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Granisetron ( grah-NIS-eh-tron ) (Sancuso, Sustol, Kytril®) What is this medication used for? Granisetron is used to decrease nausea and vomiting. It works by blocking serotonin, a natural substance in the body that causes nausea and vomiting.
What does it look like? • Tablet • Liquid • Patch How is it given? • By mouth (oral or po)
Special instructions: • This medicine should not be taken while ondansetron (Zofran®) is being taken. • Liver function will be tested before the treatment is given. • The first oral or IV dose should be taken 15–30 minutes before chemotherapy or radiation therapy is started. • If this medicine is taken orally, it can be taken with or without food. • Store the medicine in a dry place, at room temperature, and where it is protected from light. • Call your healthcare provider if vomiting occurs and fluids cannot be taken by mouth. • The granisetron patch should be placed on the skin of the upper arm 24–48 hours before chemotherapy and kept in place for at least 24 hours after treatment. The patch should not be cut and should be placed only on nonirritated skin. The same patch can be worn for up to 7 days. Tell your doctor if you are having any signs of application-site reactions like irritation, rash, redness. Avoid using a heating pad on the skin patch. • Call a healthcare provider immediately if any of the following symptoms occur: agitation; change in balance; confusion; hallucinations; fever; fast or abnormal heartbeat; flushing; muscle twitching or stiffness; seizures; shivering or shaking; sweating a lot; severe diarrhea, upset stomach or throwing up; or very bad headache. .
• Into the vein (IV) or venous access device • Patch placed on the skin (transdermal) What are the common side effects? • Headache • Diarrhea • Dizziness • Loss of strength and energy (fatigue)
• Weakness • Heartburn • Trouble sleeping (insomnia) What are the less common side effects? • Constipation • Drowsiness • Changes to liver function tests (specifically ALS, AST, bilirubin) • Rash • Skin irritation at the site of the patch • Fast or abnormal heartbeat • Chest pain or pressure • Shortness of breath
Notes from Your Healthcare Team
Not all of the possible side effects of this medicine and precautions related to taking it are covered in this information sheet. For a complete list of side effects and precautions, ask your healthcare professional (doctor, nurse, pharmacist) for a manufacturer’s package insert or another reference.
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