Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Granisetron Hydrochloride Injection (Strides Pharma Canada)
What the medication is used for:
Granisetron Hydrochloride Injection is one of a group called antiemetics and it can only be obtained with a prescription from your doctor.
Granisetron Hydrochloride Injection is intended to prevent nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting which may occur after you receive cancer chemotherapy.
What it does:
Cancer chemotherapies are thought to cause the release of serotonin, a natural substance in the body. Serotonin can cause you to feel sick and to vomit.
Granisetron, the active ingredient in Granisetron Hydrochloride Injection, will stop the action of serotonin and help prevent you from feeling sick and vomiting.
When it should not be used:
- Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to granisetron or any of the ingredients Granisetron Hydrochloride Injection contains.
- If you are taking apomorphine.
What the medicinal ingredient is:
Granisetron hydrochloride
What the nonmedicinal ingredients are:
Each injection contains the following inactive ingredients: benzyl alcohol, citric acid (monohydrate), sodium chloride, sodium citrate (dihydrate) and water for injection.
What dosage forms it comes in:
Granisetron Hydrochloride Injection is supplied in clear glass multi-use vials of 1 mL, 3 mL and 4 mL packaged in boxes of 1 vial. Each vial contains 1 mg/mL granisetron as hydrochloride.
BEFORE you use Granisetron Hydrochloride Injection talk to your doctor or pharmacist if:
- you have any allergies to similar antiemetics such as dolasetron mesylate (Anzemet®) or ondansetron (Zofran®)
you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding
- you have liver problems
- you have a history of heart problems
- you have been told by a doctor that you have a blockage of your gut or if you have severe constipation, pain or swelling in your stomach
- you are taking other medications, including drugs you can buy without a prescription and herbal products.
As Granisetron Hydrochloride Injection may cause drowsiness, you should avoid driving a car or operating hazardous machinery until you know it does not affect you.
This medicine is only for you, the person for whom the prescription was written. Do not give this medication to others.
Usual adult dose:
Granisetron Hydrochloride Injection will be given to you by hospital staff before and/or after your therapy.
Overdose:
| If you think you, or a person you are caring for, have taken too much Granisetron Hydrochloride Injection, contact a healthcare professional, hospital emergency department, or regional poison control centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms. |
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If you experience an allergic reaction (e.g. shortness of breath, drop in blood pressure, skin lumps or hives), contact your doctor immediately. Do not take any more medicine unless instructed to do so by your doctor.
If you experience symptoms of heart problems such as palpitations (fast, pounding or irregular heart beat), chest pain, dizziness or fainting, tell your doctor or nurse immediately.
You may experience headaches, constipation, weakness, sleepiness, diarrhea or abdominal pain while taking Granisetron Hydrochloride Injection. You may also experience pain, anemia or fever while on Granisetron Hydrochloride Injection therapy. There is no need to stop the medicine but you should tell your doctor about these symptoms.
This is not a complete list of side effects. For any unexpected effects while taking Granisetron Hydrochloride Injection, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
ABOUT THIS MEDICATION
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
PROPER USE OF THIS MEDICATION
SIDE EFFECTS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
Granisetron Hydrochloride Injection vials should be stored at room temperature 15° - 30°C . Avoid freezing. Protect from light. Once the vial is penetrated, its contents should be used within 28 days. Discard unused portion.
The expiry date of this medicine is printed on the label. Do not use the medicine after this date. Keep your medicine in a safe place out of the reach and sight of children.
If you want more information about Granisetron Hydrochloride Injection:
- Talk to your healthcare professional
- Find the full product monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Consumer Information by visiting the Health Canada website: (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug-products/drug-product-database.html); the manufacturer’s website http://www.strides.com, or by calling 1-844-596-9526.
1565, Boul. Lionel-Boulet
Varennes, Quebec
Canada, J3X 1P7
Last Revised: April 5, 2023
Reporting Side Effects
You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:
- Visiting the Web page on Adverse Reaction Reporting (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/medeffect-canada/adverse-reaction-reporting.html) for information on how to report online, by mail or by fax; or
- Calling toll-free at 1-866-234-2345.
NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice.