Warnings & Recalls for Zofran
On
June 29, 2012, the
FDA released a safety announcement concerning
possible risks of taking
Zofran. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Zofran could have an effect on the
electrical activity of the heart. In some cases, this abnormal heart rhythm may cause patients to develop a disease called
Torsades de Pointes which can be fatal. Since then, GlaxoSmithKline has adjusted the label by
removing the 32 mg single intravenous dose and adding a dose of
.15 mg/kg 3 times per day every 4 hours. Single intravenous
doses above 16mg are unsafe.
Before taking Zofran,
let your doctor know if you:
- Are taking apomorphine (Apokyn)
- Have long QT syndrome or if your family has a history of long QT syndrome
- Are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant or are breast-feeding
- Have phenylketonuria (PKU)
- Have liver disease
- Have any heart disorders or diseases
- Have an imbalance of electrolytes
- Are taking any other prescribed medicine, vitamins, supplements or herbal products
Zofran Treatment and Use
Zofran | Odansetron Hydrochloride Dihydrate is a serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist marketed by GlaxoSmithKline used to prevent nauseousness or vomiting that may be caused by surgery or different cancer treatments. Zofran may prevent queasiness caused by:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
- Anasthesia
Among patients with bulimia nervosa, Zofran as also been shown to reduce the tendency to vomit.
How Does Zofran Work?
Feelings of nauseousness are caused by serotonin receptors signalling the vomiting centre in the brain. Typically, surgery and treatments for cancer cause serotonin to be released into the belly, creating a similar reaction. Zofran prevents nausea by interfering with serotonin in the brain and in the stomach, blocking these signals and receptors. This reduces symptoms of an unsettled stomach which may cause one to throw up.
How to Use Zofran
Zofran may be taken in several forms. Before a procedure, doctors may give Zofran through an injection into a vein or muscle, by drip into a vein, or suppository. Zofran also comes in the form of a liquid, tablet or disintegrating tablet.
Regular Zofran tablets may be taken by mouth, with a full glass of water, or with or without food
Zofran disintegrating tablets:
- Keep tablets in blister pack until needed. Peel back foil to avoid damaging the tablet
- Use dry hands when handling disintegrating tablets and promptly place in mouth
- Do not swallow or chew the tablet. Let the Zofran tablet dissolve in your mouth
- After the tablet is dissolved, you may drink a glass of water to wash down the particles
Do not take more than prescribed by your doctor.
For liquid Zofran, make sure to use a proper dose-measuring device.
