One of the biggest challenges for someone undergoing cancer treatment, whether it's chemotherapy or radiation therapy, is nausea and vomiting. This condition of not being able to eat or drink and feeling weak can be very distressing, isn't it? Granisetron is a very effective drug that doctors often recommend to control this discomfort. Today, we'll talk about this drug in a very simple way, including how to use it and what to be careful about.
What is Granisetron?
Simply put, Granisetron is a medicine that is given to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by your cancer treatment, which is chemotherapy or radiation therapy . It works by blocking the signals that your brain and intestines send to make you feel sick. So this medicine can help you feel a little better during your treatment.
This medicine may come under brand names like `Granisol` or `Kytril`. However, your doctor may prescribe it under the generic name `Granisetron`. Sometimes this medicine is also prescribed for nausea caused by other causes, and your doctor will explain this to you.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before starting Granisetron, it is very important to give your doctor a complete account of your health, especially these things:
- If you have any liver disease.
- If you have had an allergic reaction to Granisetron, Ondansetron (another medicine for nausea), or any other medicine, food, dyes, or preservatives .
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
- If you have an abnormal heart rhythm or if someone in your family has such a condition.
Based on this information, your doctor will decide whether this medication is right for you or whether the dosage needs to be changed.
How exactly do you use this medicine?
This medication usually comes as an oral solution, so it is important to follow these instructions.
- Measure correctly: Use the special spoon or cup that comes with the medicine to measure it. Do not measure with teaspoons or tablespoons that you have at home, as they are not very accurate. If you do not have access to such a special spoon, ask your doctor or pharmacist about it.
- Take it on time:Take the medicine at the prescribed intervals, as prescribed by your doctor. This medicine is usually given about an hour before chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
- Overdose: Never take more than the dose prescribed by your doctor. If you think you have accidentally taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
If you give this medicine to children...
This medicine requires special care when given to children. Therefore, talk to a pediatrician and use it only on his or her advice.
Remember, this medicine has been prescribed for you only . Never give your medicine to someone else, even if their symptoms are similar.
Can there be problems with other medications? (Drug Interactions)
Yes, Granisetron can interact with some other medications you are taking. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies) . Be especially careful with the medications listed below.
| Medicines that should never be taken with Granisetron | |
|---|---|
| Type of medicine | Examples |
| Antifungals | Like Fluconazole, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole |
| Medications that affect heart rhythm | Cisapride, Dronedarone, Pimozide, Thioridazine |
| If you are taking this medication, talk to your doctor. | |
| Antidepressants | Different types of antidepressants |
| Strong painkillers | Fentanyl, Tramadol |
| Other | Linezolid (an antibiotic), MAOIs, Methylene blue, Phenobarbital, other medicines that prolong the QT interval of the heart |
This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the medications you take, and if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs .
What are the possible side effects of taking the medicine?
Like any medicine, Granisetron can cause some side effects. Some are normal and go away in a few days. But some can be serious.
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| ⚫ Difficulty breathing, wheezing | ⚫ Rapid or irregular heartbeat |
| ⚫ Dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting | ⚫ Seizures |
| ⚫ Skin rash , itching | ⚫ Swelling of the face, tongue, throat, limbs |
| ⚫ Feeling of tightness in the chest | ⚫ Profuse sweating, tremors |
| ⚫ Fever and chills | ⚫ Loss of balance |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| ⚫ Constipation or diarrhea | ⚫ Headache |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
How do you store the medicine?
- Keep away from children.
- Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius).
- Protect from direct light.
- Throw away expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Granisetron is a very important medication used to control nausea and vomiting caused by cancer treatment (chemotherapy/radiation).
- Before starting the medication, be sure to tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- Use the special spoon or cup that comes with the medicine to measure the liquid. Do not use the spoons you have at home.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as difficulty breathing, changes in heart rate, seizures, or body swelling, seek medical advice immediately or go to the ETU.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
- If you have any further questions about this medicine, don't hesitate to ask your doctor.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 Granisetron (Granisetron / Sancuso, Kytril) tablets/vaccine is used for which disease?
This is not like Domperidone, which you take to stop vomiting! This is the most powerful (5-HT3 receptor antagonist / Antiemetic) anti-nausea and vomiting drug in the world. It is especially given to cancer patients (Chemotherapy/Radiation) after chemotherapy, and after major surgery, to block 100% of the severe nausea and vomiting that the patient cannot bear and the intestines/bowels come out.
💬 How does this powerful drug (Granisetron) reach our brain and stop severe vomiting?
When chemotherapy drugs, such as chemotherapy drugs, enter the body, the intestines release a large amount of a chemical called 'Serotonin (5-HT).' That chemical goes to the 'vomiting center (CTZ)' in the brain and triggers vomiting as if you were pressing a button. As soon as this drug enters the body, the 'serotonin receptors (5-HT3)' in the intestines and brain are completely blocked/locked (Serotonin blockade). Since there is no way for the message to pass, the patient does not vomit.
💬 What are the dangers that people who take this anti-vomiting medicine (Granisetron) should be aware of?
The biggest and most annoying side effect is that it slows down the bowel movement a bit, which can lead to 'severe constipation' and severe headaches. The other most deadly danger is that it can cause 'QT Prolongation / Severe arrhythmias' (especially in people with heart problems), which can change the electrical rhythm of the heart and cause abnormal/rapid heartbeats, so the doctor will often check the ECG/EKG.
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