There is no specific treatment for granisetron hydrochloride overdosage. In case of overdosage, symptomatic treatment should be given. Overdosage of up to 38.5 mg of granisetron hydrochloride injection has been reported without symptoms or only the occurrence of a slight headache.
Granissetrom APS (granisetron) is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug or any of its components.
QT prolongation has been reported with Granissetrom APS (see PRECAUTIONS and DRUG INTERACTIONS).
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and VomitingOver 3700 patients have received Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets in clinical trials with emetogenic cancer therapies consisting primarily of cyclophosphamide or cisplatin regimens.
In patients receiving Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets 1 mg bid for 1, 7 or 14 days, or 2 mg daily for 1 day, adverse experiences reported in more than 5% of the patients with comparator and placebo incidences are listed in Table 4.
Table 4 Principal Adverse Events in Clinical Trials1
| Percent of Patients With Event | ||||
| Granissetrom APS (granisetron) 1 Tablets 1 mg twice a day (n=978) | Granissetrom APS (granisetron) 1 Tablets 2 mg once a day (n=1450) | Comparator2 (n=599) | Placebo (n=185) | |
| Headache3 | 21% | 20% | 13% | 12% |
| Constipation | 18% | 14% | 16% | 8% |
| Asthenia | 14% | 18% | 10% | 4% |
| Diarrhea | 8% | 9% | 10% | 4% |
| Abdominal pain | 6% | 4% | 6% | 3% |
| Dyspepsia | 4% | 6% | 5% | 4% |
| 1 Adverse events were recorded for 7 days when Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets were given on a single day and for up to 28 days when Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets were administered for 7 or 14 days. 2 Metoclopramide/dexamethasone; phenothiazines/dexamethasone; dexamethasone alone; prochlorperazine. |
Other adverse events reported in clinical trials were:
Gastrointestinal: In single-day dosing studies in which adverse events were collected for 7 days, nausea (20%) and vomiting (12%) were recorded as adverse events after the 24hour efficacy assessment period.
Hepatic: In comparative trials, elevation of AST and ALT ( > 2 times the upper limit of normal) following the administration of Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets occurred in 5% and 6% of patients, respectively. These frequencies were not significantly different from those seen with comparators (AST: 2%; ALT: 9%).
Cardiovascular: Hypertension (1%); hypotension, angina pectoris, atrial fibrillation, and syncope have been observed rarely.
Central Nervous System: Dizziness (5%), insomnia (5%), anxiety (2%), somnolence (1%). One case compatible with, but not diagnostic of, extrapyramidal symptoms has been reported in a patient treated with Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets.
Hypersensitivity: Rare cases of hypersensitivity reactions, sometimes severe (eg, anaphylaxis, shortness of breath, hypotension, urticaria) have been reported.
Other: Fever (5%). Events often associated with chemotherapy also have been reported: leukopenia (9%), decreased appetite (6%), anemia (4%), alopecia (3%), thrombocytopenia (2%).
Over 5000 patients have received injectable Granissetrom APS (granisetron) in clinical trials.
Table 5 gives the comparative frequencies of the five commonly reported adverse events ( ≥ 3%) in patients receiving Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Injection, 40 mcg/kg, in single-day chemotherapy trials. These patients received chemotherapy, primarily cisplatin, and intravenous fluids during the 24-hour period following Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Injection administration.
Table 5 : Principal Adverse Events in Clinical Trials — Single-Day Chemotherapy
| Percent of Patients with Event | ||
| Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Injection1 40 mcg/kg (n=1268) | Comparator2 (n=422) | |
| Headache | 14% | 6% |
| Asthenia | 5% | 6% |
| Somnolence | 4% | 15% |
| Diarrhea | 4% | 6% |
| Constipation | 3% | 3% |
| 1 Adverse events were generally recorded over 7 days post-Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Injection administration. 2 Metoclopramide/dexamethasone and phenothiazines/dexamethasone |
In the absence of a placebo group, there is uncertainty as to how many of these events should be attributed to Granissetrom APS (granisetron) , except for headache, which was clearly more frequent than in comparison groups.
