Zuplenz

Generic name: Ondansetron (oral)
Drug class: 5HT3 receptor antagonists

Usage of Zuplenz

Zuplenz blocks the actions of chemicals in the body that can trigger nausea and vomiting.

Zuplenz is used to prevent nausea and vomiting that may be caused by surgery, cancer chemotherapy, or radiation treatment.

Zuplenz may be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Zuplenz side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Zuplenz: rash, hives; fever, chills, difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

severe constipation, stomach pain, or bloating;

headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats;

fast or pounding heartbeats;

jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

blurred vision or temporary vision loss (lasting from only a few minutes to several hours);

high levels of serotonin in the body - agitation, hallucinations, fever, fast heart rate, overactive reflexes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, fainting.

Common Zuplenz side effects may include:

diarrhea or constipation;

headache;

drowsiness; or

tired feeling.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Zuplenz

You should not use Zuplenz if:

you are also using apomorphine (Apokyn); or

you are allergic to ondansetron or similar medicines (dolasetron, granisetron, palonosetron).

To make sure Zuplenz is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

liver disease;

an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood);

congestive heart failure, slow heartbeats;

a personal or family history of long QT syndrome; or

a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines).

Zuplenz is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether ondansetron passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Zuplenz is not approved for use by anyone younger than 4 years old.

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How to use Zuplenz

Use Zuplenz exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Zuplenz can be taken with or without food.

The first dose of this medicine is usually taken before the start of your surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation treatment. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

To use Zuplenz oral soluble film (strip)

Keep the strip in the foil pouch until you are ready to use the medicine.

Using dry hands, remove the strip and place it on your tongue. It will begin to dissolve right away.

Do not swallow the strip whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.

Swallow several times after the strip dissolves. If desired, you may drink liquid to help swallow the dissolved strip.

Wash your hands after using Zuplenz.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Warnings

You should not use Zuplenz if you are also using apomorphine (Apokyn).

You should not use Zuplenz if you are allergic to ondansetron or to similar medicines such as dolasetron (Anzemet), granisetron (Kytril), or palonosetron (Aloxi).

Serious side effects of Zuplenz include blurred vision or temporary vision loss (lasting from only a few minutes to several hours), slow heart rate, trouble breathing, anxiety, agitation, shivering, feeling like you might pass out, and urinating less than usual or not at all. Stop taking Zuplenz and call your doctor at once if you have any of these side effects. Ondansetron may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

What other drugs will affect Zuplenz

Zuplenz can cause a serious heart problem, especially if you use certain medicines at the same time, including antibiotics, antidepressants, heart rhythm medicine, antipsychotic medicines, and medicines to treat cancer, malaria, HIV or AIDS. Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Zuplenz.

Taking ondansetron while you are using certain other medicines can cause high levels of serotonin to build up in your body, a condition called "serotonin syndrome," which can be fatal. Tell your doctor if you also use:

medicine to treat depression;

medicine to treat a psychiatric disorder;

a narcotic (opioid) medication; or

medicine to prevent nausea and vomiting.

This list is not complete and many other drugs can interact with ondansetron. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Give a list of all your medicines to any healthcare provider who treats you.

Disclaimer

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