Consumer Information for: PMS-ONDANSETRON ODT

Consumer Information

Information about the product including what the product is used for, dosage, warnings, proper use and side effects. This summary will not tell you everything about the product. Contact your healthcare professional if you have any questions about the product.


What the medication is used for

Children (4 to 17 years of age):

pms-ONDANSETRON ODT (ondansetron) is used to prevent nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy.

Adults (18 to 64 years of age):

pms-ONDANSETRON ODT is used:

  • to prevent nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and
  • to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting after surgery.

Geriatrics (65 years of age and older):

pms-ONDANSETRON ODT is used to prevent nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

What it does

How does pms-ONDANSETRON ODT work?

pms-ONDANSETRON ODT is a medication known as an antiemetic. Treatments such as cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy are associated with the release of a natural substance (serotonin). The release of serotonin, can make you feel sick and vomit. The way that pmsONDANSETRON ODT works is not known, but it is thought to help stop the effects of serotonin to reduce the effects of nausea and vomiting.

When it should not be used
  • you are allergic to ondansetron or to any other ingredients in pmsONDANSETRON ODT.
  • you are taking a medicine called apomorphine (used to treat Parkinson’s disease).
What the medicinal ingredient is

Medicinal ingredient: ondansetron.

What the non-medicinal ingredients are

Non-medicinal ingredients: amino methacrylate copolymer, aspartame, colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, mannitol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone and strawberry flavour.

What dosage form it comes in

Orally disintegrating tablets: 4 mg and 8 mg of ondansetron.

Warnings and precautions

To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take pms-ONDANSETRON ODT. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if you:

  • have had an allergic reaction to medicines that are similar to pmsONDANSETRON ODT such as medicines containing granisetron or palonosetron.
  • are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. pms-ONDANSETRON ODT is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
  • are breast feeding or planning to breastfeed. pms-ONDANSETRON ODT can pass into your breast milk and affect your baby.
  • have liver problems.
  • have signs of intestinal obstruction or blockage.
  • have or have had heart or blood vessel problems, including if you are at a higher risk for these problems. Risk factors include, but are not limited to, if you:
    • have family members who have or have had heart or blood vessel problems,
    • smoke
    • have high blood pressure,
    • have high cholesterol levels,
    • have diabetes, or
    • are overweight.
  • have a condition called phenylketonuria, as pms-ONDANSETRON ODT contains aspartame
  • are taking medications that affect the serotonin in your body (e.g., serotonergic and neuroleptic medications). If you are unsure, ask your healthcare professional.
  • have QT/QTc prolongation (a heart rhythm condition) or a family history of QT/QTc prolongation.
  • are taking medications that may lead to QT/QTc prolongation or electrolyte imbalances. If you are unsure, ask your healthcare professional.
  • have low blood levels of potassium, magnesium, or calcium.

Other warnings you should know about:

Serotonin syndrome: pms-ONDANSETRON ODT can cause serotonin syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition. It can cause serious changes in how your brain, muscles and digestive system work. You may develop serotonin syndrome if you take pmsONDANSETRON ODT with certain anti-depressants or migraine medications.

Serotonin syndrome symptoms include:

  • fever, sweating, shivering, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting;
  • muscle shakes, jerks, twitches or stiffness, overactive reflexes, loss of coordination;
  • fast heartbeat, changes in blood pressure;
  • confusion, agitation, restlessness, hallucinations, mood changes, unconsciousness, and coma.

Myocardial ischemia (lack of blood flow to the heart): Treatment with pms-ONDANSETRON ODT can cause myocardial ischemia which can lead to a heart attack. This may happen shortly after pms-ONDANSETRON ODT administration. Some symptoms of myocardial ischemia can include sudden chest pain, pressure or discomfort, feeling faint, feeling anxious, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, nausea, and sudden heavy sweating. Your healthcare professional will monitor your health during and after administration of pms-ONDANSETRON ODT. However, if you notice any symptoms of myocardial ischemia, tell your healthcare professional right away. They may reduce or stop your treatment, and may recommend another therapy.

QT/QTc prolongation: pms-ONDANSETRON ODT can affect the electrical activity of your heart known as QT/QTc prolongation. This effect can be measured with an electrocardiogram (ECG). In rare cases, QT/QTc prolongation can cause changes to the rhythm of your heart (e.g., fast, slow or irregular heartbeats). This can lead to dizziness, palpitations (sensation of rapid, pounding, or irregular heart beat), fainting, or death. You are at a higher risk if you have a heart disease, are taking certain interacting medicines, are a female, or are over the age of 65 years. It is important to follow the instructions of your healthcare professional with regard to dosing or any special tests. If you experience any symptoms of a possible heart rhythm problem, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Severe allergic reactions: pms-ONDANSETRON ODT can cause allergic reactions in certain individuals. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include wheezing, sudden chest pain, tightness of the chest, heart throbbing, swelling of eyelids, face or lips, or develop a skin rash, skin lumps or hives. If you notice any signs of a severe allergic reaction, contact your healthcare professional immediately. Do not take any more medicine unless your healthcare professional tells you to do so.

Pregnancy:

  • If you are pregnant, there are specific risks for your unborn baby that you must discuss with your healthcare professional.
  • If you are able to get pregnant, you may be asked to take a pregnancy test before starting your treatment with pms-ONDANSETRON ODT.
  • You should use effective birth control while you are taking pms-ONDANSETRON ODT, and for at least 2 days after stopping pms-ONDANSETRON ODT. Ask your healthcare professional about options of effective birth control.
  • If you become pregnant while taking pms-ONDANSETRON ODT, tell your healthcare professional right away.
Interactions with this medication

Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.

The following may interact with pms-ONDANSETRON ODT:

  • medicines called CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine, and rifampicin);
  • medicines used to treat heart rhythm disorders (e.g., quinidine, procainamide, disopyramide, amiodarone, sotalol, ibutilide, dronedarone, flecainide, and propafenone);
  • medicines used to treat vomiting and nausea called antiemetics (e.g., dolasetron, palonosetron, granisetron, droperidol, chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine, and domperidone);
  • medicines called tyrosine kinase inhibitors (e.g., vandetanib, sunitinib, nilotinib, and lapatinib);
  • medicines used to manage psychosis or schizophrenia called antipsychotics (e.g., chlorpromazine, pimozide, haloperidol, and ziprasidone);
  • medicines used to treat depression called antidepressants (e.g., citalopram, fluoxetine, venlafaxine, tricyclic/tetracyclic antidepressants, amitriptyline, imipramine, and maprotiline);
  • medicines used to treat pain called opioids (e.g., methadone and tramadol);
  • medicines used to treat bacterial infections called antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, clarithromycin, telithromycin, tacrolimus, moxifloxacin, levofloxacin, and ciprofloxacin);
  • medicines used to treat malaria called antimalarials (e.g., quinine and chloroquine);
  • medicines used to treat fungal infections called azole antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, fluconazole, and voriconazole);
  • medicines used to treat cancer (e.g., vorinostat);
  • medicines called beta-2 adrenoceptor agonists (e.g., salmeterol and formoterol);
  • medicines that can affect electrolyte levels (e.g., diuretics, laxatives, enemas, amphotericin B, and high doses of corticosteroids);
  • a medicine used to treat Parkinson’s Disease called apomorphine;
  • medicines called serotonergic drugs that can affect the serotonin in the body (e.g., triptans, Selective Serotonin-Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin Noradrenalin Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), lithium, sibutramine, fentanyl and its analogues, dextromethorphan, tramadol, tapentadol, meperidine, methadone, pertazocine, St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), linezolid, and methylene blue).

If you are unsure about any medications you are taking, ask your healthcare professional.

Proper use of this medication

How to take pms-ONDANSETRON ODT:

  • The label on the container of your medicine should tell you how often to take your medicine and how many doses you should take each time. If not, or if you are not sure, consult your healthcare professional.
  • Do not take more doses, or take them more often than your healthcare professional prescribes. If, however, you vomit within one hour of taking your medicine, you should take the same amount of medicine again. If vomiting persists, consult your healthcare professional.

To take pms-ONDANSETRON ODT orally disintegrating tablets:

1. Tear along the perforations of the foil to separate off one tablet within its blister unit.

2. Gently push the pms-ONDANSETRON ODT out of the blister aluminium foil and remove it with dry fingers.

3. Immediately place pms-ONDANSETRON ODT on top of the tongue. Allow it to melt. Apply gentle pressure if required. Swallow the pasty mass formed.

