Obat ondansetron, salah satu antiemetik pada kemoterapi, terbukti memiliki risiko untuk gangguan irama jantung. FDA melaporkan bahwa pada kondisi-kondisi tertentu penggunaan ondansetron harus lebih hati-hati dan perlu dilakukan monitoring dengan memantau gambaran EKG. Kondisi-kondisi yang disarankan lebih hati-hati dalam menggunakan ondansetron antara lain pasien dengan bakat gangguan irama jantung yaitu pasien dengan ongenital long QT syndrome, gangguan mineral misalnya hipokalemia, hipomagnesia, gagal jantung, bradikardia dan penggunnaan bersama obat-obatan yang mengakibatkan pemanjangan interval QT. Berita selengkapnya silakan dibaca pada :Zofran (ondansetron): Drug Safety Communication – Risk of Abnormal Heart Rhythms

[Posted 09/15/2011]

AUDIENCE: Oncology, Anesthesiology

ISSUE: FDA notified healthcare professionals and patients of an ongoing safety review and labeling changes for the anti-nausea drug Zofran (ondansetron, ondansetron hydrochloride and generics). Ondansetron may increase the risk of developing prolongation of the QT interval of the electrocardiogram, which can lead to an abnormal and potentially fatal heart rhythm, including Torsade de Pointes. Patients at particular risk for developing Torsade de Pointes include those with underlying heart conditions, such as congenital long QT syndrome, those who are predisposed to low levels of potassium and magnesium in the blood, and those taking other medications that lead to QT prolongation.

BACKGROUND: Zofran (ondansetron) is in a class of medications called 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. It is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. FDA is requiring GlaxoSmithKline to conduct a thorough QT study to determine the degree to which Zofran (ondansetron) may cause QT interval prolongation.

RECOMMENDATION: The labels are being revised to include a warning to avoid use in patients with congenital long QT syndrome because these patients are at particular risk for Torsade. Recommendations for ECG monitoring in patients with electrolyte abnormalities (e.g., hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia), congestive heart failure, bradyarrhythmias, or in patients taking other medications that can lead to QT prolongation, are being included in the labels.

Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:

Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm
Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178