Question 1

How can I lower the cost of my ondansetron

Accepted Answer

You can lower cost of your ondansetron using one of the 4 following drug savings programs: Rx Advantage Card for ondansetron, Canadian Prescription Savings for ondansetron, ondansetron Drug Coupons, ondansetron Patient Assistance Programs

Question 2

What dosages is ondansetron available in?

Accepted Answer

ondansetron is available as a 4 mg and 8 mg orally disintegrating tablet.

Question 3

What is ondansetron used for?

Accepted Answer

ondansetron is an antiemetic and is used for the: Prevention of nausea and vomiting due to cancer medications (chemotherapy) or radiation therapy Prevention of nausea and vomiting after surgery

Question 4

How does ondansetron work?

Accepted Answer

ondansetron is an antiemetic medication. It works by blocking the actions of serotonin in the part of your brain that causes nausea and vomiting. This helps you feel less nauseous and less of an urge to vomit.

Question 5

How do I take ondansetron?

Accepted Answer

ondansetron is dosed as follows:
Adults
Prevention of nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy: Your oncologist will determine your dose based on how likely it is for your chemotherapy medications to cause nausea and vomiting.
High-risk chemotherapy: The typical dose is 24 mg as a single dose, taken by mouth 30 minutes before the start of chemotherapy.
Medium-risk chemotherapy: The typical dose is 8 mg as a single dose, taken by mouth 30 minutes before the start of chemotherapy. Take another 8 mg dose by mouth 8 hours after the first dose. After that, take an 8 mg dose by mouth every 12 hours for 1 to 2 days after completing chemotherapy.
Prevention of nausea and vomiting from radiation therapy: The typical dose is 8 mg as a single dose, taken by mouth 1 to 2 hours before radiation therapy. Depending on the type and location of radiation therapy, you might need to take additional 8 mg doses by mouth every 8 hours for 1 to 2 days after completing radiation.
Prevention of nausea and vomiting after surgery: The typical dose is 16 mg as a single dose, taken by mouth 1 hour before receiving anesthesia.

Children (age 12 to under 18)
Prevention of nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy: The typical dose is 8 mg as a single dose, taken by mouth 30 minutes before the start of chemotherapy. Take another 8 mg dose by mouth 8 hours after the first dose. After that, take 8 mg by mouth every 12 hours for 1 to 2 days after completing chemotherapy.

Children (age 4 to under 12)
Prevention of nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy: The typical dose is 4 mg as a single dose, taken by mouth 30 minutes before the start of chemotherapy. Take another 4 mg dose by mouth 4 hours and 8 hours after the first dose. After that, take 4 mg by mouth every 8 hours for 1 to 2 days after completing chemotherapy.

ZOFRAN is also available as an injection through the veins (IV) or into the muscle (IM) administered by a healthcare professional (HCP) for certain situations.

Question 6

Is it safe for me to take ondansetron?

Accepted Answer

ondansetron is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you are also taking apomorphine (Apokyn) due to risk of severely low blood pressure and loss of consciousness.

Question 7

ondansetron Common Side Effects

Accepted Answer

Common side effects of ondansetron:  Headache Fatigue Constipation Diarrhea

Question 8

ondansetron Serious Side Effects

Accepted Answer

Serious side effects are rare with ondansetron. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.  Serious allergic reactions: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat Abnormal heart rhythm: chest pounding, irregular heart beat, chest pain, short of breath, feeling faint or lightheaded Heart attack Serotonin syndrome: fast heart rate, dizziness, sweating, flushing, tremor (shakiness), muscle stiffness or twitching, uncoordinated movement, distress, hallucinations

Question 9

Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on ondansetron

Accepted Answer

The following medications may interact with ondansetron:  Serotonergic Drugs: Serotonin syndrome (including altered mental status, autonomic instability, and neuromuscular symptoms) has been described following the concomitant use of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists and other serotonergic drugs including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) Drugs Affecting Cytochrome P-450 Enzymes: In patients treated with potent inducers of CYP3A4 (i.e., phenytoin, carbamazepine, and rifampin), the clearance of ondansetron was significantly increased and ondansetron blood concentrations were decreased However, on the basis of available data, no dosage adjustment for ondansetron is recommended for patients on these drugs

Question 10

Who makes ondansetron?

Accepted Answer

Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers

Question 11

Is ondansetron safe in pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

It is not known if ondansetron will harm your unborn baby. You and your doctor will have to decide if you should take ondansetron while you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant.

Question 12

What is the brand name for ondansetron?

Accepted Answer

ZOFRAN ODTZOFRAN

Question 13

How can NowPatient help me to lower the cost of my ondansetron prescription?

Accepted Answer

After you create a FREE account with NowPatient, you will have access to 4 programs that can help lower the cost of your ondansetron prescription

Applicability to each program will be dependent on your insurance status.

Question 14

How do the NowPatient ondansetron savings programs work?

