Any UK MNers been successfully treated for hyperemesis with ondansetron (zofran)???

[anniediv]

Having previously had crippling hyperemesis that has been unsuccessfully treated with stemetil, I wondered if there is anyone out there who has been precribed ondansetron, and if so, how was it? While I'm on the subject, any other treatments that have worked? All the usual 'home remedies' (ginger, sea bands etc) have been unsuccessful. Slight success with acupuncture. Any ideas gratefully received.

BUMP! Please help!!

hi i had hyperemesis with 3 of my pregs and i was treated with cyclizine, which helped a little, but not a great deal, i was treated with stemetil with one and it was useless, i dont think they like to use stemetil anymore now.
acupuncture can be very effective, sea bands only worked for me for about 2 weeks.

i dont think the safety of zofran in pregnancy has been established yet.

I don't think the safety of cyclizine has either

(I take it for travel sickness and had taken quite a bit before I realised I was pregnant!)

One of my friends in the US has been, very effectively. She had crippling hyperemesis with a twin pregnancy, and ended up on a Zofran pump - she says it saved her sanity, and having been hospitalized three times for dehydration quite possibly her pregnancy too.

No, it hasn't been officially passed as safe for pregnant women, but almost nothing has: however, it has been in use for quite a while without any apparent ill effects, and there have been studies - so its a bit of a judgement call. Its much more commonly used in the USA, possibly because there its covered by insurance and is very expensive.

Personally, if I had real hyperemesis I would ask for Zofran. Good luck!

Thank you very much for all the threads. I have been diagnosed with hyperemesis gravida (sp??) my last 2 pregnancies and been hospitalised for dehydration both times, and desparately want to avoid the similar situation occuring this time with N0 4. It is quite upsetting to be told 'just have a ginger biscuit before you get up and you'll be fine', I am talking about huge waves of nausea and sickness that are totally overwhelming! Stemetil has been ineffective in the past, so I wanted to go to my GP armed with information and experiences of other HE sufferers. Thanks all! PS any other tips, please let me know!

actually most anti emetics have a query regarding pregnancy, however, when you are desperately dehydrated from constant vomiting, gp's usually decide that the benefits outweigh the risks.

Yes, I've been told before that benefits to the mother must outweigh risks to the baby, just in the past it has always got to the point where I'm in hospital on a drip before anyone listens to me when I describe how absolutely wretched I feel. I want to avoid the hospital admission if I can!

unfortunately..i found, that they dont like to gfive you the drugs until they have no choice.

Thats true. My gp did give me an antiemetic (milder than Zofran) for a few weeks, when I wasn't sleeping due to sickness, am older, and have a toddler to look after: she decided the benefits outweighed the risks, but also decided to inform me and leave it up to me. She's good like that.

Spacey, how are you? Been thinking about you, and really hope you're feeling better - couldn't believe you were sick again, what crappy luck. xx

Hi Anniediv. Ondansetron is certainly not licensed in the UK for use in pregnancy, it is used widely for treating nausea and vomitting in people getting chemotherapy, but in your situation I really feel for you. With ds1 I vomitted several times a day until I got to 22 weeks and it was horrific. Am pregnant again now and pray it wont be so bad, only mild nausea so far.
Just wanted to say I hope something will help you, I am sure you have tried all the suggestions from the midwife. Personally I found that nothing worked! Sorry I cant be of any real help but just wanted to say I have an idea of where you are coming from.
Good Luck, thinking of you xx

I was prescribed it but only in the last trimester (actually it was wk 35). It is contra-indicated in the first trimester - I was told - and I don't know about the second.
It didn't work for me. But neither did cyclizine or stemetil.
IMPORTANT BIT OF INFO
One of the side-effects of ondansetron is it gives you terrible constipation. Make them give you lactulose when you take it. I found that between the nausea and the utter lack of movement in my bowels, I was in a very sorry state. I was really cross that they hadn't taken it into account.

Checked with US friend. She took it from the second trimester, till the end - and yes, do ask for lactulose (although her constipation wasn't too bad, she did have some...guess its different for everyone).

That said, if its not licensed here for pregnancy you probably wo'nt be able to get it..I'm sorry. Hope you find you escape with milder nausea this time.