Granisetron prevents nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy and radiation. It can cause headaches and can be more expensive than other similar medications like ondansetron (Zofran).
Prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with cancer medications (chemotherapy) and radiation
Granisetron is an antiemetic. It works by blocking the actions of serotonin in the body that can trigger nausea and vomiting.
Source:Â DailyMed
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Severe constipation
Incidence not known
arm, back, or jaw pain
black, tarry stools
bleeding gums
blood in the urine or stools
blurred vision
chest pain or discomfort
chest tightness or heaviness
chills
confusion
difficulty with swallowing
dizziness
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
fainting
fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
headache
hives or welts, itching, or skin rash
muscle spasms or twitching
nervousness
painful or difficult urination
pain, itching, redness, irritation, blistering, burning, discoloration, or rash where the patch is applied
pale skin
pinpoint red spots on the skin
pounding in the ears
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
redness of the skin
restlessness
seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
stomach pain or swelling
sweating
swollen glands
trouble breathing
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Incidence not known
Decreased appetite
hair loss or thinning of the hair
lack or loss of strength
trouble sleeping
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Can be taken orally or by injection
Safe option for older adults and people with kidney and liver problems
Only needs to be taken on chemotherapy and radiation days
Only prevents nausea and vomiting; not as good of an option for treatment of nausea and vomiting that is already present
Tablets not for use in children
Can be more expensive than similar medications
Take granisetron tablets 1 hour before receiving chemotherapy or radiation on the day of treatment. If you're taking two separate doses, take the first dose 1 hour before chemotherapy and the second dose 12 hours later.
You will usually have to take multiple medications that work together to prevent nausea and vomiting from cancer treatment. Make sure you take your antiemetics correctly and ask your provider if you have questions about your regimen.
Let your provider know if you have a history of heart problems, or if you take medications that can affect the way your heart beats. Sometimes, granisetron can lead to heart-related problems when taken with certain other medications.
Let your healthcare team know if you've ever had an allergic reaction to an antiemetic before. They might want to monitor you closely for a reaction.
Granisetron can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk factors: Taking other medications that can affect the serotonin levels in your brain
Serotonin syndrome is a rare, but potentially life-threatening condition where there's too much serotonin active in the brain. Your risk goes up if you use granisetron with other medications that affect serotonin levels, such as antidepressants (e.g., escitalopram (Lexapro)), lithium, tramadol (Ultram), sumatriptan (Imitrex), and St. John's Wort. Symptoms of too much serotonin include a fast heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, fever, and confusion. Tell your provider right away if you have any of these symptoms.
Risk factors: History of heart rhythm | Taking other medications causing heart rhythm problems
People taking antiemetics like granisetron can have changes with their heart rhythm. It's more likely to happen in people with a history of heart problems or take other medications that can affect their heartbeat. Make sure your healthcare team knows your medical history and a full list of your medications.
Risk factors: Stomach surgery | Taking opioid medications
There have been reports of severe constipation in people taking granisetron. It can also mask symptoms of intestinal (gut) blockage or bloating. Pay attention to how often you're having bowel movements, and contact your provider if you have constipation, problems passing gas, and pain or swelling in your stomach area.
Chemotherapy-associated nausea and vomiting: The typical dose is 2 mg by mouth per day on the days you receive chemotherapy. It can either be taken as 2 mg once daily or 1 mg twice daily.
Radiation-associated nausea and vomiting: The typical dose is 2 mg by mouth within 1 hour of radiation.
Granisetron is also available as an intravenous (IV) infusion that is administered by a healthcare provider.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with cancer medications (chemotherapy) and radiation
Prevention of nausea and vomiting due to cancer medications (chemotherapy) or radiation therapy
Prevention of nausea and vomiting after surgery
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