Nausea and vomiting don’t feel good. Even worse, they can be detrimental to your health. Prolonged vomiting dehydrates the body and exacerbates your symptoms. An IV with Zofran can help you rebound by easing nausea and vomiting, so you can feel better.
This is especially important for people undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Nausea and vomiting are typical side effects of those treatments and make it harder to recover after a round of therapy. So what is Zofran used for? Zofran is used for patients who want to feel more comfortable after these treatments.
Mobile IV Nurses offers safe, effective IV Zofran treatment for those suffering from nausea and vomiting symptoms. We have seen this drug help patients fight these debilitating symptoms effectively, allowing them to get back into their daily routine without constant trips to the bathroom.
What Is Zofran?
Zofran is the brand-name version of ondansetron. It’s a powerful anti-nausea medication typically prescribed to people struggling with nausea or vomiting as a result of cancer treatment or after surgery. It belongs to a class of drugs called antiemetics that target nausea and vomiting.
Zofran is often prescribed as an oral medication but can also be administered through injection into a muscle or vein. It has been approved for medical use since 1990 and has quickly become one of the more common drugs prescribed for nausea and vomiting symptoms. It is available as a brand name and generic medication.
FDA Approval
Per the FDA, Zofran is indicated for the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with the following:
- Highly emetogenic cancer chemotherapy, including cisplatin greater than or equal to 50 mg/m2.
- Initial and repeat courses of moderately emetogenic cancer chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy in patients receiving either total body irradiation, single high-dose fraction to the abdomen, or daily fractions to the abdomen.
- Zofran is also indicated for the prevention of postoperative nausea and/or vomiting.
Common Side Effects
Zofran can cause side effects in some people. Common Zofran side effects include:
- Bloating
- Chills
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Headache
Rarely, a patient may have an allergic reaction to the drug. These symptoms may occur during the Zofran IV, in which your nurse can help you. If they happen after the completion of your Zofran IV therapy and the nurse has left, call your doctor immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Dizziness
- Hives
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling of the eyes, face, tongue, throat, hands, feet, ankles or lower legs
Other rare but serious side effects may occur. These include:
- Agitation
- Blurred vision or vision loss
- Excessive sweating
- Hallucinations
- Irregular heartbeat
- Loss of coordination
- Seizures
In a worst-case scenario, the patient may fall into a coma. Again, this is rare. Tell your nurse immediately if experiencing any side effects.
How Does Zofran Work?
The body’s nervous system functions with the help of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. Zofran works on the serotonin neurotransmitter, helping to inhibit levels of serotonin that are making you nauseous and more prone to vomiting.
When the body produces too much serotonin, it can cause an upset stomach and vomiting by pushing foods out of the digestive tract. High serotonin levels also activate the area of the brain that governs sensations of nausea. Zofran prevents serotonin release, which eases those queasy feelings and stops vomiting.
How Fast Does Zofran Work?
Zofran starts to work within minutes of infusion. An IV with Zofran offers quicker relief than an oral medication because it goes directly into the bloodstream rather than passing through the digestive tract first, allowing for maximum absorption. The medical professionals at Mobile IV Nurses are experts in IV Zofran therapy, as well as many other IV treatments.
If you are suffering from consistent nausea and vomiting symptoms, Zofran IV therapy can be a good way to quell these issues quickly. Many of our customers have found that Zofran has been a lifesaver when it comes to feelings of persistent queasiness and nausea, allowing them to feel good enough to eat and go about their day as normal.
Zofran IV Benefits
Zofran and other add-ins can be included in your drip bag for customized IV therapy. Add Zofran to your IV for:
- Nausea Reduction and Vomiting Prevention
Zofran blocks serotonin to relieve the discomfort of nausea and vomiting. You can also keep liquids down so your body rehydrates. And Zofran helps your stomach heal by reducing levels of irritating stomach acids churned up by vomiting.
- Alleviating the Effects of Cancer Treatment
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are grueling, particularly when they cause nausea and vomiting. Taking an IV with Zofran prior to treatment can have a preventive effect.
- Post-Surgical Recovery
Some people feel nauseous as a side effect of anesthesia. Zofran alleviates nausea and vomiting while preventing dehydration. With the help of Zofran, you can get back to normal eating and drinking routines, helping you feel like you again.
Who Can Benefit From Zofran?
People suffering from nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or recent surgery may benefit from Zofran. The drug is used for relieving these symptoms, and Mobile IV Nurses can provide support with our responsive mobile service. Talk with your doctor if you are undergoing cancer treatment or have a surgical procedure scheduled to see if Zofran can be prescribed for you.
Zofran does come with some side effects. Some patients have reported headaches, lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, and constipation. If you have elected to use the medicine, our medical professionals will make every effort to address possible side effects that occur. Our goal is to make you feel as safe and comfortable as possible during every Zofran IV therapy session.
That being said, the patients that benefit from Zofran find that its anti-nausea effects are worth the risk of side effects.
Schedule an In-Home Zofran IV
Mobile IV Nurses is your best choice for an IV with Zofran. Our mobile service comes to your home, so you can rest and remain comfortable during IV therapy. With the multiple areas we serve, IV treatment is always close at hand when you need it. Check out our affordable pricing packages to learn more, and book an appointment today.
If you have any questions about treatment with Zofran or any of our other IV packages and ingredients, please give us a call. We are always here to address any concerns you might have.
