduce the guanfacine dose by 50% when initiating this combination. Consider therapy modification
Halofantrine: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Halofantrine. Management: Extreme caution, with possibly increased monitoring of ECGs, should be used if halofantrine is combined with moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors. Drugs listed as exceptions to this monograph are discussed in separate drug interaction monographs. Monitor therapy
HYDROcodone: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of HYDROcodone. Monitor therapy
Ibrutinib: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Ibrutinib. Management: When treating B-cell malignancies, decrease ibrutinib to 280 mg daily when combined with moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors. When treating graft versus host disease, monitor patients closely and reduce the ibrutinib dose as needed based on adverse reactions. Consider therapy modification
Ifosfamide: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may decrease serum concentrations of the active metabolite(s) of Ifosfamide. Monitor therapy
Imatinib: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Imatinib. Monitor therapy
Ivabradine: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Ivabradine. Avoid combination
Ivacaftor: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Ivacaftor. Management: Ivacaftor dose reductions may be required; consult full monograph content for age- and weight-specific dosage recommendations. Consider therapy modification
Ivosidenib: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Ivosidenib. Management: Avoid use of moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors with ivosidenib whenever possible. If combined, monitor for increased ivosidenib toxicities. Drugs listed as exceptions are discussed in further detail in separate drug interaction monographs. Consider therapy modification
Lefamulin: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Lefamulin. Management: Monitor for lefamulin adverse effects during coadministration of lefamulin tablets with moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors. Monitor therapy
Lemborexant: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Lemborexant. Avoid combination
Levamlodipine: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Levamlodipine. Monitor therapy
Lomitapide: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Lomitapide. Avoid combination
Lorlatinib: May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inducers). Management: Avoid concurrent use of lorlatinib with any CYP3A4 substrates for which a minimal decrease in serum concentrations of the CYP3A4 substrate could lead to therapeutic failure and serious clinical consequences. Consider therapy modification
Lumateperone: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Lumateperone. Avoid combination
Lurasidone: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Lurasidone. Management: Lurasidone US labeling recommends reducing lurasidone dose by half with a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor. Some non-US labeling recommends initiating lurasidone at 20 mg/day and limiting dose to 40 mg/day; avoid concurrent use of grapefruit products. Consider therapy modification
Manidipine: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Manidipine. Monitor therapy
Meperidine: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Meperidine. Monitor therapy
Mirodenafil: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Mirodenafil. Monitor therapy
Naldemedine: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Naldemedine. Monitor therapy
Nalfurafine: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Nalfurafine. Monitor therapy
Naloxegol: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Naloxegol. Avoid combination
Neratinib: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Neratinib. Avoid combination
NiMODipine: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of NiMODipine. Monitor therapy
Olaparib: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Olaparib. Management: Avoid use of moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors in patients being treated with olaparib, if possible. If such concurrent use cannot be avoided, the dose of olaparib should be reduced to 150 mg twice daily. Consider therapy modification
OxyCODONE: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of OxyCODONE. CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of OxyCODONE. Serum concentrations of the active metabolite Oxymorphone may also be increased. Monitor therapy
Pexidartinib: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Pexidartinib. Monitor therapy
Pimecrolimus: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may decrease the metabolism of Pimecrolimus. Monitor therapy
Pimozide: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Pimozide. Avoid combination
Propafenone: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Propafenone. Management: Drugs listed as exceptions to this monograph are discussed in further detail in separate drug interaction monographs. Monitor therapy
Ranolazine: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Ranolazine. Management: Limit the ranolazine adult dose to a maximum of 500 mg twice daily in patients concurrently receiving moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil, erythromycin, etc.). Consider therapy modification
Rupatadine: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Rupatadine. Monitor therapy
Ruxolitinib: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Ruxolitinib. Monitor therapy
Salmeterol: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Salmeterol. Monitor therapy
Sarilumab: May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inducers). Monitor therapy
SAXagliptin: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of SAXagliptin. Monitor therapy
Serotonergic Agents (High Risk): Antiemetics (5HT3 Antagonists) may enhance the serotonergic effect of Serotonergic Agents (High Risk). This could result in serotonin syndrome. Management: Monitor for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome/serotonin toxicity (eg, hyperreflexia, clonus, hyperthermia, diaphoresis, tremor, autonomic instability, mental status changes) when these agents are combined. Exceptions: TraMADol. Monitor therapy
Sildenafil: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Sildenafil. Monitor therapy
Silodosin: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Silodosin. Monitor therapy
Siltuximab: May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inducers). Monitor therapy
Simeprevir: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Simeprevir. Avoid combination
Sirolimus: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Sirolimus. Management: Monitor for increased serum concentrations of sirolimus if combined with a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor. Lower initial sirolimus doses or sirolimus dose reductions will likely be required. Consider therapy modification
Sonidegib: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Sonidegib. Management: Avoid concomitant use of sonidegib and moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors when possible. When concomitant use cannot be avoided, limit CYP3A4 inhibitor use to less than 14 days and monitor for sonidegib toxicity (particularly musculoskeletal adverse reactions). Consider therapy modification
Suvorexant: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Suvorexant. Management: The recommended dose of suvorexant is 5 mg daily in patients receiving a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor. The dose can be increased to 10 mg daily (maximum dose) if necessary for efficacy. Consider therapy modification
Tamsulosin: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Tamsulosin. Monitor therapy
Tapentadol: Antiemetics (5HT3 Antagonists) may diminish the analgesic effect of Tapentadol. Monitor therapy
Tazemetostat: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Tazemetostat. Management: Avoid coadministration of tazemetostat and moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors. If coadministration cannot be avoided, dose reductions are required. See full monograph for dosing recommendations. Consider therapy modification
