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Kytril® (granisetron)

What is it? 

This medicine can stop you from feeling or being sick, and is especially useful when you need to have medical treatment that may cause you to feel or be sick

Kytril is used to stop you from feeling or being sick after a surgical operation or after certain types of treatment, for example, chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

 

Before you take it 

If you answer YES to any of the following questions, tell your doctor or nurse BEFORE you are given your medicine. You may need to be given another medicine instead:

  • Are you allergic to Kytril or any related drugs (other 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, such as ondansetron)?
  • Has a doctor told you that your bowels do not work properly?
  • Do you have any pain in your abdomen (tummy) or does your abdomen feel distended or swollen?
  • Are you pregnant or do you think you may be?
  • Are you breast-feeding?
  • Do you have severe constipation?

You should not be given this medicine if you are pregnant or are breast-feeding unless your doctor has specifically recommended it.

 

How to take it? 

Kytril is usually given before the medication or surgical operation that is likely to make you feel sick, although it can be given afterwards to stop any sickness you may be having. The usual dosages are:

In adults, 1-3 milligrams (mg) before the medication or operation. The dose may also be given after the medication or operation to stop sickness.

In children, 20 microgram for each kilogram (kg) of body weight to prevent or treat sickness associated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

The same dose may be repeated after treatment to stop sickness. No more than two additional doses should be given within 24 hours. Since you will be given the injection by a doctor or nurse, it is unlikely that you will be given too much or that you will miss a dose. However, if you are worried talk to your doctor or nurse.

 

Possible side effects 

Like any medicine, Kytril can cause unwanted effects, but most of these are not serious. Some patients may experience headache or constipation. Occasionally, allergic reactions also occur. Tell your doctor if you get a rash or start to itch.

You should tell your doctor straight away if you become short of breath or get a swollen face. These reactions are rare but need urgent medical treatment. If you are having blood tests, tell your doctor you have been given Kytril because it sometimes causes changes in tests of liver function.

If you think your medicine may be causing any other problems, or you are at all worried, talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

 

Storing it 

  • Kytril Ampoules should be stored below 30 degrees centigrade away from light until they are given to you.
  • The ampoules should not have been frozen.
  • There is an expiry date on the label, and the doctor or nurse will check that this date has not been passed.

 

Further information 

For answers to specific healthcare questions or concerns, Roche recommends consulting your physician or professional healthcare provider.