Ondansetron-oral

This medication is used alone or with other medications to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer drug treatment (chemotherapy) and radiation therapy. It is also used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting after surgery. It works by blocking one of the body's natural substances (serotonin) that causes vomiting.

Headache, lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, or constipation may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: stomach pain, muscle spasm/stiffness, vision changes (e.g., temporary loss of vision, blurred vision).Get medical help right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, slow/fast/irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but stop taking this medication and seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.This drug should not be used with the following medication because a very serious interaction may occur: apomorphine.If you are currently using the medication listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting ondansetron.Before using this medication, tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially of: tramadol.Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.Many drugs besides ondansetron may affect the heart rhythm (QT prolongation), including dofetilide, pimozide, procainamide, amiodarone, quinidine, sotalol, macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), among others. Therefore, before using ondansetron, report all medications you are currently using to your doctor or pharmacist.This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

This medication is used alone or with other medications to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer drug treatment (chemotherapy), radiation treatment, or drugs used to put you to sleep before surgery. Ondansetron works by blocking one of the body's natural substances (serotonin) that causes vomiting.

How to use Ondansetron Film

Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start using ondansetron oral soluble film and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is made to be dissolved on top of your tongue. Do not chew or swallow the film whole. If giving this medicine to a young child, help them use it properly.

With dry hands, open the protective foil pouch just before using. Remove one film and place on top of your tongue. Allow it to dissolve completely (usually in 4 to 20 seconds), then swallow it with saliva or with liquid. You do not need to take this product with liquid. If your dose is for more than one film, allow each film to dissolve completely before taking the next film. Wash your hands after taking this medication.

To prevent nausea from chemotherapy, take this medication as directed by your doctor, usually 30 minutes before treatment begins. To prevent nausea from radiation treatment, take this medication 1 to 2 hours before the start of your treatment. To prevent nausea after surgery, take ondansetron 1 hour before the start of surgery.

Carefully follow your doctor's directions for taking this medication. Ondansetron may be taken up to 3 times a day for 1 to 2 days after each chemotherapy or radiation treatment. If you are taking this medication on a prescribed schedule, take it regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. The dosage for children may also be based on age and weight. Take this medication exactly as directed. Do not take more medication or take it more often than prescribed.

Tell your doctor if your nausea and vomiting persists or if it worsens.

The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring.

To help your doctor and pharmacist give you the best care, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with this product. While using this product, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: apomorphine, tramadol.

Many drugs besides ondansetron may affect the heart rhythm (QT prolongation), including dofetilide, pimozide, procainamide, amiodarone, quinidine, sotalol, macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), among others. Therefore, before using ondansetron, report all medications you are currently using to your doctor or pharmacist.

The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin. Examples include street drugs such as MDMA/"ecstasy," St. John's wort, certain antidepressants (including SSRIs such as fluoxetine/paroxetine, SNRIs such as duloxetine/venlafaxine), among others. The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity may be more likely when you start or increase the dose of these drugs.

This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use. Share this list with your doctor and pharmacist to lessen your risk for serious medication problems.