Precautions and Warnings With Granisetron

There are many precautions and warnings with granisetron to be aware of, including possible side effects that may occur. Let your healthcare provider know if you have any allergies or liver disease before taking the drug. You should avoid taking granisetron altogether if you are allergic to any components of the medicine. Talking to your healthcare provider about granisetron warnings and precautions can help minimize risks.

 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Granisetron?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking granisetron hydrochloride (Kytril®) if you have:
 
  • Liver disease, including cirrhosis or liver failure
  • Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
  • Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
  • Are breastfeeding.
     
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 

Specific Precautions and Warnings With Granisetron

Warnings and precautions to be aware of prior to taking granisetron include the following:
 
  • Granisetron can interact with a few other medications (see Drug Interactions With Granisetron for more information).
     
  • If you have liver disease, your body may not metabolize granisetron as well as it should. Therefore, you may require extra monitoring by your healthcare provider and you may need to take a lower granisetron dosage. However, most people with liver problems do not need a lower granisetron dosage.
     
  • Granisetron is considered a pregnancy Category B medication. This means that it is probably safe for use during pregnancy, although the full risks are not known (see Kytril and Pregnancy).
     
  • It is not known if granisetron passes through breast milk. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding or plan to start, discuss this with your healthcare provider prior to taking the drug (see Kytril and Breastfeeding).
     
(Precautions and Warnings With Granisetron Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;