Zofran & Abnormal Heart Rhythm

Zofran and Abnormal Heart RhythmOn September 15th, 2011, the FDA issued a Drug Safety Alert notifying doctors of documented reports of abnormal heart rhythms risk associated with Zofran - an anti-nausea medication.

The reports indicate that the abnormal heart rhythm can lead to the condition known as Torsade de Pointes which can be deadly. The FDA issued a Safety Alert advising patients who have such pre-existing conditions of an irregular heart rhythm should not use Zofran.

Nadrich & Cohen LLP is actively investigating and accepting Zofran-induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or your loved one has been injured by Zofran, please contact one of our intake specialists for a free, confidential, no-cost consultation.

A little bit about Zofran

Zofran was approved in 1992 as an oral drug for nausea and vomiting in connection with cancer chemotherapy including radiation therapy and cancer related surgery. It is known as a 5HT3 receptor antagonist. It is supposed to work by blocking Serotonin - the natural substance known to trigger vomiting and nausea.

Unfortunately, the FDA has alerted the public that Zofran is in an ongoing safety review which will cause a change in the label indicating that the drug increases the risk of abnormal changes in the electricity of the heart which can result in potentially fatal heart rhythms including Torsade de Pointes.

Of course, those at most risk are those with prior, pre-existing underlying heart conditions including low level of potassium or magnesium linked to QT prolongation.

Torsade de Pointes

This condition is a literal change in the heart's electrical movement and is also known as a prolongation of the QT interval. This means how long it takes for the heart muscles to contract and recover.

Sadly, Torsade de Pointes is a potentially deadly condition which is a very rare form of ventricular tachycardia where the heart is beating too quickly causing less blood to pump to the brain causing fainting.

Episodes of Torsade de Pointes can lead to permanent conditions including ventricular fibrillation, permanent brain damage and even death.

Zofran Side Effects

Side effects include:

FDA Public Action

The FDA continues to review and seek reports on Zofran's safety. Glaxo Smith Kline, Zofran's manufacturer, has been told to further study the connection of Zofran to prolonged QT condition. The label has been changed to include warnings that those with a particular prior heart condition should avoid using Zofran.

Nadrich & Cohen is accepting Zofran heart-related injury cases throughout the country, in all 50 states. Please contact us if you or a loved one has been injured by Zofran.

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