FEB from Juliana - Zofran

 

Juliana's FEB mailing is a-dor-a-ble.

Calling me jubilant is amusing. If that's what I project, I'm not going to argue with you - 

but, I assure you the people who know me in person wouldn't come up with that word.

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Zofran. It's a drug to settle your stomach if you have one of those severe stomach situations. I do not know if it works on those situations where you are exploding at both ends. A couple years my daughter learned about Zofran from a friend who recommended getting it at one of those IV shops. All I remember her saying was that it was a miracle cure - considering how sick she had been.

If you live in a remote area you might not have an IV shop. We have them in Des Moines. To me, the claims seemed overstated - other than assisting with hydration for a hangover. It seemed harmless - and probably just placebo effect was making people feel better.

So, at 2 am, I was so sick, unable to keep even one sip of water down - and I didn't think I could even handle a ride to an IV shop - so I Googled - and found home delivery IV. In Chicago - there are places that will come to your house....and guarantee they'll be there in one hour. My daughter had gotten home very late. I texted her around 6:30 am with my request and she texted back at 7 am that someone would be at the house by 8 am. 

A nurse (who mentioned that she'd been an EMT for 10 years showed up with a portable IV shop and started the IV. When she injected the Zofran, I literally felt a calmness wash over me. The nurse confirmed that it was not my imagination and that it really does work that fast.

So, I don't want to be dishing up medical advice -- but, since that experience, I have talked to a few people who knew about Zofran who have confirmed that it's a good drug to know about. Again, it is not for an upset stomach when a meal didn't agree with you - it is for one of those extreme bugs where you can't even tolerate water.

I'm still doing the research on whether or not it available over the counter. I read that it can be taken orally or as an injection - rather than an IV. 

OK - here's what I found: No, Zofran (ondansetron) is not available over-the-counter (OTC) and requires a prescription from a healthcare provider in the U.S.. It is a potent anti-nausea medication often used for chemotherapy, radiation, or post-surgery, and requires medical evaluation to avoid potential complications like heart rhythm issues. 

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NOTE to my local. penpals: If you want to drive over to Omaha - you can see some Dambo Trolls. They are at the Lauritzen Gardens.