Akynzeo (netupitant and palonosetron hydrochloride)
Helsinn / Eisai · NK1 + 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonist Combination Antiemetic
What is Akynzeo? Akynzeo (netupitant/palonosetron) is a fixed-dose combination of an NK1 receptor antagonist (netupitant) and a 5-HT3 antagonist (palonosetron) in a single oral capsule, approved for prevention of acute and delayed CINV from highly and moderately emetogenic chemotherapy.
About Akynzeo
| Brand Name | Akynzeo |
| Generic / INN | netupitant and palonosetron hydrochloride |
| Drug Class | NK1 + 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonist Combination Antiemetic |
| Manufacturer | Helsinn / Eisai |
| Administration | Oral capsule |
| FDA Approval | 2014 |
FDA-Approved Uses for Akynzeo
Indications are based on FDA approval. Your healthcare provider determines appropriate use based on your specific diagnosis, stage, biomarker status, and overall clinical picture.
- Prevention of acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of highly emetogenic cancer chemotherapy (HEC)
- Prevention of acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of moderately emetogenic chemotherapy (MEC)
How Does Akynzeo Work?
Netupitant (NK1 antagonist) blocks substance P binding at NK1 receptors in the brain — preventing delayed CINV. Palonosetron (5-HT3 antagonist) blocks serotonin-mediated acute CINV. The combination targets both pathways in a single convenient capsule, administered once before chemotherapy.
Dosage & Administration
One capsule (netupitant 300 mg / palonosetron 0.5 mg) orally, 1 hour before chemotherapy. Used with dexamethasone (12 mg for HEC; 8 mg for MEC) per CINV guidelines. Single dose per chemotherapy cycle.
Warnings, Precautions & Side Effects
General Warning
CYP3A4 drug interactions (netupitant is a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor). QT prolongation risk. Serotonin syndrome with concomitant serotonergic agents. Avoid in severe hepatic or renal impairment.
Common Side Effects
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Dizziness
This is not a complete list. Always report new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly.
Storage & Handling
Store at room temperature 25°C (77°F). Keep in original blister packaging.
BiologicHealthPlus provides temperature-monitored cold-chain specialty delivery for medications requiring refrigeration. Never use a medication if its storage conditions have been compromised.
Insurance Coverage, Prior Authorization & Patient Assistance
🛡️ Commercial Insurance
Akynzeo is covered by most major commercial insurance plans when medically necessary and prior authorized. Coverage tier and cost-sharing vary by plan.
✅ Prior Authorization
Prior authorization is required by virtually all insurance plans for Akynzeo. BiologicHealthPlus handles the complete prior authorization process at no cost to patients or providers.
🏥 Medicare Coverage
Medicare Part D covers this oral specialty medication. Medicaid coverage varies by state.
🆓 Patient Assistance
Manufacturer patient assistance programs may be available for eligible uninsured or underinsured patients. Contact BiologicHealthPlus for a confidential eligibility review.
Prior Authorization Patient Assistance Insurance & Savings Medication Costs
Frequently Asked Questions — Akynzeo
Akynzeo is a single oral capsule combining netupitant (NK1 antagonist) and palonosetron (5-HT3 antagonist) for prevention of CINV. It targets both the acute and delayed phases of chemotherapy-induced nausea in one convenient dose.
Akynzeo combines both mechanisms in one capsule taken once. Aprepitant (Emend) is a 3-day regimen combined with a separate 5-HT3 antagonist. Akynzeo simplifies the regimen to a single pre-chemotherapy dose.
Akynzeo is covered by most commercial insurance plans and Medicare Part D with prior authorization.
Related Medications & Conditions
Related Medications
Aprepitant (Emend) · Aloxi (palonosetron) · Ondansetron · Dexamethasone
Related Conditions
Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) · Highly emetogenic chemotherapy