Accepted Answer

After you have created your FREE account with NowPatient, you can access the various programs from your account dashboard. Each program has clear instructions on how to check your eligibility. You can see how the process works by clicking on the feature link below and seeing the ‘How it works’ steps.

Drug Coupon and Patient Assistance Programs require an eligibility quiz to be completed.

Question 15

Are the NowPatient ondansetron savings programs suitable for everyone, regardless of insurance status?

Accepted Answer

No. Each program has its own eligibility and applicability requirements. The table below shows if a program is available to you, based on your insurance status.

	Rx Advantage Card* for ondansetron	Canadian Prescription Savings* for ondansetron	ondansetron Drug Coupon*	ondansetron Patient Assistance Program*
Insured (federal, state or government)	Available	Available	Not Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Insured (Commercial or Private)	Available	Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Uninsured	Available	Available	Not Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Insured but without pharmacy benefit or drug coverage	Available	Available	Not Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company

*This is not insurance.

Question 16

Are the NowPatient drug savings programs suitable for brand and generic versions of ondansetron?

Accepted Answer

No. Each program has applicability requirements. Please see below

	Rx Advantage Card* for ondansetron	Canadian Prescription Savings* for ondansetron	ondansetron Drug Coupon*	ondansetron Patient Assistance Program*
Brand	Yes	Yes	Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company	Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Generic	Yes	Yes	No	No

*This is not insurance.

Question 17

If you have Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage and none of the ondansetron savings options are applicable or affordable for me, what can you do?

Accepted Answer

If you are insured with Medicare and the ondansetron drug savings options are not applicable to you and still remain unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.

The government site is easy to use and after you have selected your state, it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.

People who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called ‘dual eligibles’.

If you are denied Medicaid for ondansetron, and you are still unable to afford your copay or co-insurance element (for example if you are in the coverage gap or Donut Hole) then you may be eligible for a federal support program like Low Income Subsidy. To be eligible for Low Income Subsidy, you need to be a resident in one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia. You can check eligibility online at SSA Medicare D Extra Help. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Question 18

I am uninsured or underinsured and none of the ondansetron prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?

Accepted Answer

If you are uninsured or underinsured (for example, ondansetron is not covered by your plan) and the drug savings options are not applicable or still unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.

The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.

If you are denied and all else fails, and if you have been prescribed ondansetron for an FDA-approved indication, you can call the pharmaceutical company to see if they have any other assistance programs.

Question 19

I am commercially or privately insured and none of the ondansetron prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?

Accepted Answer

If your medication is not covered by your plan, you can appeal your insurance company’s decision. Sometimes, a formal appeal can result in the drug being covered if it is deemed medically necessary.

If you cannot afford your copay contribution, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.

However, being privately insured might complicate your eligibility for Medicaid, as having private insurance may be considered in the financial eligibility assessment.

The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. If you qualify, state Medicaid may cover the full cost of your medication.

Question 20

If I have federal, state or commercial insurance and none of the ondansetron prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, are there any other support organisations that can help me with my co-insurance or copay contributions?

Accepted Answer

If you have already tried Medicaid and received a denial letter or if you are insured with Medicare and have been denied Low-Income Subsidy, then you can try one of the following organizational support programs:

1. Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) assistance for ondansetron

If you are having trouble paying for your ondansetron medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN), may be able to assist you. To qualify for PAN assistance for ondansetron you will need to meet one or all of the following criteria:

Your income is below 400% of the federal poverty level
ondansetron is prescribed for an approved FDA indication
You live in and receive treatment in the United States or U.S. territories, even if you do not have U.S. citizenship
You have Medicare insurance coverage that covers ondansetron
If ondansetron is listed on PAN’s list of covered medications

You can check the Patient Access Network Foundation Website for more information.

2. HealthWell Foundation Copay Program for ondansetron

If you are having trouble paying for your ondansetron medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the HealthWell Foundation Copay Program may be able to assist you. To qualify for assistance for ondansetron you will need to meet the following criteria:

You live in and are being treated in the United States
You are insured and your plan covers ondansetron
If ondansetron is listed on the HealthWell Foundation’s list of covered medications

You can check the HealthWell Foundation Website for more information.

3. Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Program for ondansetron

Patient Advocate Foundation’s Co-Pay Relief program exists to help reduce the financial distress you or your family may face when paying for your ondansetron treatment. If you qualify and can demonstrate the need, the foundation will provide you with direct payment covering co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles. To qualify for assistance for ondansetron you will need to meet the following criteria:

You must be currently insured and have coverage for ondansetron
You must have a confirmed diagnosis and treatment plan
You must reside and receive treatment in the United States
Your Income must fall at or below 300% or 400% of the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG) with consideration for the Cost of Living Index (COLI) and number in the household
Applications can also be completed by contacting the program sponsor, toll-free at 866-512-3861.

You can check the Patient Advocate Foundation Website for more information.