Zofer 8mg Tablet (Ondansetron 8mg)

INTRODUCTION

ZOFER 8MG 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.

Always take ZOFER 8MG exactly as directed by your doctor. Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have liver, kidney or heart problems, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. Your doctor will decide the right dose depends on your child’s age and body weight. The common side effects are headache, constipation and dizziness.

USES OF ZOFER 8MG

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

HOW ZOFER 8MG WORKS

ZOFER 8MG 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

Always take ZOFER 8MG exactly as your doctor has told you. Swallow as a whole, do not crush or chew. It can be taken with or without food.

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SIDE EFFECTS OF ZOFER 8MG

SERIOUS
Sudden wheezing and chest pain or tightness
Swelling of the eyelids, lips, mouth tongue or throat
Difficulty breathing
Skin rash
Fits (seizures)
Chest pain
Temporary loss of vision
COMMON
Headache
Sensation of flushing and warmth
Constipation
RARE
Dizziness or light headedness
Blurred vision
Disturbance in heart rhythm

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
ZOFER 8MG is not recommended in the first trimester of pregnancy unless necessary. Consult your doctor for advice.

BREASTFEEDING
ZOFER 8MG is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
This medicine is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.

LIVER
ZOFER 8MG should be used with caution in patients suffering from liver function impairment or active liver diseases. Consult your doctor for advice.

ALLERGY
Do not take if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to Ondansetron.

HEART DISEASE
ZOFER 8MG should be used with caution in patients suffering from uneven heart beat 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)
Medicines used to treat heart problems such as abnormal heart beats (anti-arrhythmics) and high blood pressure (betablockers)
Anthracyclines
Ketoconazole (used to treat fungal infection)