Telithromycin: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Telithromycin. Monitor therapy
Tetrahydrocannabinol: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Tetrahydrocannabinol. Monitor therapy
Tezacaftor and Ivacaftor: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Tezacaftor and Ivacaftor. Management: When combined with moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors, tezacaftor/ivacaftor should be given in the morning, every other day. Ivacaftor alone should be given in the morning, every other day on alternate days. Consider therapy modification
Ticagrelor: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Ticagrelor. Monitor therapy
Tocilizumab: May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inducers). Monitor therapy
Tofacitinib: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Tofacitinib. Monitor therapy
Tolvaptan: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Tolvaptan. Management: Jynarque dose requires adjustment when used with a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor. See labeling or full interaction monograph for specific recommendations. Use of Samsca with moderate CYP3A4 ihibitors should generally be avoided. Consider therapy modification
Trabectedin: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Trabectedin. Monitor therapy
TraMADol: Antiemetics (5HT3 Antagonists) may enhance the serotonergic effect of TraMADol. Management: Monitor for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome/serotonin toxicity (eg, hyperreflexia, clonus, hyperthermia, diaphoresis, tremor, autonomic instability, mental status changes) when these agents are combined. Monitor therapy
Triazolam: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Triazolam. Management: Consider triazolam dose reduction in patients receiving concomitant moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors. Consider therapy modification
Ubrogepant: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Ubrogepant. Management: Use an initial ubrogepant dose of 50 mg and avoid a second dose for 24 hours when used with moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors. Consider therapy modification
Udenafil: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Udenafil. Monitor therapy
Ulipristal: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Ulipristal. Management: This is specific for when ulipristal is being used for signs/symptoms of uterine fibroids (Canadian indication). When ulipristal is used as an emergency contraceptive, patients receiving this combination should be monitored for ulipristal toxicity. Avoid combination
Venetoclax: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Venetoclax. Management: Reduce the venetoclax dose by at least 50% in patients requiring these combinations. Consider therapy modification
Vilazodone: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Vilazodone. Monitor therapy
Vindesine: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Vindesine. Monitor therapy
Zanubrutinib: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Zanubrutinib. Management: Decrease the zanubrutinib dose to 80 mg twice daily during coadministration with a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor. Further dose adjustments may be required for zanubrutinib toxicities, refer to prescribing information for details. Consider therapy modification
Zopiclone: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Zopiclone. Management: The starting adult dose of zopiclone should not exceed 3.75 mg if combined with a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of zopiclone toxicity if these agents are combined. Consider therapy modification
Zuclopenthixol: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Zuclopenthixol. Monitor therapy
Adverse Reactions
1% to 10%:
Central nervous system: Headache (9%), fatigue (4% to 7%)
Dermatologic: Erythema (3%)
Gastrointestinal: Dyspepsia (4%), constipation (3%)
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Weakness (8%)
Warnings/Precautions
Concerns related to adverse effects:
- Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitivity (including anaphylaxis) has been reported with palonosetron (a component of the product), with or without known hypersensitivity to other 5-HT3 receptor antagonists.
- Serotonin syndrome: Serotonin syndrome has been reported with 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, predominantly when used in combination with other serotonergic agents (eg, SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, mirtazapine, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, and methylene blue). Some of the cases have been fatal. The majority of serotonin syndrome reports with 5-HT3 receptor antagonists occurred in a postanesthesia setting or in an infusion center. Serotonin syndrome has also been reported following overdose of another 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. Monitor patients for signs of serotonin syndrome, including mental status changes (eg, agitation, hallucinations, delirium, coma); autonomic instability (eg, tachycardia, labile blood pressure, diaphoresis, dizziness, flushing, hyperthermia); neuromuscular changes (eg, tremor, rigidity, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, incoordination); gastrointestinal symptoms (eg, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea); and/or seizures. If serotonin syndrome occurs, discontinue 5-HT3 receptor antagonist treatment and begin supportive management.
Disease-related concerns:
- Hepatic impairment: Avoid use in severe hepatic impairment. Dosage adjustment not necessary in mild or moderate impairment.
- Renal impairment: Avoid use in severe renal impairment or end stage renal disease. Dosage adjustment not necessary in mild or moderate impairment.
Concurrent drug therapy issues:
- Drug-drug interactions: Potentially significant interactions may exist, requiring dose or frequency adjustment, additional monitoring, and/or selection of alternative therapy. Consult drug interactions database for more detailed information.
Special populations:
- Elderly: Use caution when dosing elderly patients due to a higher frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, cardiac function, and concomitant disease or drug therapy.
Monitoring Parameters
Monitor for signs/symptoms of hypersensitivity and serotonin syndrome.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Considerations
Adverse events were observed in some animal reproduction studies using the components of this combination product. Information related to the use of netupitant and palonosetron during pregnancy is limited.
Patient Education
- Discuss specific use of drug and side effects with patient as it relates to treatment. (HCAHPS: During this hospital stay, were you given any medicine that you had not taken before? Before giving you any new medicine, how often did hospital staff tell you what the medicine was for? How often did hospital staff describe possible side effects in a way you could understand?)
- Patient may experience constipation, headache, redness, loss of strength and energy, or nausea. Have patient report immediately to prescriber signs of serotonin syndrome (dizziness, severe headache, agitation, sensing things that seem real but are not, fast heartbeat, arrhythmia, flushing, tremors, sweating a lot, change in balance, severe nausea, or severe diarrhea) (HCAHPS).
- Educate patient about signs of a significant reaction (eg, wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat). Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Patient should consult prescriber for additional questions.
Intended Use and Disclaimer: Should not be printed and given to patients. This information is intended to serve as a concise initial reference for health care professionals to use when discussing medications with a patient. You must ultimately rely on your own discretion, experience, and judgment in diagnosing, treating, and advising patients.
