Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Granisetron Hydrochloride Injection USP
What the medication is used for:
GRANISETRON HYDROCHLORIDE INJECTION USP is one of a group called antiemetics and it can only be obtained with a prescription from your doctor.
GRANISETRON HYDROCHLORIDE INJECTION USP 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 USP, 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 USP 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 Anhydrous, Hydrochloric Acid and/or Sodium Hydroxide for pH adjustment, Sodium Chloride and Water for Injection.
What dosage forms it comes in:
GRANISETRON HYDROCHLORIDE INJECTION USP is supplied in clear glass multi-use vials of 1 mL packaged in boxes of 10 vials. Each vial contains 1 mg / mL granisetron as hydrochloride.
BEFORE you use GRANISETRON HYDROCHLORIDE INJECTION USP talk to your doctor or pharmacist if:
- you have any allergies to similar antiemetics such as dolasetron mesylate or ondansetron
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.
Serotonin Syndrome is a rare but potentially life- threatening reaction that may occur if you take GRANISETRON HYDROCHLORIDE INJECTION USP with certain other medications. It may cause serious changes in how your brain, muscles, and digestive system work. Be sure to tell your healthcare professional all the medicines you are taking.
As GRANISETRON HYDROCHLORIDE INJECTION USP may cause drowsiness, you should avoid driving a car or operating hazardous machinery until you know it does not affect you.
As with most medicines, interactions with other drugs are possible. To avoid potentially life-threatening reactions, tell your healthcare professional about ALL the medicines you take, including drugs prescribed by other doctors, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements, or alternative medicines.
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 USP
IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ
ABOUT THIS MEDICATION
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
INTERACTIONS WITH THIS MEDICATION
PROPER USE OF THIS MEDICATION
IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ
will be given to you by hospital staff before and/or after your therapy.
Overdose
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.
You may experience headaches, constipation, weakness, sleepiness, diarrhea or abdominal pain while taking GRANISETRON HYDROCHLORIDE INJECTION USP. You may also experience pain, anemia or fever while on GRANISETRON HYDROCHLORIDE INJECTION USP therapy. There is no need to stop the medicine but you should tell your doctor about these symptoms.
SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
| Symptom / effect | Talk with your healthcare professional | Stop taking this drug and get immediate medical help | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Only if severe | In all cases | |||||
| Rare | Allergic reaction- symptoms include swelling of the mouth, throat, difficulty in breathing, rash, hives, increased heart rate | ✓ | ||||
Disturbance in heart rhythm - dizziness, palpitations (fast, pounding or irregular heart beat), chest pain, fainting | ✓ | |||||
Serotonin Syndrome - symptoms that may be observed when granisetron hydrochloride is | ✓ | |||||
taken with certain other medications include:
and coma | ||||||
This is not a complete list of side effects. For any unexpected effects while taking GRANISETRON HYDROCHLORIDE INJECTION USP, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
GRANISETRON HYDROCHLORIDE INJECTION USP should be stored at controlled room temperature (15-30°C). Discard unused portion. The vial should be used within 30 days once opened.
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 of children.
Reporting side effects
You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:
NOTE: Contact your healthcare professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice. |
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If you think you, or a person you are caring for, have taken too much GRANISETRON HYDROCHLORIDE INJECTION USP, contact a healthcare professional, hospital emergency department, regional poison control centre or Health Canada’s toll-free number, 1-844 POISON-X (1-844-764-7669) immediately, even if there are no signs or symptoms.
HOW TO STORE IT
SIDE EFFECTS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ
If you want more information about GRANISETRON HYDROCHLORIDE INJECTION USP:
- 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 Drug Product Database website (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug-products/drug-product-database.html); or by calling the manufacturer at 1-800-656-0793.