Usual Dose:

Take pms-ONDANSETRON ODT exactly as your healthcare professional has told you. Your healthcare professional will determine the right dose and length of pms-ONDANSETRON ODT for you. Your dose will depend on your medical condition, age, current health, and if you take certain other medications. Your healthcare professional may monitor your health throughout your treatment and may interrupt, reduce or stop your dose.

Overdose:

If you think you, or a person you are caring for, have taken too much pms-ONDANSETRON ODT, contact a healthcare professional, hospital emergency department, or regional poison control centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose and do not feel sick, take the next dose when it is due. If you forget to take your medicine and feel sick or vomit, take a dose as soon as possible. If your healthcare professional decides to stop the treatment, do not keep any leftover medicine unless your healthcare professional tells you to.

Side effects and what to do about them

These are not all the possible side effects you may have when taking pms-ONDANSETRON ODT. If you experience any side effects not listed here, tell your healthcare professional.

Some side effects may include:

  • feeling of flushing or warmth;
  • hiccups

There is no need to stop taking your medicine, but you should tell your healthcare professional about these symptoms at your next visit.

If you feel unwell or have any symptoms that you do not understand, you should contact your healthcare professional immediately.

Serious side effects and what to do about them
Symptom / effect Talk to your healthcare professional Only if severe Talk to your healthcare professional In all cases Stop taking drug and get immediate medical help
UNCOMMON
Heart problems (disorders affecting your heart muscle, valves or rhythm): chest pain, chest discomfort, high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythm, shortness of breath, or fainting.    
Seizures: loss of consciousness with uncontrollable shaking, visual disturbances (e.g., blurred vision).    
Movement disorders (including dyskinesia): loss of coordination or balance, speech or limb movements, muscle spasms, difficultly walking, tremor, upward rolling of the eyes, or abnormal muscular stiffness.    
RARE
Eye problems such as blurred vision    
Immediate severe allergic reaction: swelling of the mouth, throat, difficulty in breathing, rash, hives, or increased heart rate.    
Serotonin syndrome: a reaction which may cause feelings of agitation or restlessness, flushing, muscle twitching, involuntary eye movements, heavy sweating, high body temperature (> 38°C), or rigid muscles.    
Liver problems: yellowing of your skin and eyes (jaundice), unusual dark urine and pale stools, pain or swelling in the right upper abdomen, unusual tiredness, nausea, or vomiting.    
Hypokalemia (low level of potassium in the blood): muscle weakness, muscle spasms, cramping, constipation, feeling of skipped heart beats or palpitations, fatigue, tingling, or numbness    
Prolongation of QT interval (a heart rhythm condition): irregular heartbeat, palpitations, dizziness, fainting, loss of consciousness, or seizures.    
Hypotension (low blood pressure): dizziness, fainting, light-headedness, blurred vision, nausea, or vomiting.    
Myocardial ischemia (lack of blood flow to the heart which can lead to heart attack): sudden chest pain, pressure or discomfort, feeling faint, feeling anxious, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, nausea, or sudden heavy sweating.    
VERY RARE
Eye problems such as temporary blindness    
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) (severe skin reactions): redness, blistering or peeling of the skin and/or inside of the lips, eyes, mouth, nasal passages or genitals, fever, chills, headache, cough, body aches, or swollen glands.    

If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, tell your healthcare professional.

How to store

pms-ONDANSETRON ODT orally disintegrating tablets should be stored at room temperature between 15 - 30°C.

Reporting side effects

You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:

  • Visiting the Web page on Adverse Reaction Reporting (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-healthproducts/medeffect-canada/adverse-reaction-reporting.html) for information on how to report online, by mail or by fax; or
  • Calling toll-free at 1-866-234-2345.

NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice.

More information

If you want more information about pms-ONDANSETRON ODT:

  • Talk to your healthcare professional
  • Find the full Product Monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada website (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drugproducts/drug-product-database.html); the manufacturer’s website www.pharmascience.com or by calling toll-free 1-888-550-6060

This leaflet was prepared by Pharmascience Inc.

Last revised: FEB 11, 2022