Is Zofran Safe During Pregnancy? Here Are the Risks and Concerns?
Is Zofran safe during pregnancy? If you are taking ondansetron, the generic name for Zofran, you might be worried about possible interactions during pregnancy.
Morning sickness can be truly debilitating. You might be tempted to tough it out, but that is not always possible–or advisable. It is possible that your condition could progress to something called hyperemesis gravidarum, a complication that can cause you to lose weight, become dehydrated, and deny important nutrients to you and your baby when you both need it the most.
That is why your doctor may prescribe Zofran. While most commonly given to cancer patients dealing with the side effects of chemotherapy or radiation, it can be a lifesaver if you are suffering from severe morning sickness. You have plenty to think about during your pregnancy without worrying about the risks of taking a drug like Zofran. Here is some information that can help you understand the treatment.
What does Zofran do?
Zofran and other brands of ondansetron is a drug that works in your gastrointestinal tract to calm the physical processes in your body that can induce the feeling of nausea and cause vomiting.
When you eat something your system doesn’t agree with, your body releases serotonin to trigger feelings of nausea. It is your body’s way of ejecting anything in your stomach that could harm you.
When you have morning sickness, your body releases serotonin into your digestive system at an abnormally high rate, even though you haven’t eaten anything bad. Your brain perceives this chemical imbalance and nausea results. Zofran works by blocking the actions of serotonin, preventing the resulting nausea and vomiting.
Taking Zofran injections
You may be given Zofran as a pill that dissolves on your tongue, but many doctors prefer that it be injected into a vein through an IV.
So, is zofran safe during pregnancy? While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration agree that the drug is relatively safe for pregnant women to take, some studies have pointed to a small risk, a rate of .03%, of heart defects and cleft palates. It also has few side effects.
That said, prescribing the drug as an injection reduces the likelihood of missing a dose and is necessary if you are so nauseous you can’t keep anything down. It allows doctors and caregivers to closely monitor you and your fetus, as well as helps them better manage any side effects.
Does Zofran have side effects?
Most side effects are very mild. Some people report having a headache, feeling chills, and being weak and more tired than usual. Drowsiness is the most common reaction.
It is possible you could experience an allergic reaction. If you break out in a rash, hives or itching, contact your healthcare provider. Your eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs may swell. You can feel chest pain or an irregular heartbeat. Shortness of breath and dizziness can result. These and other side effects are serious, so seek emergency medical treatment right away.
Taking Zofran by injection at a qualified treatment center puts you close to help should these kinds of rare side effects occur.
So is Zofran safe during pregnancy?
If you are otherwise healthy and not taking other medications, Zofran is relatively safe to take when pregnant. You should consult with your doctor to try natural ways to control nausea if at all possible. If your morning sickness is severe, however, Zofran can provide relief.
Let your doctor know if you are on antidepressants, narcotics, certain antibiotics, or medicine to regulate your heart rhythm. Also report use of over-the-counter medications, vitamin supplements and herbal remedies. Just because it is natural doesn’t mean it is harmless when interacting with other medications.
Where to get Zofran injections
If your doctor has prescribed Zofran for treatment, ask for a referral to receive treatment at Infusuion for Health.
At Infusion for Health, you will be pampered in a private and relaxing environment by staff that focuses on you. We will answer your questions, keep an eye on any side effects, and make sure you are feeling better. To answer the questions, is Zofran safe during pregnancy, the risks are low and much lower when you are under proper care.
When you are having a baby, it is nice to be have extra care—particularly if you have been having a hard time with morning sickness. That is exactly what you can expect when you get care from us.
Talk to your doctor to switch treatment locations and get a referral to an Infusion for Health location convenient to you. Or contact us directly.
