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| Site Navigation | Anti-nausea: Zofran / Ondansetron |
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| Zofran (generic name ondansetron, other
brand names Emeset, Oncoden, Zofron) is a drug used to fight nausea (wanting to vomit -
the medical term for a drug to prevent nausea is antiemetic). It was
approved by the US FDA for chemotherapy induced nausea in January 1991. It has since been
used for radiation therapy induced nausea, postoperative nausea and pregnancy nausea
(category B drug). This page focuses on the chemotherapy / radiotherapy induced
anti-nausea properties of this drug. What does this drug do? Zofran is a selective blocking agent of the serotonin 5-HT3 receptor. In plain speak serotonin is released by the small intestine when given chemotherapy (and possibly in reaction to other events). This triggers the vomiting reflex. If this mechanism can be blocked with drugs such as Zofran, vomiting can be reduced or eliminated. Other tidbits: this drug has been hailed by many cancer patients as a miracle in keeping nausea in check. This comes at a price - the drug may be expensive. Insurance often covers the cost and the manufacturer has a program for those who have financial hardship. Forms of this drug: this drug comes in injectable (by vein) and two oral (by mouth) forms. The injectable form is often given in conjunction with chemotherapy. The oral form is suited for doctor prescribed patient use after chemotherapy or radiotherapy. A new form was approved February 1999 - Zofran ODT (orally disintegrating tablets) - strawberry flavored tablets that dissolve on the patient's tongue, not requiring water, which makes taking the medicine easier since the patient does not have to swallow a pill. Dosing: Please refer to your doctor on dosing for this drug
given your condition. It is often labeled that if you miss a dose take the dose
unless it is almost time for the next dose - in that case skip the missed dose (do not
double dose). The medicine should not be given to others. Precautions: Some people have shown sensitivity to this drug - if adverse effects are noted consult your doctor - hypersensitivity reactions have been noted in those who have hypersensitivity to other 5-HT3 drugs (Kytril / Granisetron is such a drug). Zofran Reference Links:
Manufacturer
Disclaimer: This information is general in nature. Please consult with a doctor or the literature provided with the drug if you need specific information on a drug. The author is not responsible for missing or inaccurate information and the reader assumes full responsibility for their actions. As always, please consult with medical personnel before undertaking any medical treatment. For more information on Hodgkin's Lymphoma / Disease, please see the following pages: :
For more information on Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, please see the following pages: :
The Main Page - gateway to support and more This page is a work in progress - if you have more complete information, references, or other information please contact the author. The author is not in the medical field and does not warrant the correctness of the material on this page or the sites linked - please take online information and consult with your own medical team to make informed decisions. Copyright © 1999-2005 Lymphoma Information
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