Granisetron (injection)
Generic name: granisetron (injection) [ gra-NIS-e-tron ]
Brand name: Sustol
Dosage forms: intravenous solution (0.1 mg/mL; 1 mg/mL); subcutaneous suspension, extended release (10 mg/0.4 mL)
Drug class:5HT3 receptor antagonists
What is granisetron?
Granisetron blocks the actions of chemicals in the body that can trigger nausea and vomiting.
Granisetron injection is used to prevent nausea and vomiting that may be caused by medicine to treat cancer (chemotherapy), or after having surgery.
Granisetron is sometimes used together with other anti-nausea medications.
Granisetron may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Before you are treated with granisetron injection, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, especially heart problems. Also, make sure your doctor knows about all the medicines you are using.
Before taking this medicine
You should not receive granisetron if you are allergic to it.
To make sure granisetron 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 granisetron (dolasetron, ondansetron, Aloxi, Anzemet, Lotronex, Zofran, or others).
It is not known whether granisetron 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.
How is granisetron given?
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.
