onstart (ONDANSETRON)

What is Onstart?

Onstart is an antiemetic medication used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting caused by various factors such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or other medical conditions.

What is the usual dose of Onstart?

• For nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy: The usual dose is 8 mg taken 30 minutes before chemotherapy and then every 8 hours for the next 1-2 days.
• For postoperative nausea and vomiting: A typical dose is 4 to 8 mg given before or after surgery.
• The dose may vary based on your condition and doctor's instructions.

How do I take Onstart?

• Onstart is usually taken as a tablet or oral disintegrating tablet.
• It can also be administered as an injection or liquid depending on the prescribed form.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.

For how long do I take Onstart?

• The duration depends on your condition. It’s typically taken for a short time to manage nausea during chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation treatment.
• For long-term or chronic conditions, follow your doctor’s specific recommendations

What is Onstart used for?

Onstart is a medicine that helps stop nausea and vomiting. People get sick to their stomach from things like cancer treatment (chemo and radiation) or after surgery. This medicine makes those side effects less likely.

How long does it take for Onstart to start working?

Onstart is a medicine that helps prevent nausea and vomiting. How quickly it works and how much you need depends on how strong the nausea-causing treatment is and how you take the medicine. For some treatments, a smaller dose taken shortly before starting treatment is enough. For stronger treatments, a larger dose is better at preventing sickness.

Is Onstart effective?

Onstart is a medicine that helps prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. Studies show it works better than a sugar pill (placebo). For strong chemotherapy drugs, a single, larger dose of Onstart was very effective, with most patients not vomiting at all and not needing extra medicine. For less strong chemotherapy drugs, a smaller, twice-daily dose was still much better than a placebo at preventing vomiting.

How does one know if Onstart is working?

Studies test Onstart's ability to stop nausea and vomiting caused by chemo. They compare it to a sugar pill (placebo) in patients getting chemo. Doctors count how many times people throw up. If fewer people taking Onstart vomit, it shows the drug works.

How does Onstart work?

Onstart is a medicine that stops nausea and vomiting. It works by blocking serotonin, a chemical in your body that can trigger these symptoms. It's taken by mouth, and most of it is broken down in your liver before it reaches your bloodstream. A small amount leaves your body unchanged in your pee. How well it works and how long it stays in your body differs depending on your age and gender; women absorb it faster and keep it longer than men, and older people process it more slowly. Taking more doesn't necessarily make it work better.

Who should avoid taking Onstart?

Onstart is a medicine that can cause serious problems for some people. It shouldn't be taken if you're allergic to it. It's also dangerous to take with another medicine called apomorphine because it can cause dangerously low blood pressure and fainting. Serious side effects are rare but possible, including severe allergic reactions (like trouble breathing), an irregular heartbeat (that could be life-threatening), a condition called serotonin syndrome (which involves confusion and other symptoms), chest pain, and problems with your gut. Your doctor may need to monitor you closely if you take this medicine. If you experience any of these side effects, stop taking the medicine immediately and contact your doctor.

Can I take Onstart with vitamins or supplements?

Onstart doesn’t have significant interactions with most vitamins or supplements, but always check with your doctor about specific supplements you're taking.

Can I take Onstart with other prescription drugs?

• Onstart can interact with several medications, including:
  • Antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs)
  • Antiarrhythmic medications (e.g., amiodarone)
  • Antifungal medications (e.g., ketoconazole)
• Always inform your doctor about all medications you're taking.

Can Onstart be taken safely while pregnant?

Studies on whether the drug Onstart is safe to take during pregnancy haven't given a clear answer. One big study found no problems, but other smaller studies showed mixed results, with some suggesting a possible link to certain birth defects like cleft lip/palate, especially if taken by mouth during the first three months of pregnancy. It's important to remember that many pregnancies naturally have birth defects or miscarriages (2-4% for defects, 15-20% for miscarriages), so it's hard to say for sure if Onstart is the cause when these occur. More research is needed.

Can Onstart be taken safely while breastfeeding?

Onstart may pass into breast milk, but it is generally considered safe for breastfeeding in most cases. Consult your doctor before taking Onstart while breastfeeding.

Is Onstart safe for the elderly?

This medicine doesn't need a different dose for older people. But those over 75 might process it slower, meaning it stays in their body longer. We don't have enough information to know if it's safe and works well for people over 75.

How should I store Onstart?

Keep the liquid Onstart medicine in a cool place (between 68° and 77°F), away from sunlight. Keep the bottle upright in its box. The Onstart pills can be kept in the same temperature range, but it's okay if the temperature goes slightly higher or lower (between 59° and 86°F). Keep the pills away from sunlight, too.

Does Onstart make people tired or drowsy?

Onstart may cause drowsiness or fatigue in some people, but it is generally not sedating for most individuals.

Does Onstart cause stomach upset?

Onstart can sometimes cause constipation or a mild upset stomach, but this is not common.

Does Onstart affect sleep?

It generally does not affect sleep patterns, but drowsiness or fatigue can occur in some individuals.

Does Onstart make it hard to think or concentrate?

Onstart is not typically associated with difficulties in thinking or concentration, but some people may experience dizziness or drowsiness.

Does Onstart affect mood?

Onstart does not typically affect mood, but rare side effects such as serotonin syndrome may cause mood changes.

Does Onstart interfere with sexual function?

There is no direct evidence that Onstart affects sexual function.

Does Onstart affect appetite?

Onstart may slightly decrease appetite in some individuals, especially when used for chemotherapy-related nausea.

Does Onstart cause weight gain?

Weight gain is not a common side effect of Onstart.

Does Onstart cause headaches?

Onstart can cause headaches in some people. Studies show more people taking Onstart got headaches than those taking a sugar pill (placebo). If you get a headache while taking Onstart, talk to your doctor or nurse.

Does Onstart limit driving?

If Onstart makes you feel dizzy or drowsy, it may limit your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery.

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Onstart?

It’s not recommended to drink alcohol while taking Onstart, as it may increase the sedative effects or interact with other medications.

Is it safe to drink coffee or tea while taking Onstart?

Drinking coffee or tea generally does not interfere with the action of Onstart, but be mindful of caffeine’s potential for causing nervousness or anxiety in some people

Is it safe to exercise while taking Onstart?

There are generally no restrictions on exercise while taking Onstart, but if you feel dizzy or tired, it’s best to avoid strenuous activities until you are feeling better.

What are Onstart possible harms and risks?

Onstart can cause some common, minor problems like headache, constipation, or diarrhea. Rarely, it can cause serious problems like allergic reactions (including trouble breathing), heart rhythm problems, a serious condition called serotonin syndrome, heart problems, and hiding symptoms of a bowel blockage.