Cancer treatment, that is, chemotherapy, as we all know, is one of the biggest challenges for someone undergoing chemotherapy. Because of this, there are times when you can't eat or drink, and you feel weak. So today we are talking about a special injection that doctors give to control this annoying condition, which works for a little longer.
Simply put, what is Granisetron?
Granisetron is a medicine that is given to you to prevent nausea and vomiting that occurs during cancer treatment (chemotherapy). Simply put, this medicine blocks the action of certain chemicals in our body that cause nausea and vomiting. It belongs to a group of medicines called antiemetics .
This medicine is available in Sri Lanka and abroad under brand names such as ``(Sustol)``. It is usually given as an injection under the skin.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you start this treatment, it is very important that your doctor knows everything about you. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, please tell your doctor about them. Do not hide these conditions, because your safety is more important than anything else.
- If you have allergies to other anti-emetic medications such as Granisetron or ondansetron .
- If you are allergic to any other medicine, food, or preservative.
- If you have severe constipation (dry bowel movements). This means that it is difficult to go to the toilet and dry stools are not passed.
- If you are pregnant or expecting a baby soon.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
Talking openly with your doctor about your health history will go a long way in helping him provide you with the safest and best treatment.
How to use the medicine?
This is not a medicine you can take home. This medicine is a subcutaneous injection. Therefore, it is given to you in a hospital or clinic by a trained doctor or nurse.
Sometimes you will be given a special information leaflet (MedGuide) about this medicine. If you receive it, remember to read it carefully before each treatment.
What to do if you overdose?
This is given in a hospital setting so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you think something has happened to you, you should immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose?
If you are unable to go to the hospital for treatment on the scheduled day, inform your doctor or clinic immediately. It is not a good idea to skip this dose.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking. Some medicines can interact with Granisetron and cause side effects.
The table below lists some of the main medications that may interact with this medicine.
| Drug category | Description and examples |
|---|---|
| Antifungal drugs | Medicines for certain fungal infections, such as fluconazole and ketoconazole. |
| Medication for mental illness | Some medications used to treat conditions such as depression and anxiety, especially Pimozide, Thioridazine, and (MAOIs) drugs. |
| Drugs that affect heart rate | Medications like dronedarone and other medications that affect the heart rhythm (QT interval) that prolong the heart rate (e.g. dofetilide, ziprasidone). |
| Some painkillers | Strong painkillers like Fentanyl and Tramadol. |
| Other medications | Linezolid (an antibiotic), Phenobarbital (a medicine for epilepsy), Methylene blue (when given intravenously). |
Most importantly: This list is not exhaustive. Tell your doctor about everything you take, including vitamins, nutritional supplements, Ayurvedic or Sinhala medicines . Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
There is one main thing you need to pay special attention to when taking this medicine.
Constipation: This medication can cause constipation, which is a common side effect of this medication. So, try to go to the bathroom at least once every 2-3 days . If you don't have a bowel movement after 3 days, definitely talk to your doctor.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some of them are serious, some of them are common.
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Bowel blockage | Stomach pain, inability to pass stool or air, loss of appetite, vomiting. |
| Serotonin Syndrome | A combination of symptoms such as agitation, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle stiffness or twitching, excessive sweating, high fever, convulsions, chills, vomiting, and diarrhea. This is a serious condition. |
| Usually nothing to worry about, but if it persists, tell your doctor. | |
| Stomach discomfort | Constipation, sometimes diarrhea, stomach pain. |
| Other common features | Headaches , dizziness, fatigue, difficulty sleeping. |
| Where to give the injection | Pain, redness, or slight swelling at the site. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything different, talk to your doctor for medical advice.
Take-Home Message
- Granisetron is a long-acting injection used to control nausea and vomiting caused by cancer treatment (chemotherapy).
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have, allergies, and all other medications you are taking (including Ayurvedic and vitamins).
- The main side effect of this medication is constipation. If you are unable to go to the toilet for more than 3 days, inform your doctor immediately.
- If you develop symptoms of an allergic reaction, intestinal obstruction, or serotonin syndrome, consider it an emergency and seek medical advice.
- This medicine is given in a hospital or clinic and is not a medicine for home use.
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