ZOFRAN MELT

Zofran melt oral lyophilisate 4mg Why do I need this medicine? Ondansetron is used to prevent nausea and vomiting due to cancer chemotherapy or radiation therapy. It is also used to prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery.

How do I take this medicine? Take Ondansetron exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

If you are on chemotherapy, take Ondansetron 30 minutes before your chemotherapy.

If you are on radiation therapy, take Ondansetron 1-2 hours before your radiotherapy.

In some instances, your doctor may prescribe additional doses to be taken after you complete chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

If you are going for an operation, take Ondansetron 1 hour before your operation.

You may take Ondansetron with or without food.

Ondansetron is available as a tablet or as a liquid. Ondansetron is also available in a special formulation called a rapidly disintegrating tablet. The tablet should be removed from the foil pack just before you take it. Dry your hands before handling this tablet. Do not touch the tablet when your hands are wet. Remove the tablet from the foil pack by peeling back the foil. Do not push the tablet through the foil. Place the tablet on your tongue to allow it to dissolve. When it has dissolved, swallow it. What should I do if I have forgotten to take this medicine? Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know. Can I take this with other medicines? Alert your doctor if you are taking a medicine used to manage Parkinson's Disease called apomorphine. Ondansetron and apomorphine should not be taken together.

Alert your doctor quickly if you are taking any of the following medicines:

- medicines for heart disease or high blood pressure
- epilepsy medicines such as carbamazepine, phenytoin
- TB medicine such as rifampicin
- other medicines such as nafcillin, nevirapine, phenobarbitone
- a herbal medicine called St John's wort

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription. How should I store this medicine? Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

When should I not use this medicine? Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while being treated with Ondansetron. What should I take note of while taking this medicine? Alert your doctor if you have liver, heart or bowel (intestinal) problems, or an inherited condition known as phenylketonuria. Are there any restrictions on the type of food I can take? Avoid alcohol.

ONDANSETRON

What side effects could I experience? Ondansetron may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you feel dizzy or drowsy, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

Ondansetron may also cause headache, tiredness, lethargy, constipation, diarrhoea and fever.

Alert your doctor quickly if you develop any signs of allergy (breathlessness, rashes or swollen eyes).