Sometimes when you take medication for an illness, especially when you start chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer, it's very difficult to get rid of nausea and vomiting. This condition can also occur after some surgeries. So today we're talking about a medicine that doctors give you, which is injected into a vein, to help you during times like this. This is called Ondansetron.
What is Ondansetron?
Simply put, Ondansetron is a medicine that blocks the action of chemicals in your body that cause nausea and vomiting. These belong to a class of drugs called antiemetics. In other words, it stops the signal to your brain that says, "I'm going to vomit now." This helps you feel better.
This injection is usually used for:
- Control nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy for cancer.
- Control nausea and vomiting caused by radiation therapy .
- Prevent post-surgery nausea and vomiting.
This medicine can be found under brand names like Zofran in Sri Lanka. However, this is a medicine that is only given in a hospital under the prescription of a doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
This is very important. For your safety, it is essential that your doctor knows these things before giving you the Ondansetron injection.
Do not hide this information from your doctor, as this information will help him give you the most appropriate and safest treatment.
| Situation you need to report | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| If you have a history of heart disease or irregular heartbeat | Ondansetron can sometimes affect the rhythm of the heart beat, so it is important to be aware of this. |
| If you have liver disease | This medicine is cleared from the body by the liver. If you have liver problems, your doctor may need to change your dose. |
| If you have low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood | This mineral deficiency also affects the heart rate. This condition can be dangerous with Ondansetron. |
| If you have an allergy to medicines like Ondansetron, Granisetron, or any other medicine or food | The doctor should be aware of your risk of developing an allergy. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | The doctor needs this information to consider the potential impact on the child, weigh the pros and cons of the treatment, and make a decision. |
How do you use this medicine?
This medicine is given to you through a saline solution (infusion) into a vein. This is done in a hospital or clinic under the supervision of a doctor or nurse. This means you will not be given this medicine to take home.
What to do if the dose increases (overdose)?
Since this is given in a hospital setting, the risk of overdose is very low. However, if you suspect that something has happened, inform the medical staff immediately. Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately. If necessary, you can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Can there be problems with other medications?
Yes, this is very important. Some medications can interact with Ondansetron and cause unwanted side effects. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements).
Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications:
- Apomorphine (a drug for Parkinson's disease)
- Tramadol (a painkiller)
- Some medications for fungal infections (e.g. Fluconazole, Ketoconazole)
- Medications for depression and anxiety
- Other medications that affect heart rhythm (medications that prolong the QT interval)
- Anticonvulsant medications (e.g. Carbamazepine, Phenytoin)
- Rifampicin , an antibiotic
This list is not complete, so it's best to give your doctor a list of all the medications you take.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, Ondansetron can cause side effects in some people. Some of these are serious, while others are mild.
| Side effects and symptoms |
|---|
| Things to tell the doctor/nurse immediately |
| Allergic Reactions: Skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Changes in heart rate: Feeling like your heart is beating fast, chest pain, dizziness, fainting. |
| Serotonin Syndrome: This is a somewhat serious condition. If you suddenly experience symptoms such as agitation, confusion, muscle stiffness or tremors, excessive sweating, high fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, this could be the case. |
| Bowel Blockage: Stomach pain, inability to defecate or pass gas, loss of appetite, vomiting. |
| Things to say if it's usually nothing to worry about, but it persists |
| Headache |
| Constipation |
| Diarrhea |
| Feeling tired and uncomfortable |
If you notice anything unusual that is not on this list, talk to your doctor about it too.
Take-Home Message
- Ondansetron is a very useful injection for nausea and vomiting, but it is only given in a hospital under medical supervision.
- Before taking this medication, tell your doctor about your complete medical history (especially heart disease, liver disease, and allergies).
- Be sure to inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking (including vitamins and traditional medicines).
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe allergic symptoms.
- This medicine is given only to you, under the supervision of a doctor.
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