This medication is used to prevent nausea and vomiting
due to cancer drug treatment (chemotherapy) and radiation therapy. It works
by blocking one of the body's chemicals (serotonin) that causes
vomiting.
Take this medication by mouth. It is important to follow
your doctor's instructions for the timing of each dose. If you have any
questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets
worse.
Diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, weakness,
headache, fever, dizziness, drowsiness, trouble sleeping, and anxiety may
occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, notify your doctor or
pharmacist 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:
- unusual muscle movements or stiffness
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 taking granisetron, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; 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.
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or
marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use
machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely.
Limit 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.
It is important to take each dose of this medication as
scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for
a new dosing schedule.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Store the oral solution in an upright
position. 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.