Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available
What is Sustol?
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
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 this medicine 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 should I use Sustol
Use Sustol (Subcutaneous) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
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.
Because you will receive granisetron injection in a clinical setting, you are not likely to miss a dose.
Sustol side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Some side effects may occur up to 2 weeks or more after you have received a granisetron injection.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- pain, swelling, bleeding, skin changes, or a hard lump where the injection was given;
- severe constipation;
- headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats;
- high levels of serotonin in the body--agitation, hallucinations, fever, fast heart rate, overactive reflexes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, fainting.
Common side effects may include:
- headache;
- stomach pain, constipation;
- fever; or
- abnormal liver function tests.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Sustol?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.