Hi all,

Long time since I have stopped by and, of course, I have a question. I was on Zelnorm for gastroparesis up until the FDA asked the drug company to pull it from the shelves. Since then, I have not been able to eat much of anything without having extreme bloating, nausea, and pain. I went to my doctor today, and while there really isn't much out there that I can take to fix the gastroparesis, I did ask to be put on something for the nausea. I can handle the pain; pain is a normal part of the daily life now. But the nausea is getting worse each day. I drink water and I feel sick. So he put me on Zofran. I am looking for any advice as to possible side effects that I should be on the look out for. I did a search on the net and it looks like it is fairly well tolerated. My biggest concern with any med is that most stuff makes me drowsy to downright sleepy. Not something I can have driving a 17 ton garbage truck down the streets and alleys of Spokane!! One of the reasons he suggested Zofran is because Phenegren puts me to sleep. I would joke with the nurses when I was in for my K pouch op that they were only giving me Phen for my nausea so that I would fall asleep and not gripe!

So anyhow, if you have any experiences with it, long term or short term, I would love to hear about them.

Thanks,

Les

Zofran always works much better for me than phenergan. Not many drugs make me drowsy, so I think you will just need to try it to find out how you react.

I can relate to your symptoms. I too have been diagnosed with gastroparesis since my colectomy. My doctor has me on metoclopramide 10mg 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime, along with protonix once a day. During the year that I have been taking this combination, I have only had about three bouts of nausea, cramping, blouting, and pain. It has really helped me with my GI symptoms. The way it was explained to me is that because of the gastroparesis, food just sits around in your stomach and this causes the other symptoms. Zelnorm never worked for me. Maybe you can try this combo and see if it works for you.

Good Luck
Desiree

I used zofran for nausea resulting from lots of cipro and flagyl. It was the only remedy that worked well for me and I didn't notice any side affects. That was a few years ago before my k-pouch surgery and I seem to remember that the drug was very expensive. I do have insurance covering drugs, but my co-pay was high, so I took the drug only when I really needed it and it always helped.

I was put on Zofran twice while hospitalized for various surgeries. Worked well for me; the only side effect I remember was a large dent in my wallet. It's pricey.

Thomas had a lot of Zofran in the hospital; when he was very sick, it was the only thing that helped with nausea. Even though the insurance company considers it "rescue therapy" and limits how much we can get, we keep a little supply, and he still uses it from time. Works great. He's on Flagyl right now and a somewhat nauseous most of the time; so he has taken it once or twice recently. He has never noticed any side effects.

A friend who has cancer gave me Zofran when I'd had step 1 and was throwing up all day and night. She got it almost free of charge because of her diagnosis, while I had to pay the full price. It's incredibly expensive. In fact, she told me that to remember the name of it, think of saffron. It costs about the same per pound!! But it worked miracles and really helped me turn the tide and start eating again. I do seem to remember it made me sleepy, but that could just be because I was exhausted and needed sleep, so maybe it doesn't do that if you're relatively well rested.

Hi Les,

Nice to see you again, but sorry it's because you are still having problems!

They only usually give out Zofran here if all other anti-nausea meds have been exhausted for the reason that Soph gave, it is really expensive and as our helath system pays for it we are usually made to run the gauntlet of cheap meds before being offered the (more effective) more expensive ones.

Hope the Zofran helps with your nausea and that you find a resolution to your bloating problem soon.

Keep us posted.

Luv & Hugs

Shell

Thanks everyone,

I feel good about trying the Zofran now. I had read that it was generally well tolerated. Now if I could just get the pharmacy to get the correct dosage in so I can go on it. The pharmacist noticed today when he received the shipment that it was the wrong doseage so he ordered more for tomorrow, so I will tr it then.

dbaity8377, I was on metoclopromide (Reglan) long before I was daignosed with gastroparesis and I can't stay awake on the stuff. When I went in to have a gastric emptying study done, they gave me a shot of Reglan after 90 minutes of having the food just sit in my gut. I could barely stay awake on the drive home, and almost got into a wreck along the way. Like I said, not something I want while driving a 17 ton vehicle down the street!


Shell, Hugs to you too!


Thanks again everyone,

Les

I used Zofran for chemo nausua every other week for 6 months. Not sure if it made me tired or the chemo did.

I do think there is a generic version available. Maybe that would help with the cost. If I am remembering right, it worked just as well.

Jeannie

You're right, Jeannie! Zofran is now available in generic form (since late 2006). The generic name is ondansetron hydrochloride. It's available in tablet form or an orally disintegrating tablet, which, by the way, contains phenylalanine, so if you're sensitive to that, be cautious. It's also available as an injection, but I guess that doesn't make sense for this discussion.

In patients with postoperative nausea and vomiting, the major side effects were headache, fatigue, and diarrhea. Sounds like you already did your homework, though, Les.

Hope you're doing well and feeling better!
kmm

This message has been edited. Last edited by: kennymac,

Thanks everyone,

I have been on the generic Zofran (Zofran is easier to spell) for a few days now and it seems to be working a little. Of course, I had to test it out and went right out and ate solid food. Yes, I know, fools rush in......

Anyway, thanks again for the info and advice,

Les