Did the doctor tell you to start chemotherapy? Or are you getting ready for a major surgery? Vomiting and nausea are very common at times like these. But only the person who experiences it knows the discomfort it causes. So today we are talking about a special medicine that doctors use to control this discomfort.
What is Granisetron?
Simply put, Granisetron is a shot that is given to you to prevent vomiting and nausea that you may experience during cancer treatment or after surgery. You may be familiar with it under the brand name Kytril.
This belongs to a class of drugs called antiemetics. Our bodies have chemicals that send signals to the brain to cause vomiting and nausea. Think of it like a messenger. What this Granisetron injection does is stop that messenger in its tracks. That is, it stops those chemicals from working. Then your brain doesn't get the signal to "vomit," and you feel relief.
Things you need to tell your doctor before giving this vaccine
Before deciding to give you this medicine, your doctor will need to know your complete health history. Therefore, if you have any of the following, be sure to tell your doctor.
- Liver disease: If you have any liver disease.
- Allergies: You must tell us if you have any allergies to Granisetron, another anti-vomiting medicine called ondansetron, or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or are expecting to become pregnant soon.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a breastfeeding mother.
It is very important for your own safety to talk to the doctor without hiding this information.
How do you use this medicine?
This is not a medicine you can take home. It is only given in a hospital or clinic. A trained doctor or nurse will give it to you either as an injection into a vein or through a saline infusion.
This medicine is also given to children over the age of 2 in some special cases. But it is done very carefully and under medical supervision.
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 you have taken too much of this medicine, you should inform the medical staff immediately. Alternatively, you can call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . In an emergency, it is best to go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other medications that may interact with Granisetron
Some medications can cause problems when taken with Granisetron, so it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements).
| Type of medicine | Examples and notes |
|---|---|
| Medicines that should never be taken with Granisetron | |
| Antifungals | Some antifungals such as fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole. |
| Other medications | Cisapride, Dronedarone, Pimozide, Thioridazine |
| Other medicines that may interact with Granisetron | |
| Medication for depression | Medications given for conditions such as depression and anxiety. |
| Some painkillers | Fentanyl, Tramadol |
| MAOIs | These are an old type of medication given for mental illness. (Example: Carbex, Marplan) |
| Medications that affect heart rate | Medications that prolong the QT interval (e.g. dofetilide, ziprasidone) |
| Other | Linezolid, Methylene blue (as an injection), Phenobarbital |
Remember, this list is not complete. So tell your doctor about everything you use. Also, be sure to tell him if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs.
Possible side effects of taking this medicine
Like any medicine, Granisetron can have side effects. Some are serious, while others are common. The most important thing is to tell your doctor if you notice anything unusual.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor/nurse immediately | |
| Severe allergic reactions | Skin rash, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Changes in heart rate | Feeling like your heart is beating fast or irregularly, dizziness, fainting, chest pain. |
| Symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome | Restlessness, confusion, muscle stiffness or twitching, excessive sweating, high fever, chills, vomiting, diarrhea. This is a dangerous condition. |
| Side effects that are usually not dangerous, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Constipation | Difficulty going to the toilet. |
| Headache | Common headache. |
| Stomach pain | Abdominal pain. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, please inform your doctor about them as well.
Take-Home Message
- Granisetron is a very effective injection used to control vomiting and nausea caused by cancer treatment (chemotherapy) or surgery.
- This is not a medicine you can take home. It is a medicine that is only given in a hospital or clinic under the supervision of a doctor.
- Be sure to give your doctor truthful information about any other illnesses you have, all medications you take, and any allergies you have.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any unusual heartbeat, severe allergic symptoms (skin rash, swelling), or muscle stiffness.
- If you have any questions, concerns, or doubts about this medication, don't be afraid to discuss it with your doctor.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න