In clinical trials, some of the most commonly reported side effects of palonosetron included diarrhea, headache, and constipation. Rare side effects include joint pain, anemia, and motion sickness. There are also a number of palonosetron side effects that are potentially serious and that should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately, including high blood pressure, fainting, and a slow or fast heart rate.
Side Effects of Palonosetron: An Introduction
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with
palonosetron hydrochloride (
Aloxi®); however, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with palonosetron. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of palonosetron side effects with you.)
Possible Side Effects of Palonosetron
Palonosetron has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these studies, the side effects that occur in a group of people taking the drug are documented and are then compared to side effects that occur in another group of people not taking the medicine. This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
In these studies, the most common side effects of palonosetron included:
- Headaches -- in up to 9 percent of people
- Constipation -- up to 5 percent
- Diarrhea -- up to 1 percent
- Dizziness -- up to 1 percent
- Weakness -- up to 1 percent.