Zofran is a brand name for an anti-nausea drug known as ondansetron. Ondansetron helps people who have a stomach flu feel less nauseous and vomit less. Doctors might prescribe Zofran for you if you have nausea and vomiting from another illness like the stomach flu, chemotherapy or pregnancy.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Zofran only for chemotherapy patients who experience nausea and vomiting that is so severe they cannot receive their standard dose of chemotherapy. It is not intended to be used “as needed” by anyone experiencing queasiness from the flu or other common illnesses.
The same goes for any other drug: You must get a prescription from your doctor before using it. If your doctor determines that you need an anti-nausea medication, he or she will first assess whether you can take ondansetron or some other type of anti-vomiting drug instead of simply prescribing Zofran right away.
Table of Contents
What are the risks of taking Zofran?
Zofran has side effects, just like any other drug. The most common ones are nausea and vomiting, but other risks include abnormal heart rhythms, blood pressure changes, and allergic reactions.
A small number of people who take Zofran experience a rare but serious condition known as serotonin syndrome. This happens when the levels of serotonin (a brain chemical) become too high.
Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include shivering, confusion, aggressive or abnormal behavior, hallucinations, and muscle spasms.
Other risks include seizures and allergic reactions. People who take Zofran also might have trouble breathing, especially if they are lying down or are very overweight.
How do you know if the benefits of taking Zofran outweigh its risks?
Your doctor will take into account your individual situation and determine whether the benefits of taking Zofran outweigh the risks.
Zofran is not safe for everyone. Your doctor will assess your individual situation to determine whether Zofran is safe for you.
Is it safe to buy a generic version of Zofra?
Like all generic drugs, a generic version of Zofran may differ from the brand name version of the drug in important ways.
A generic drug is meant to act the same way as a brand name drug. FDA regulations require the same standard of quality and safety for both the generic and brand name versions of a drug.
However, sometimes generic drugs differ in important ways from their brand name equivalents. Check with your doctor to see if the generic version of Zofran is right for you.
Is it safe to buy a brand name version of Zofran?
Yes. The brand name version of Zofran is FDA approved.
However, some people choose to buy the generic version of Zofran because they believe it is less expensive. Generic drugs may be less expensive than the brand name version because the company that makes them usually does not spend as much on research and development.
In general, your doctor will recommend the brand name version of Zofran.
Can you get a prescription for Zofran without seeing a doctor?
No. You must see a doctor before you can get a prescription for any drug.
While many pharmacies will not fill a prescription without a doctor’s approval, the Internet has made it easier for people to obtain drugs without seeing a doctor.
If you want to get Zofran without seeing a doctor, you can buy it illegally online. You may also be able to buy it using a “coupon” from a website that promises to provide a prescription for Zofran.
You should not buy Zofran online or from a website that offers a prescription without a doctor’s visit. You also should not buy Zofran from a pharmacy that does not require a prescription.
Final Words
Zofran helps people feel less nauseous and vomit less. It is meant for people who have a medical condition that makes them feel nauseous. It is not meant for people who have a regular case of the flu.
You must get a prescription from your doctor before using Zofran. If your doctor determines that you need an anti-nausea medication, he or she will first assess whether you can take ondansetron or some other type of anti-vomiting drug instead of simply prescribing Zofran right away.
