Ondansetron Soluble Films

What is this medication?

ONDANSETRON (on DAN se tron) prevents nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. It works by blocking substances in the body that may cause nausea or vomiting. It belongs to a groups of medications called antiemetics.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Zuplenz

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Heart disease
• History of irregular heartbeat
• Liver disease
• Low levels of magnesium or potassium in the blood
• An unusual or allergic reaction to ondansetron, granisetron, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. With dry hands, fold the pouch along the dotted line to expose the tear notch. While still folded, tear the pouch carefully along the edge and remove the film from the pouch. Do not cut or tear the film. Place the film on the tongue right away after removing it from the pouch. The film will dissolve in the mouth in seconds. Do not chew or swallow the film whole. After the film dissolves, swallow the medication with or without liquid. If you have to use multiple films to take the dose you were prescribed, take one film at a time. Allow the film to dissolve in the mouth, swallow, and then take the next film. Wash your hands after taking your medication.

Talk to your care team regarding the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Apomorphine
• Certain medications for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole
• Cisapride
• Dronedarone
• Pimozide
• Thioridazine

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Carbamazepine
• Certain medications for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• Fentanyl
• Linezolid
• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• Methylene blue (injected into a vein)
• Other medications that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm) like dofetilide, ziprasidone
• Phenytoin
• Rifampicin
• Tramadol

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Check with your care team as soon as you can if you have any sign of an allergic reaction.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Bowel blockage—stomach cramping, unable to have a bowel movement or pass gas, loss of appetite, vomiting
• Chest pain (angina)—pain, pressure, or tightness in the chest, neck, back, or arms
• Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
• Irritability, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle stiffness, twitching muscles, sweating, high fever, seizure, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, which may be signs of serotonin syndrome

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• General discomfort and fatigue
• Headache

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep the film in the foil pouch until ready to use. Keep foil pouches in the carton. Use the filmstrip right away, after you take it from the pouch. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.