Zofran

Zofran^® (ondansetron) is a medication that prevents nausea and vomiting by blocking serotonin receptors in the brain and gut involved in triggering the vomit reflex. 

Zofran is FDA-approved to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Generic Zofran (ondansetron) is often used off-label to manage nausea from other causes, such as illness, migraine, or morning sickness. 

Generic Zofran is available in several forms, including pills, orally disintegrating tablets, an oral solution, and injections. Common side effects include headaches, constipation, and dizziness. Rare but serious risks include a heart rhythm disorder known as QT prolongation. People with heart conditions or those taking other medications that affect the QT interval should be cautious about using this drug.

Ondansetron is indicated for the prevention of:

• Nausea and vomiting associated with highly emetogenic cancer chemotherapy, including cisplatin greater than or equal to 50 mg/m²

• Nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of moderately emetogenic cancer chemotherapy

• Nausea and vomiting associated with radiotherapy in patients receiving either total body irradiation, single high-dose fraction to the abdomen, or daily fractions to the abdomen

• Postoperative nausea and/or vomiting

5-HT₃ receptor antagonist

The most common adverse reactions in adults for the:

Prevention of chemotherapy-induced (≥5%) are:

• Headache

• Malaise/Fatigue

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

Prevention of radiation-induced nausea and vomiting (≥2%) are:

• Headache

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

Prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (≥9%) are:

• Headache

• Low levels of oxygen

The cost of generic Zofran varies depending on your insurance plan, which pharmacy you use, the dosage, and the quantity. Without insurance, ondansetron oral tablets may cost between $100 and $250 for 30 doses, while the oral solution may cost about $200 for five doses. Insurance plans may cover all or some of the cost of these medications.

You may be eligible for manufacturer coupons, discount cards, or patient assistance programs.

If you get compounded GLP-1s through the Hers platform, you may be eligible for generic Zofran at no additional cost.

Generic Zofran (ondansetron) is available with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Your provider will determine if the medication is right for you based on factors like your symptoms and medical history. 

Weight Loss by Hers customers taking compounded GLP-1s may be eligible for generic Zofran, at no additional cost. If you’re concerned about GLP-1 side effects and your provider determines you’re a good fit, you’ll receive a packet of 20 dissolvable pills with your weight loss medication. You’ll be able to reach out to a provider through the Hers app if you need a refill.

• Patients known to have hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylaxis) to ondansetron or any components of the formulation

• Concomitant use of apomorphine

• Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and bronchospasm

• QT interval prolongation and Torsade de pointes

• Serotonin syndrome

• Myocardial ischemia

• Masking of progressive ileus and/or gastric distension following abdominal surgery or chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting

Other drugs are available that can help ease nausea and vomiting. Some may be better suited for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to ondansetron, talk with your provider to learn more about other medications that may work well for you.

Other medications sometimes used to treat nausea and vomiting include the following: 

• Antihistamines:

  • Marezine^® (cyclizine)

  • Dramamine^® (dimenhydrinate)

  • Antivert^® (meclizine)

• The anticholinergic Transderm Scop^® (scopolamine)

• Dopamine antagonists:

  • Thorazine^® (chlorpromazine)

  • Reglan^® (metoclopramide)

  • Compazine^® (prochlorperazine)

• Other serotonin antagonists:

  • Anzemet^® (dolasetron)

  • Kytril^® (granisetron)

*This information is from the ondansetron hydrochloride label used by Aurobindo Pharma Limited. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. This information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient ondansetron.