Sustol (injection)

Sustol stops the effects of certain chemicals in the body that can cause nausea and vomiting.

Sustol is used to prevent nausea and vomiting that might happen because of cancer treatment (chemotherapy) or after surgery.

Sustol can sometimes be used along with other anti-nausea medicines.

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

Before you receive Sustol, inform your doctor about all your medical conditions, particularly any heart problems. Additionally, ensure your doctor is aware of all the medicines you are currently taking.

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

To make sure Sustol is safe for you, tell 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 Sustol (dolasetron, ondansetron, Aloxi, Anzemet, Lotronex, Zofran, or others).

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

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

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

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

Sustol 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 Sustol 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.

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

A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Sustol 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 Sustol either before or after the procedure.

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

Because you will get Sustol in a clinical setting, it is unlikely that you will miss a dose.

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

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

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

Using Sustol while taking certain other medicines can cause high levels of serotonin to build up in your body, a condition known as "serotonin syndrome," which can be life-threatening. Inform your doctor if you also take:

• 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 complete. Other drugs may interact with granisetron, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide. Tell your doctor about all medicines you use and any that you start or stop during your treatment with granisetron.