This medication is used alone or with other medications to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer drug treatment (chemotherapy). It is also used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting after surgery.

Granisetron belongs to a class of medications called 5-HT3 blockers. It works by blocking one of the body's natural substances (serotonin) that can cause vomiting.

This drug is given into a vein by a health care professional, usually 30 minutes before cancer chemotherapy or before/during/after surgery. The drug may be given directly into a vein over 30 seconds, or it may be mixed in an IV fluid and given into a vein over a longer time (5 minutes).

Follow all instructions for proper mixing and dilution with the correct IV fluids. Do not mix granisetron with other drugs in the same injection or inject other drugs into the same vein at the same time. If you have questions about using this medication properly, consult your pharmacist.

Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.

Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. The dosage may also be based on weight. Use this medication exactly as directed to get the most benefit from it. Do not use more medication or use it more often than prescribed. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.

Tell your doctor if your nausea does not improve or if it worsens.

Headache, diarrhea, dizziness, fever, or pain/redness/swelling at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, 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 immediately if this unlikely but serious side effect occurs: stomach/abdominal pain.

Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: chest pain, fast/irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention 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.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using granisetron, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other 5-HT3 blockers (e.g., dolasetron, ondansetron); or if you have any other allergies.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: stomach/intestinal problems (e.g., recent surgery, ileus, swelling).

This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages.

Granisetron may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can infrequently result in serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that require immediate medical attention. The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may affect the heart rhythm (see also Drug Interactions section). Before using granisetron, tell your doctor or pharmacist 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.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

This drug should not be used with the following medication because a very serious interaction may occur: apomorphine.

If you are currently using the medication listed above, tell you doctor or pharmacist before starting granisetron.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.

Many drugs besides granisetron may affect the heart rhythm (QT prolongation), including amiodarone, dofetilide, pimozide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), among others.

Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Do not share this medication with others.

Tell your doctor if you miss your dose or did not use your dose at the correct time before your scheduled chemotherapy appointment or surgery. Your treatment or surgery may need to be rescheduled.

Store the vial or ampule at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not freeze.

When diluted with the correct IV fluids, this product is stable at room temperature for 24 hours. Discard any unused diluted medication after 24 hours at room temperature. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Discard any unused medication in the multi-dose vial 30 days after first use.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised November 2009 Copyright(c) 2009 First DataBank, Inc.