Zofran ODT

Ondansetron comes as a tablet, a rapidly disintegrating (dissolving) tablet, and an oral solution (liquid) to take by mouth. The first dose of ondansetron is usually taken 30 minutes before the start of chemotherapy, 1 to 2 hours before the start of radiation therapy, or 1 hour before surgery. Additional doses are sometimes taken one to three times a day during chemotherapy or radiation therapy and for 1 to 2 days after the end of treatment. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ondansetron exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

If you are taking the rapidly disintegrating tablet, remove the tablet from the package just before you take your dose. To open the package, do not try to push the tablet through the foil backing of the blister. Instead, use dry hands to peel back the foil backing. Gently remove the tablet and immediately place the tablet on the top of your tongue. The tablet will dissolve in a few seconds and can be swallowed with saliva.

Ondansetron may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• headache
• constipation
• weakness
• tiredness
• chills
• drowsiness

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:

• blurred vision or vision loss
• rash
• hives
• itching
• swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• hoarseness
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• chest pain
• shortness of breath
• dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting
• fast, slow or irregular heartbeat
• agitation
• hallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist)
• fever
• excessive sweating
• confusion
• nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• loss of coordination
• stiff or twitching muscles
• seizures
• coma (loss of consciousness)

Ondansetron may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking this medication.

• Zofran^®
• Zofran^® ODT
• Zuplenz^®

Zofran ODT is a prescription medication used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy or surgery. Zofran ODT belongs to a group of drugs called serotonin 5-HT3 antagonists, which block serotonin, a natural chemical in the body, from causing nausea and vomiting.

This medication comes in an orally disintegrating tablet. Place Zofran ODT Tablet on top of the tongue where it will dissolve in seconds, then swallow with saliva. Administration with liquid is not necessary.

The first oral dose of Zofran ODT is usually taken 30 minutes before the start of chemotherapy, 1 to 2 hours before the start of radiation therapy, or 1 hour before surgery.

Common side effects include headache, tiredness, and constipation. Zofran ODT can cause dizziness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.

Serious side effects have been reported with Zofran ODT including:

• hypotension. Zofran ODT and apomorphine (Apokyn) should not be taken at the same time as there is a risk of dangerously low blood pressure and loss of consciousness.
• severe allergic reactions. Hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions have been reported in patients who are allergic to other selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonists.
• changes in heart rhythm. ECG changes including QT interval prolongation has been seen in patients receiving Zofran ODT. 
• masking symptoms of intestinal blockage. Using Zofran ODT after abdominal surgery or chemotherapy may mask the symptoms of an intestinal blockage (abdominal ileus). 

Do not take Zofran ODT if you:

• are allergic to Zofran ODT or any ingredient in it
• are taking apomorphine (Apokyn)
• have long QT syndrome (condition that increases the risk of developing an irregular heartbeat that may cause fainting or sudden death)

Zofran ODT can cause drowsiness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how Zofran ODT affects you.

Medications can interact with certain foods. In some cases, this may be harmful and your doctor may advise you to avoid certain foods. In the case of Zofran ODT, there are no specific foods that you must exclude from your diet when receiving this medication.

• If you have an allergy to ondansetron or any other part of Zofran ODT (ondansetron orally disintegrating tablets).
• If you are allergic to any drugs like this one, any other drugs, foods, or other substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had, like rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• If you have a long QT on ECG.
• If you are taking apomorphine.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Zofran ODT with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• You may need to have an ECG checked before starting Zofran ODT and while taking it. Talk with your doctor.
• If you are 65 or older, use this medicine with care. You could have more side effects.
• If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), talk with your doctor. Some products have phenylalanine.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Zofran ODT while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

ZOFRAN is indicated for the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with:

ZOFRAN is also indicated for the prevention of postoperative nausea and/or vomiting.

ZOFRAN tablets are oval, film-coated tablets engraved with “Zofran” on one side and are available in the following strengths:

Zofran ODT orally disintegrating tablets are white, round, and plano-convex tablets available in the following strengths:

ZOFRAN oral solution, 4 mg/5 mL, is a clear, colorless to light yellow liquid with a characteristic strawberry odor available in a 50-mL bottle.