This medication is used alone or with other medications
to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer drug treatment
(chemotherapy). It is also used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting
after surgery in adults.
Granisetron works by blocking one of the body's natural
substances (serotonin) that can cause vomiting.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using granisetron and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
This drug is given into a vein as directed by your
doctor, usually 30 minutes before cancer chemotherapy or
before/during/after surgery. The drug may be given directly into a vein
over 30 seconds, or it may be mixed in an IV fluid and given into a vein
over a longer time (5 minutes).
If you are giving this medication to yourself at home,
learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care
professional. Before using, check this product for particles or
discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to
store and discard medical supplies safely.
Do not mix granisetron with other drugs in the same
injection or inject other drugs into the same vein at the same time. If you
have questions about using this medication properly, consult your
pharmacist.
Dosage is based on your medical condition and response
to treatment. The dosage may also be based on weight. Use this medication
exactly as directed to get the most benefit from it. Do not use more
medication or use it more often than prescribed. Ask your doctor or
pharmacist if you have questions.
Tell your doctor if your nausea does not get better or
if it gets worse.
Headache, diarrhea, dizziness, fever, or
pain/redness/swelling at the injection site may occur. If any of these
effects last or get worse, tell your doctor promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- chest pain
- fast/irregular heartbeat
- severe dizziness
- fainting
This medication may increase serotonin and rarely cause
a very serious condition called serotonin syndrome/toxicity. The risk
increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin, so
tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take (see Drug
Interactions section). Get medical help right away if you develop some of
the following symptoms:
- fast heartbeat
- hallucinations
- loss of coordination
- severe dizziness
- severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea
- twitching muscles
- unexplained fever
- unusual agitation/restlessness
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using granisetron, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or to other anti-nausea serotonin blockers (such
as dolasetron, ondansetron); or if you have any other allergies. This
product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- stomach/intestinal problems (such as recent surgery, ileus,
swelling)
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Granisetron may cause a condition that affects the heart
rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely
fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe
dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right
away.
The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have
certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT
prolongation. Before using granisetron, tell your doctor or pharmacist of
all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following
conditions:
- certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT
prolongation in the EKG)
- family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in
the EKG, sudden cardiac death)
Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may
also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you
use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have
conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your
doctor about using granisetron safely.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially QT prolongation (see above).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
A product that may interact with this drug
is:
Many drugs besides granisetron may affect the heart
rhythm (QT prolongation), including amiodarone, dofetilide, pimozide,
procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, macrolide antibiotics (such as
erythromycin), among others.
The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity increases if you
are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin. Examples include
street drugs such as MDMA/"ecstasy," St. John's wort, certain
antidepressants (including SSRIs such as fluoxetine/paroxetine, SNRIs such
as duloxetine/venlafaxine), among others. The risk of serotonin
syndrome/toxicity may be more likely when you start or increase the dose of
these drugs.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Tell your doctor if you miss your dose or did not use
your dose at the correct time before your scheduled chemotherapy
appointment or surgery. Your treatment or surgery may need to be
rescheduled.
Consult the product instructions and your pharmacist for
storage details. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.