zuplenz

Zuplenz (ondansetron) 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 or by medicine to treat cancer (chemotherapy or radiation).

Zuplenz is not for preventing nausea or vomiting that is caused by factors other than cancer treatment or surgery.

Important information

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). Do not take ondansetron if you are also using apomorphine (Apokyn)

Before taking Zuplenz, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, or a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome.

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. Zuplenz may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Before taking this medicine

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

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

• liver disease; or

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

FDA pregnancy category B. Zuplenz is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

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 should not be given to a child younger than 4 years old.

How should I take Zuplenz?

Take 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 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.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include sudden loss of vision, severe constipation, feeling light-headed, or fainting.

What should I avoid while taking Zuplenz?

Ondansetron may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Zuplenz side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these 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:

• 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); or

• 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.

See also: Side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Zuplenz?

There are many other medicines that can increase your risk of heart rhythm problems if you use them together with Zuplenz.

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Zuplenz, especially:

• anagrelide;

• droperidol;

• methadone;

• an antibiotic - azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, pentamidine;

• cancer medicine - arsenic trioxide, vandetanib;

• an antidepressant - citalopram, escitalopram;

• anti-malaria medication - chloroquine, halofantrine;

• heart rhythm medicine - amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, dronedarone, flecainide, ibutilide, quinidine, sotalol; or

• medicine to treat a psychiatric disorder - chlorpromazine, haloperidol, pimozide, thioridazine.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with ondansetron, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.