Zofran Linked to Abnormal Heart Rhythm

Last Updated on June 1, 2017

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At A Glance

This Alert Affects:
Patients who took anti-nausea drug Zofran, used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.
Damages:
Research has indicated that Zofran may increase the risk of abnormal changes in the heart's electrical activity, which can lead to Torsade de Pointes, a potentially fatal heart rhythm.
Company(ies):
GlaxoSmithKline
Additional Details:
A QT interval is essentially the amount of time needed for the heart muscles to contract and recover.
Date:
The FDA released an initial safety announcement in Sept. 2011 about the potential link between Zofran and abnormal heart rhythms. The agency followed-up with a specific warning about the 32mg single intravenous dose of the drug and its potential to predispose patients to Torsade de Pointes.