What is Granisetron?
Granisetron inhibits the action of chemicals that cause nausea or vomiting.Granisetron is an injection used to prevent nausea or vomiting caused by chemotherapy (cancer) or after undergoing surgery.Granisetron can be used in combination with other antinausea drugs.Granisetron can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Granisetron
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or throat.You may experience side effects up to two weeks after receiving granisetron.
Granisetron can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Pain, swelling, bruising, changes in the skin, or a lumpy area where the injection has been given;
- Constipation is severe.
- Headache accompanied by chest pain, severe dizziness, nausea, fainting, or rapid heartbeats.
- 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;
- Stomach pain, constipation;
- Fever
- Abnormal liver function tests
There may be other side effects. Call your physician immediately if experiencing side effects; for reporting purposes contact 1-800-FDA-1088 to reach the FDA directly.
Warnings
Tell your doctor all of your medical conditions before you receive granisetron. This includes heart problems. Make sure that your doctor is aware of all the medications you take.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to granisetron, it is best not to take the drug.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that granisetron will be safe for you:
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
- A heart rhythm disorder.
- Are You or Does Someone You Know Suffer From Long QT Syndrome
- An electrolyte imbalance is a low potassium or magnesium level in the blood.
- If you've recently had stomach surgery or an intestinal operation,
- If you have an allergy to granisetron or any other medicine (dolasetron, ondansetron, Aloxi, Anzemet, Lotronex, Zofran, etc.),
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 your baby is breastfed.
How to take Granisetron?
Granisetron can be injected into a vein or under the skin.Healthcare provider will administer this injection.Granisetron is typically given 30 minutes or more before chemotherapy.Granisetron is injected either before or following surgery to help prevent nausea and vomiting.You will be told by your doctor how frequently and for how long you should take granisetron.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You are unlikely to miss a dose of granisetron because you will be receiving it in a clinic setting.
What happens if I overdose?
Overdoses are unlikely because granisetron will be administered by a health professional in a medical environment.
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.
When you take granisetron with certain other medications, it can cause your body to produce high levels of serotonin. This condition is called "serotonin syndrome" and can be fatal. Tell your doctor if:
- Lithium;
- Ritonavir;
- John's wort
- Antidepressants are a type of medication.
- Migraine headache medication
- A narcotic (opioid), muscle relaxant,
- 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.
