What is Zuplenz?
Zuplenz inhibits the actions of body chemicals, which can cause nausea and vomiting.Zuplenz is used to treat nausea and vomiting, which could result from surgical procedures, cancer chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
Zuplenz is a medication that can be used to treat conditions not mentioned in this guideline.
Warnings
It is not recommended to take Zuplenz if you are also taking the drug apomorphine (Apokyn).It is not recommended to use Zuplenz if you have an allergy to ondansetron or other similar medicines like dolasetron (Anzemet), granisetron (Kytril), and palonosetron (Aloxi).
Some serious side effects associated with Zuplenz can cause blurred vision or temporary loss of vision (lasting between one or two minutes and a few hours), as well as a slower heart rate, difficulty breathing, anxiety or shivering, feeling as if you're about to vomit, and having less urination than normal or never at all. Stop taking Zuplenz immediately and consult your doctor immediately should you experience any of these symptoms. Ondansetron could affect your reactions or thinking. Be aware when driving or doing any activity that requires you to be vigilant.
Before you take this drug
You shouldn't utilize Zuplenz if:
- You are also taking the drug apomorphine (Apokyn) as well as
- You are sensitive to ondansetron and similar medications (dolasetron and granisetron, as well as palonosetron).
To make sure that Zuplenz is appropriate for you, consult your doctor if:
- Liver disease;
- An electrolyte imbalance (such as a low level of magnesium, potassium, or magnesium in the blood);
- Congestive heart malfunction, slow heartbeats
- An individual or family background of QT syndrome
- A blockage within the stomach (or the intestines).
Zuplenz is not believed to harm a baby who is not yet born. Consult your physician if you are expecting.
It is unclear if ondansetron gets into breast milk or whether it is harmful to breastfeeding babies. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding a baby.Zuplenz is not a product that has been approved for use by children younger than 4 years of age.
How to take Zuplenz?
Utilize Zuplenz exactly as directed by your physician. Follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Don't take this medicine in greater or lesser quantities or for longer than prescribed.
Zuplenz can be consumed in combination with or even without
The first doses of the drug are typically taken prior to the beginning of your chemotherapy or radiation treatment. Follow your doctor's instructions for dosing with care.
To use Zuplenz oral soluble film (strip),
- Place this strip within the pouch made of foil until you're ready to apply the medication.
- With clean hands, take the strip from your hands and put it on your tongue. The strip will begin to disintegrate immediately.
- Do not ingest the whole strip. Let it dissolve in your mouth, and do not chew.
- Drink several times until the strip is dissolved. If you want, take a drink to assist in swallowing the strip that has disintegrated.
- Wash your hands after you have used Zuplenz.
Keep at room temperature, far from heat, humidity, and light.
Do I be concerned if I miss a dose?
Do the dose you missed as soon as you can remember. Do not take your missed dose if it's nearing the time for the next dose. Don't take any extra medication to make up for the missed dose.
What will happen if I take excessively?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the Poison Help Line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
The symptoms of an overdose can include sudden vision loss and severe constipation. It can also cause feeling lightheaded or fainting.
What should be avoided?
Zuplenz can affect your ability to think or react. Be cautious if you drive or engage in any activity that requires you to stay vigilant.
Side effects of Zuplenz
Take immediate medical attention. If you exhibit symptoms of an allergy reaction Zuplenz, such as hives, rash, fever, chills, breathing problems, and swelling of your lips, face, or tongue,
Contact your doctor immediately. If you are suffering from:
- Extreme constipation, nausea, severe constipation, or excessive bloating;
- Headache that causes chest pain and dizziness that is severe; fainting, rapid, or pounding heartbeats;
- Heartbeats that are fast or rapid
- Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin);
- Blurred vision, or temporary vision loss (lasting between a couple of minutes and several hours);
- Serotonin levels are high in the body and can cause hallucinations, agitation, fever, rapid heart rate, hyperactive reflexes, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of coordination, and fainting.
Common Zuplenz side effects may include:
- Constipation or diarrhea;
- Headache;
- Drowsiness
This is not an exhaustive overview of every side effect. Other scenarios could occur. Talk to your doctor about medical-related adverse reactions. If you have any concerns, report the allergic reactions or symptoms to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drugs
Zuplenz may cause serious heart issues, particularly in the event that you are taking certain medicines simultaneously, such as antidepressants, antibiotics such as heart rhythm medicine, and antipsychotic drugs, as well as treatments for malaria, cancer, HIV, or AIDS. Discuss with your doctor the medicines you take and the ones you begin or stop using in the treatment you receive with Zuplenz.
When you take ondansetron, taking other medications could increase the levels of serotonin in your body. It is also known by the name of "serotonin syndrome," which can cause death. Consult your physician when you are also taking:
- Medications to treat depression
- Medication for treating the symptoms of a mental disorder;
- A drug called a narcotic (opioid) medication
- Medication to stop nausea or vomiting.
This isn't a complete list, and other drugs may interfere with ondansetron. This includes prescription and over-the-counter supplements, vitamins, and herbal remedies. Make an inventory of all the medicines you take for any doctor who cares for you.
