Uses
What is Sustol used for?
Sustol (granisetron) is commonly used to prevent nausea and vomiting that can happen when using medicines for cancer.
Sustol may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Sustol work (mechanism of action)?
Sustol blocks a specific receptor in the gut (intestines) and brain called 5-HT3 that normally causes nausea when your body is exposed to certain substances, such as chemotherapy. By blocking this receptor, Sustol reduces nausea and vomiting caused by anticancer medicines.
How is Sustol supplied (dosage forms)?
Sustol is available as a 10 mg/0.4 mL extended-release injection that is injected under the skin.
How should I store Sustol?
Sustol will be stored and administered by a healthcare provider.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Sustol?
The most common side effects of Sustol are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Injection site reactions (see below)
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Feeling unusually weak or tired
- Stomach pain or upset stomach
- Acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD)
- Trouble sleeping
There may be other side effects of Sustol that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Sustol?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Sustol are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Sustol may cause allergic reactions, which can occur up to 7 days or longer after using Sustol. Stop using Sustol and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Severe Constipation. Some people using Sustol have had severe constipation. Some needed to go to the hospital. Stop using Sustol and get help right away if you have severe constipation.
Serotonin Syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is when there is too much of a substance called serotonin in your body. Sustol can cause serotonin syndrome when it is used alone or with other medicines that affect serotonin. This condition can be life-threatening. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of serotonin syndrome.
- Sweating, fever, or flushing
- Confusion
- Feeling agitated or restless
- Seeing or hearing unusual things
- Dizziness
- Fast or racing heartbeat
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Muscle twitching, stiffness, or tremor
- Seizures
Injection Site Reactions. Pain, swelling, bruising, or bleeding can occur on and under the skin where Sustol is injected. Swelling caused by blood collecting under the skin, infections, and bruising can happen 2 weeks or more after you get this medicine. Some reactions can be serious, and you may need medical care. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these signs of a serious injection site reaction.
- Pain that happens with or without touching the injection site, especially if it bothers you enough that you need pain medicine or you have trouble working or performing daily tasks
- Bruising, swelling with blood underneath, or a bump that does not go away
- Redness or warmth at the injection site, which could be an infection
- Fever
- Bleeding from the injection site that is more than a few drops or lasts more than a day
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Sustol?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Sustol.
- Granisetron
- Sustol
- Any other medicine known as a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, which commonly have “setron” in their name
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Sustol.
Kidney Problems. Sustol should not be used if your kidneys are not working as well as they should be. If there is a concern about the health of your kidneys, your healthcare provider may do tests to determine if they are working well enough to take this medicine.
What should I know about Sustol before using it?
Your healthcare provider will store and give you the medicine.
Get medical care right away for any signs of infection at the injection site or bleeding at the site that is severe or lasts more than 1 day. Bleeding is more likely if you are taking a blood thinner.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have new or worsening constipation, and seek immediate medical care if you have severe pain or swelling in your stomach area. These can be signs of ileus, which is a blockage in your intestinal system.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Sustol?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Sustol is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Other Medicines and Supplements. Sustol may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Sustol, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Abdominal Surgery. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had recent surgery on your gut (stomach or intestines). In this case, as Sustol prevents nausea and vomiting, it may be more difficult to determine if you are having complications from your surgery, such as any blockage, for example.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Sustol could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Sustol passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Sustol while breastfeeding.
How can I get more information about Sustol?
For more information about Sustol, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.herontx.com/product-portfolio/sustol or call them at 844-HERON11 (844-437-6611).
Interactions
Does Sustol interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Sustol and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Sustol.
Does Sustol interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Sustol.
- A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which is a medicine commonly used for anxiety and depression
- A serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), which is a medicine commonly used for anxiety and depression
- A type of medicine called a triptan, such as sumatriptan (Imitrex and others), eletriptan (Relpax), and others, which is commonly used to treat migraines
- A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease
- A blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots
- An antiplatelet medicine, such as clopidogrel (Plavix), ticagrelor (Brilinta), dipyridamole/aspirin, or cilostazol
- An opioid, such as oxycodone, morphine, codeine, tramadol, or fentanyl, which is a medicine used for certain types of pain
- Lithium, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions
- Mirtazapine (Remeron, Remeron Soltab), which is a medicine commonly used for depression
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Sustol. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Sustol?
If you or someone else has used too much Sustol, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Sustol?
Sustol is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. Your healthcare provider will make sure you are receiving Sustol as scheduled.
If you miss an appointment to get your Sustol dose, you will have a higher risk of nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you did not receive your Sustol dose when scheduled.
Are you currently using Sustol (granisetron)?
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