Radiation-Induced Nausea and VomitingIn controlled clinical trials, the adverse events reported by patients receiving Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets and concurrent radiation were similar to those reported by patients receiving Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets prior to chemotherapy. The most frequently reported adverse events were diarrhea, asthenia, and constipation. Headache, however, was less prevalent in this patient population.
Postmarketing ExperienceQT prolongation has been reported with Granissetrom APS (see PRECAUTIONS and DRUG INTERACTIONS).
Granissetrom APS (granisetron hydrochloride) is indicated for the prevention of:
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
Radiation (Either Total Body Irradiation or Fractionated Abdominal Radiation)
The recommended adult dosage of oral Granissetrom APS (granisetron) is 2 mg once daily. Two 1 mg tablets or 10 mL of Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Oral Solution (2 teaspoonfuls, equivalent to 2 mg of granisetron) are taken within 1 hour of radiation.
Pediatric UseSafety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
Use in the ElderlyNo dosage adjustment is recommended.
HOW SUPPLIED TabletsWhite, triangular, biconvex, film-coated tablets; tablets are debossed K1 on one face.
1 mg Unit of Use 2's: NDC 0004-0241-33
1 mg Single Unit Package 20's: NDC 0004-0241-26 (intended for institutional use only)
StorageStore between 15° and 30°C (59° and 86°F). Keep container closed tightly. Protect from light.
Oral SolutionClear, orange-colored, orange-flavored, 2 mg/10 mL, in 30 mL amber glass bottles with child-resistant closures: NDC 0004-0237-09
StorageStore at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F). Keep bottle closed tightly and stored in an upright position. Protect from light.
Distributed by: Roche Laboratories Inc., 340 Kingsland Street, Nutley, New Jersey 07110-1199. Revised: September 2009.
Side Effects & Drug Interactions SIDE EFFECTSQT prolongation has been reported with Granissetrom APS (see PRECAUTIONS and DRUG INTERACTIONS).
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and VomitingOver 3700 patients have received Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets in clinical trials with emetogenic cancer therapies consisting primarily of cyclophosphamide or cisplatin regimens.
In patients receiving Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets 1 mg bid for 1, 7 or 14 days, or 2 mg daily for 1 day, adverse experiences reported in more than 5% of the patients with comparator and placebo incidences are listed in Table 4.
Table 4 Principal Adverse Events in Clinical Trials1
| Percent of Patients With Event | ||||
| Granissetrom APS (granisetron) 1 Tablets 1 mg twice a day (n=978) | Granissetrom APS (granisetron) 1 Tablets 2 mg once a day (n=1450) | Comparator2 (n=599) | Placebo (n=185) | |
| Headache3 | 21% | 20% | 13% | 12% |
| Constipation | 18% | 14% | 16% | 8% |
| Asthenia | 14% | 18% | 10% | 4% |
| Diarrhea | 8% | 9% | 10% | 4% |
| Abdominal pain | 6% | 4% | 6% | 3% |
| Dyspepsia | 4% | 6% | 5% | 4% |
| 1 Adverse events were recorded for 7 days when Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets were given on a single day and for up to 28 days when Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets were administered for 7 or 14 days. 2 Metoclopramide/dexamethasone; phenothiazines/dexamethasone; dexamethasone alone; prochlorperazine. |
Other adverse events reported in clinical trials were:
Gastrointestinal: In single-day dosing studies in which adverse events were collected for 7 days, nausea (20%) and vomiting (12%) were recorded as adverse events after the 24hour efficacy assessment period.
Hepatic: In comparative trials, elevation of AST and ALT ( > 2 times the upper limit of normal) following the administration of Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets occurred in 5% and 6% of patients, respectively. These frequencies were not significantly different from those seen with comparators (AST: 2%; ALT: 9%).
Cardiovascular: Hypertension (1%); hypotension, angina pectoris, atrial fibrillation, and syncope have been observed rarely.
Central Nervous System: Dizziness (5%), insomnia (5%), anxiety (2%), somnolence (1%). One case compatible with, but not diagnostic of, extrapyramidal symptoms has been reported in a patient treated with Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets.
