Vomikind Injection (Ondansetron 2mg)

INTRODUCTION

VOMIKIND contains Ondansetron which belongs to a group of medicines called anti-emetics, which help to stop feeling or being sick. It is indicated to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting induced by cytotoxic therapy and radiotherapy and post-operative nausea and vomiting. This medicine works by blocking the action of serotonin levels in the brain which causes nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy or any other surgery.

Cytotoxic chemotherapy triggers the release of serotonin from the enterochromaffin cells of the small intestine. The released serotonins stimulate the vagal afferents through the 5-HT3 receptors and initiate the vomiting reflex. Ondansetron is a selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist which blocks serotonin, both peripherally on vagal nerve terminals and centrally in the chemoreceptor trigger zone. It works by blocking serotonin in the brain which causes nausea and vomiting during anti-cancer treatment (chemotherapy) or after surgery.

Before receiving VOMIKIND, tell your doctor if you have liver, kidney or heart problems, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. Your doctor will administer the right dose depends on your child’s age and body weight. The common side effects are headache, constipation and dizziness.

USES OF VOMIKIND

Cancer chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
Postoperative nausea and/or vomiting

HOW VOMIKIND WORKS

VOMIKIND is a selective 5-HT3-receptor antagonist which blocks serotonin, both peripherally on vagal nerve terminals and centrally in the chemoreceptor trigger zone. It works by blocking serotonin in the brain which causes nausea and vomiting during anti-cancer treatment (chemotherapy) or after surgery.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

VOMIKIND should be only given by a doctor or nurse. Your healthcare provider will administer as intravenous injection (into a vein) or, after dilution, as intravenous infusion.

SIDE EFFECTS OF VOMIKIND

COMMON
Headache
Sensation of flushing and warmth
Constipation
Pain, redness, burning at injection site
RARE
Dizziness during rapid intravenous administration
Skin rash
Transient visual disturbances (blurred vision)
Chest pain
Temporary loss of vision

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Headache:

Rest and drink plenty of fluids.

Constipation:

Add fruits, vegetables whole grains and other high-fiber foods to your normal diet.

Dizziness:

Get up and move around to feel awake, take small naps to edge off the sleepiness. Give your eyes a break to avoid fatigue and eat a healthy food to boost energy.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

PREGNANCY
VOMIKIND is not recommended in the first trimester of pregnancy unless necessary. Consult your doctor for advice.

BREASTFEEDING
VOMIKIND is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
This medicine has no or negligible effect on the ability to drive or use machines.

LIVER
VOMIKIND should be used with caution in patients suffering from liver function impairment or active liver diseases. Consult your doctor for advice.

ALLERGY
Tell if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to Ondansetron.

HEART DISEASE
VOMIKIND should be used with caution in patients suffering from uneven heartbeat or any other active heart diseases. Consult your doctor for advice.

OTHERS

Inform your doctor if you have or had,

Blockage in your gut or suffer from severe constipation
Surgery to the adenoids or tonsils
Problems with the levels of salts in blood like potassium and magnesium

INTERACTIONS

Inform your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription or the following,

Apomorphine (used to treat Parkinson’s Disease)
Phenytoin, carbamazepine (used to treat epilepsy)
Rifampicin, erythromycin (an antibiotic)
Tramadol (used to treat pain)
Haloperidol, methadone
Medicines used to treat heart problems such as abnormal heart beats (anti-arrhythmics)
Fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline (used to treat depression)
Anthracyclines
Ketoconazole (used to treat fungal infection)