GRANISETRON - SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION

GRANISETRON - SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (gra-NIS-e-tron)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Sustol

GENERIC NAME(S): granisetron

Uses

USES: Granisetron is used to help prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy. It works by blocking the effect of a natural substance in your body (serotonin) that may cause nausea or vomiting.


How to use GRANISETRON - SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by 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 medication is given as directed by your doctor, usually 30 minutes before chemotherapy on day 1 of your treatment cycle. It is given by slow injection under the skin on the back of your upper arm or the skin on your abdomen by a health care professional. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. This medication is a long-acting form of granisetron so you should not receive it more often than once every 7 days. Tell your doctor if your nausea or vomiting does not get better or if it gets worse.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Pain, soreness, redness, bleeding, lumps, or swelling at the injection site may occur. Bruising is common, but may not happen until a few days after receiving the injection. Constipation, tiredness, headache, diarrhea, or dizziness may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she 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: stomach/abdominal pain. 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.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: 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: kidney problems, stomach/intestinal problems (such as recent surgery, ileus, swelling). This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy. 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. 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. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). 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 breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: 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: apomorphine. 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.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: 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 their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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Faq for GRANISETRON - SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION

Granisetron is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Granisetron blocks the action of serotonin, a natural substance in the body that can cause nausea and vomiting.

Granisetron is given as a subcutaneous injection, which means it is injected under the skin.

Granisetron is typically given about 30 minutes before chemotherapy to ensure its effectiveness.

The common side effects of granisetron include headache, constipation, diarrhea, and fatigue. However, not everyone experiences these side effects.

Yes, granisetron is available in oral tablets, but the subcutaneous injection is often preferred for faster and more effective results.

The duration of granisetron's effect depends on the individual and the specific dose administered. It can last anywhere from 24 to 72 hours.

Yes, granisetron can be used in children for preventing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. The dosage is adjusted based on the weight of the child.

Granisetron is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy, but it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before using any medication during pregnancy.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.