Ondansetron Viatris (Ondansetron)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Ondansetron Viatris Used For?
Ondansetron Viatris contains the active ingredient ondansetron and belongs to a group of medicines called Serotonin receptor-3 antagonists. It is specifically designed to help prevent and treat nausea and vomiting.
Primary Uses
Ondansetron Viatris is used to help stop the nausea (sick feeling) and vomiting which can occur after medical treatments and operations. It should only be used to treat the nausea and vomiting for which it has been prescribed.
How It Works
As a Serotonin receptor-3 antagonist, Ondansetron Viatris works by blocking certain receptors in your body that trigger nausea and vomiting.
Good to know: Ondansetron Viatris injection is not addictive.
How to Take Ondansetron Viatris
Ondansetron Viatris is administered only by healthcare professionals in medical settings. You cannot give this injection to yourself.
Administration Method
Ondansetron Viatris is given by injection into the muscle or by slow infusion into a vein. It must only be given by a doctor or nurse. Sometimes other medicines are given at the same time.
Professional Administration Only
Do NOT use the injection on your own. This medication requires professional medical supervision for safe administration.
Important: This medication can only be administered by trained healthcare professionals – never attempt to give it yourself.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Headache
- Sensation of warmth or flushing
- Mild stomach cramps
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Hiccups
- Burning sensation at the injection site
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Wheezy symptoms
- Chest pain or tightness of the chest
- Changes in heart rhythm (faster, slower, irregular, or throbbing)
- Disturbance in heart rhythm (sometimes causing sudden loss of consciousness)
- Serotonin syndrome (confusion, sweating, unsteadiness, shaking, diarrhea)
- Severe skin reaction where top layer detaches from lower layers
- Low blood pressure
- Fits or convulsions
- Swelling of eyelids, face, lips, mouth or throat causing difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Skin rash, skin lumps or hives
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
Serotonin Syndrome Risk
Patients may experience serotonin syndrome (confusion, sweating, unsteadiness, shaking, diarrhea) when Ondansetron Viatris is taken in combination with other serotonergic drugs. These can include certain types of antidepressants, opioid pain medicines such as tramadol and fentanyl, and lithium.
Important Warnings
Before receiving Ondansetron Viatris, it’s important to inform your healthcare provider about your medical history and current medications to ensure safe treatment.
Who Should Not Take Ondansetron Viatris
Do not use if you are allergic to ondansetron or any of the ingredients. Do not use if you are taking apomorphine (used to treat Parkinson’s disease). Do not use if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding, unless your doctor says it is safe. Do not use if the expiry date has passed, packaging is damaged, or the injection solution is colored, cloudy or lumpy.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have allergies to any other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes, take any medicines for any other condition, have had to stop taking another medicine for your nausea or vomiting, or have or used to have liver problems.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant as it may affect your developing baby. Do not breastfeed if you are taking this medicine as the active ingredient passes into breast milk and may affect your baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding so they can discuss the risks and benefits with you.
Children Under 2 Years: The clinical safety of ondansetron injection in children under 2 years has not been studied.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Ondansetron Viatris and affect how it works. Always tell your healthcare provider about all medications you’re taking.
- Pain killers such as tramadol
- Antibacterials such as rifampicin
- Serotonergic drugs including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Antiepileptics such as carbamazepine and phenytoin
- Medicines that prolong QT interval and/or cause electrolyte abnormalities
Alcohol & Driving
Ondansetron Viatris may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Take precautions until you know how this medication affects you.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Ondansetron Viatris affects you. The medication may cause dizziness or other side effects that could impair your ability to perform these activities safely.
Storage
Ondansetron Viatris will be stored in the pharmacy or hospital ward under proper conditions. The injection is kept in a cool dry place, protected from light, where the temperature stays below 25°C. Ampoules are kept in their pack until time to use. If you have any unused medicine, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal. Do not use after the expiry date.
Overdose Information
Overdose rarely happens as Ondansetron Viatris is administered under the care of highly trained doctors. However, if you think you have received too much ondansetron, you may experience some of the side effects listed. If you suspect an overdose, immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (Australia telephone 13 11 26) for advice, contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Ondansetron Viatris injection is not addictive.
No, Ondansetron Viatris must only be given by a doctor or nurse. Do not use the injection on your own.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant as it may affect your developing baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant so they can discuss the risks and benefits with you.
Do not breastfeed if you are taking this medicine. The active ingredient passes into breast milk and there is a possibility that your baby may be affected.
For less serious side effects like headache or mild stomach cramps, speak to your doctor. For serious side effects like chest pain, heart rhythm changes, or difficulty breathing, call your doctor straight away or go to the Emergency Department immediately.
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Ondansetron Viatris affects you, as it may cause dizziness or other side effects.
The clinical safety of ondansetron injection in children under 2 years has not been studied. Your doctor will determine if it’s appropriate for your child.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.