Granisetron (injection)

Granisetron stops certain chemicals in the body that can cause nausea and vomiting.

Granisetron injection is used to prevent nausea and vomiting that may happen due to cancer treatment (chemotherapy) or after surgery.

Granisetron is sometimes used along with other anti-nausea medications.

Granisetron may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Before you receive granisetron (injection), inform your doctor about all your medical conditions, especially any heart problems. Additionally, ensure your doctor is aware of all the medicines you are currently using.

You should not receive granisetron if you are allergic to it.

To ensure granisetron is safe for you, inform your doctor if you have:

• kidney disease;
• heart disease;
• a heart rhythm disorder;
• a personal or family history of long QT syndrome;
• an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood);
• if you have recently had stomach or intestinal surgery; or
• if you are allergic to a medicine like granisetron (dolasetron, ondansetron, Aloxi, Anzemet, Lotronex, Zofran, or others).

It is not known whether granisetron will harm an unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether granisetron passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Some side effects may happen up to 2 weeks or more after you receive a granisetron injection.

Granisetron may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor immediately if you have:

• pain, swelling, bleeding, skin changes, or a hard lump where the injection was given;
• severe constipation;
• headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats;
• high levels of serotonin in the body--agitation, hallucinations, fever, fast heart rate, overactive reflexes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, fainting.

Common side effects of granisetron may include:

• headache;
• stomach pain, constipation;
• fever; or
• abnormal liver function tests.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Granisetron is injected under the skin, or into a vein through an IV.

A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Granisetron injection is usually given at least 30 minutes before the start of chemotherapy.

When used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by surgery, you will receive granisetron injection either before or after the procedure.

Your doctor will determine how often to treat you with granisetron, and for how long.

Because you will receive granisetron (injection) in a clinical setting, you are not likely to miss a dose.

Since granisetron (injection) is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to happen.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, drinks, or activities.

Granisetron can lead to a serious heart issue, especially if you take certain medicines at the same time, such as antibiotics, antidepressants, heart rhythm medicine, antipsychotic medicines, and medicines for cancer, malaria, HIV, or AIDS.

Taking granisetron along with certain other medicines can cause high levels of serotonin to build up in your body, which is known as "serotonin syndrome," and it can be life-threatening. Inform your doctor if you are also using:

• lithium;
• ritonavir;
• St. John's wort;
• an antidepressant;
• migraine headache medicine;
• a narcotic (opioid) medication or muscle relaxer; or
• other anti-nausea medications.

This list is not exhaustive. Other drugs may interact with granisetron, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are included in this medication guide. Make sure to tell your doctor about all medicines you use, as well as any that you start or stop using during your treatment with granisetron.