Introduction

Ondansetron (on-DAN-se-tron)

Prevents nausea and vomiting caused by cancer treatments (chemotherapy or radiation) or nausea and vomiting occurring after surgery.

Brand Name(s)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

Zofran, Zofran Odt, Zofran ODT, Zuplenz

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to ondansetron or to other similar medicines such as dolasetron, granisetron, or tropisetron. Do not use this medicine if you are receiving apomorphine (Apokyn®).

How to Use This Medicine

Thin Sheet, Liquid, Tablet, Dissolving Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You may take this medicine with or without food.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• To use the oral disintegrating tablet:
  • Make sure your hands are dry before you handle the tablet. Do not open the blister pack that contains the tablet until you are ready to take it.
  • Remove the tablet from the blister pack by peeling back the foil, then taking the tablet out. Do not push the tablet through the foil.
  • Place the tablet immediately on top of your tongue where it will dissolve in seconds. After the tablet has melted, swallow or take a sip of water.
• To use the oral soluble film:
  • Make sure your hands are clean and dry before and after using this medicine.
  • Fold the pouch along the dotted line to expose the tear notch.
  • While still folded, tear the pouch carefully along the edge, and remove the film out from the pouch.
  • Put the soluble film immediately on top of your tongue where it will dissolve in 4 to 20 seconds. Do not chew or swallow the film whole.
  • Once the film is dissolved, you may swallow with or without water.
• This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• If you miss a dose of this medicine, and you feel nauseated or you vomit, take the missed dose as soon as possible.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, heart rhythm problems (such as prolonged QT interval), stomach or bowel problems (such as blockage or enlarged abdomen), or phenylketonuria (PKU).
• This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have a rash; itching; hoarseness; trouble breathing; trouble swallowing; or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are using this medicine.
• Check with your doctor right away if you start to have pain or swelling in your stomach area. These may be signs of a serious stomach or bowel problem.
• Check with your doctor if severe nausea and vomiting continue after leaving the hospital or cancer treatment center.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, painful urination.
• Fast or uneven heartbeat.
• Fever.
• Inability to move eyes, other muscle spasms, especially of the face, neck, or back.
• Shortness of breath.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Anxiety, irritability, or restlessness.
• Constipation or diarrhea.
• Dizziness.
• Headache.
• Tiredness or weakness.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088