Ondansetron, Injection

What are other names for this medicine?

Generic and brand names: ondansetron, injection; Zofran

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is given to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy or to prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery. It is given by injection (shots) into a muscle or vein or by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein). It may be given with very strong chemotherapy medicines.

What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?

If you have had an allergic reaction to this medicine in the past, be sure to tell your health care provider.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

How do I use it?

This medicine is given by your health care provider based on your chemotherapy schedule.

To prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, you may receive a single IV dose before the start of the chemotherapy. Or you may be given 3 IV infusions: the first one 30 minutes before the chemotherapy and the second and third doses 4 hours and then 8 hours after the first. Children 4 to 18 years of age usually receive three infusions.

To prevent nausea after surgery, you may receive a single shot into a vein or a large muscle immediately before anesthesia or directly after the surgery. Children 2 to 12 years of age may receive a single shot directly into a vein.

What should I watch out for?

This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.

If you have an allergic reaction to this medicine (hives, itching, a rash, trouble breathing or tightness in your chest), contact your health care provider right away or get emergency medical help.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Hives, itching, a rash, trouble breathing, tightness in your chest.

Other: Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, shivering, sick feeling, tiredness, redness at the spot where the shots or infusions were given, chest pain, anxiety, fever.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.