What is Granisetron?
Granisetron inhibits the action of chemicals that cause nausea and vomiting.Granisetron can be used to prevent nausea or vomiting caused by chemotherapy or radiation for cancer.Granisetron can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Granisetron
Symptoms of an allergic reaction that require medical intervention: Hives, difficulty breathing or swelling in lips, face, tongue or throat.
Granisetron can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Headache accompanied by chest pain, severe dizziness, nausea, fainting, or rapid heartbeats.
- Increased blood pressure is accompanied by a severe headache, ringing in the ears, anxiety, and confusion. Shortness of breath may also be present.
- High levels of serotonin are associated with: agitation; hallucinations; fever; rapid heart rate; overactive reflexes; and nausea.
Granisetron can cause a variety of side effects.
- Headache, weakness;
- Diarrhoea, constipation;
- Stomach pain, indigestion, and loss of appetite
- Sleep problems (insomnia);
- Fever and flu symptoms
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Reaching out to the FDA with any potential side effects or complaints can be done at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Please read and follow all instructions found on your medication's label or package, then inform your healthcare provider of all medical conditions, allergies and medicines you are taking.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to granisetron, do not take it.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that granisetron will be safe for you:
- Heart disease
- A heart rhythm disorder.
- Long qt syndrome may run in families. Here is some background about long qt syndrome from past events that could help diagnose it:
- An electrolyte imbalance can be caused by a low potassium or magnesium level in the blood.
- If you've recently had stomach or intestine surgery,
Granisetron is not known to harm unborn babies. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant.Granisetron is not known to pass into breast milk or to harm a baby who is nursing. You should tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding a child.Granisetron should not be used by anyone under the age of 18.
How to take Granisetron?
Do not take this medication in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.Take this medication only as prescribed. Do not exceed the recommended dosage or take it for longer.Granisetron should only be taken on the day that you are receiving chemotherapy or radiation.You may be prescribed only one dose up to an hour before chemotherapy and radiation.Patients undergoing chemotherapy may receive a second dose 12 hours after their first. Please follow your doctor's instructions for dosage.Do not share this medication with anyone else.Granisetron will not be helpful if you continue to take it when you do not receive chemotherapy or radiation treatments.Store away from moisture, heat, and light at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Do not forget to tell your doctor about missing your dose before chemo or radiation. Do not take more medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Granisetron may cause serious heart problems, especially if taken with certain medications, such as antidepressants and heart rhythm medicines. It can also be dangerous if used in conjunction with HIV, malaria, or antipsychotics.
The combination of granisetron and certain other medications can lead to a buildup of high levels of serotonin in the body. This condition is called "serotonin syndrome," , which can be deadly. Tell your doctor if:
- Lithium;
- Ritonavir;
- John's wort;
- Antidepressants are a type of medication.
- Migraine headache medication
- A narcotic (opioid), muscle relaxer,
- Other anti-nausea medicines
This list is incomplete. Granisetron may interact with other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal products. This medication guide does not list all possible interactions. Inform your doctor of all medications you take, including those you stop or start using during treatment with Granisetron.
