Ondansetron (Injection)

Introduction:

Ondansetron (on-DAN-se-tron)

Treats and prevents nausea and vomiting caused by cancer treatments (chemotherapy) or after surgery.

Brand Name(s):

Amerinet Choice Ondansetron, Zofran, Novaplus Ondansetron, Ondansetron Novaplus

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

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 medicines for nausea and vomiting such as dolasetron (Anzemet®), granisetron (Kytril®), or palonosetron (Aloxi®).

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

  • Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle or a vein.
  • A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
  • You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • Do not use this medicine if it has changed color or has particles in it.

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.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • If you store this medicine at home, keep it 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, containers, and other supplies. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
  • Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
  • 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.

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.
  • Chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeat.
  • Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting.
  • Lightheadedness or fainting.
  • Problems with balance, walking, vision, or speech.
  • Twitching or muscle movements you cannot control (often in your eyes, jaw, neck or upper body).

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

  • Feeling anxiety or irritable.
  • Constipation or diarrhea.
  • Drowsiness.
  • Fever or chills.
  • Headache, muscle pain.
  • Mild skin rash or itching.
  • Pain or stinging where the needle is placed
  • Tiredness
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