Granisetron

About Granisetron

This belongs to the group of medicines known as anti-emetics.

Granisetron is used to treat sickness caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Granisetron is also used to prevent and treat sickness that can sometimes occur after an operation.

Granisetron is available in tablet, oral liquid and injection form.

It is also sometimes known as: Kytril. You may notice the use of either of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Granisetron

Before taking Granisetron make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from liver problems
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines

How to Take Granisetron

• Always read the manufacturer’s information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take Granisetron exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Granisetron should start to work within one to two hours of taking a dose. If you are sick within one hour then take the dose again, otherwise do not take more tablets or take them more often than your doctor has directed. If you still feel sick after taking these tablets consult your doctor.
• If you miss a dose of Granisetron and feel sick or have been sick, take a dose as soon as possible and then carry on with your normal dosage schedule. If you miss a dose but do not feel sick take the next dose as usual.
• If Granisetron is taken to stop nausea caused by cancer chemotherapy or radiotherapy, a dose should be taken one to two hours before treatment and followed by another dose twelve hours later.
• Granisetron is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition is the same as yours.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Granisetron contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe to take alongside Granisetron.
• Granisetron may cause constipation. Constipation can be relieved by eating a high fibre diet and drinking plenty of water.

Can Granisetron cause problems?

Along with their needed effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Constipation, headache or skin rashes.

If you experience any other worrying or troublesome symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist.

How to store Granisetron

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Do not keep any out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 22/07/2005