Zofran Heart Rhythm Side Effects Lawsuits Zofran Side Effects Injury Lawsuits. Our firm is currently investigating potential lawsuits on behalf of Zofran users who experienced heart rhythm complications. Research indicates that ‘Zofran’, an anti-nausea medication given to patients undergoing chemotherapy, may lead to an abnormal heart rhythm. This potential side effect may lead to […]
Zofran Side Effects Injury Lawsuits. Our firm is currently investigating potential lawsuits on behalf of Zofran users who experienced heart rhythm complications.
Research indicates that ‘Zofran’, an anti-nausea medication given to patients undergoing chemotherapy, may lead to an abnormal heart rhythm. This potential side effect may lead to serious and potentially fatal cardiac events, such as Torsade de Pointes. These risks have been addressed by the regulators in the United States, and more in recently in Canada.
Zofran, known generically as ondansetron, was approved in 1992 to prevent nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. It works by inhibiting serotonin, a natural substance that causes vomiting. ‘Zofran’ is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline and is part of the 5HT3 drug class. This medication however, has raised safety concerns due to its potential impact on the heart.
In September 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated the label of ‘Zofran’ to address its risks on cardiac health. The agency warned that the medication may lead to QT prolongation, which may indicate an abnormal or fatal heart rhythm, such as Torsade de Pointes. Long QT syndrome and Torsade de Pointes are detected using an electrocardiogram (ECG).
In October 2012, the safety label on Zofran was updated in Canada; Health Canada and GlaxoSmithKline collaboratively warned patients that Zofran is associated with abnormal electrical activity in the heart when used in high doses.
The notification cited a new study showing that ‘Zofran’ may interrupt the QT interval and announced several changes in the medication’s safety information changes, including the following:
‘Zofran’ has been linked to an abnormal heart rhythm. Although conditions such as prolonged QT syndrome and Torsade de Pointes is usually diagnosed using an ECG, patients may experience physical signs of an irregular heartbeat, including:
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