Hypersensitivity: Rare cases of hypersensitivity reactions, sometimes severe (eg, anaphylaxis, shortness of breath, hypotension, urticaria) have been reported.
Other: Fever (5%). Events often associated with chemotherapy also have been reported: leukopenia (9%), decreased appetite (6%), anemia (4%), alopecia (3%), thrombocytopenia (2%).
Over 5000 patients have received injectable Granissetrom APS (granisetron) in clinical trials.
Table 5 gives the comparative frequencies of the five commonly reported adverse events ( ≥ 3%) in patients receiving Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Injection, 40 mcg/kg, in single-day chemotherapy trials. These patients received chemotherapy, primarily cisplatin, and intravenous fluids during the 24-hour period following Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Injection administration.
Table 5 : Principal Adverse Events in Clinical Trials — Single-Day Chemotherapy
| Percent of Patients with Event | ||
| Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Injection1 40 mcg/kg (n=1268) | Comparator2 (n=422) | |
| Headache | 14% | 6% |
| Asthenia | 5% | 6% |
| Somnolence | 4% | 15% |
| Diarrhea | 4% | 6% |
| Constipation | 3% | 3% |
| 1 Adverse events were generally recorded over 7 days post-Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Injection administration. 2 Metoclopramide/dexamethasone and phenothiazines/dexamethasone |
In the absence of a placebo group, there is uncertainty as to how many of these events should be attributed to Granissetrom APS (granisetron) , except for headache, which was clearly more frequent than in comparison groups.
Radiation-Induced Nausea and VomitingIn controlled clinical trials, the adverse events reported by patients receiving Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets and concurrent radiation were similar to those reported by patients receiving Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets prior to chemotherapy. The most frequently reported adverse events were diarrhea, asthenia, and constipation. Headache, however, was less prevalent in this patient population.
Postmarketing ExperienceQT prolongation has been reported with Granissetrom APS (see PRECAUTIONS and DRUG INTERACTIONS).
DRUG INTERACTIONSGranisetron does not induce or inhibit the cytochrome P-450 drug-metabolizing enzyme system in vitro. There have been no definitive drug-drug interaction studies to examine pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interaction with other drugs; however, in humans, Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Injection has been safely administered with drugs representing benzodiazepines, neuroleptics, and anti-ulcer medications commonly prescribed with antiemetic treatments. Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Injection also does not appear to interact with emetogenic cancer chemotherapies. Because granisetron is metabolized by hepatic cytochrome P-450 drug-metabolizing enzymes, inducers or inhibitors of these enzymes may change the clearance and, hence, the half-life of granisetron. No specific interaction studies have been conducted in anesthetized patients. In addition, the activity of the cytochrome P-450 subfamily 3A4 (involved in the metabolism of some of the main narcotic analgesic agents) is not modified by Granissetrom APS (granisetron) in vitro.
In in vitro human microsomal studies, ketoconazole inhibited ring oxidation of Granissetrom APS (granisetron). However, the clinical significance of in vivo pharmacokinetic interactions with ketoconazole is not known. In a human pharmacokinetic study, hepatic enzyme induction with phenobarbital resulted in a 25% increase in total plasma clearance of intravenous Granissetrom APS (granisetron). The clinical significance of this change is not known.
QT prolongation has been reported with Granissetrom APS (granisetron). Use of Granissetrom APS (granisetron) in patients concurrently treated with drugs known to prolong the QT interval and/or are arrhythmogenic, this may result in clinical consequences.
Warnings & Precautions WARNINGSNo information provided.
PRECAUTIONSGranissetrom APS (granisetron) is not a drug that stimulates gastric or intestinal peristalsis. It should not be used instead of nasogastric suction. The use of Granissetrom APS (granisetron) in patients following abdominal surgery or in patients with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting may mask a progressive ileus and/or gastric distention.
An adequate QT assessment has not been conducted, but QT prolongation has been reported with Granissetrom APS (granisetron). Therefore, Granissetrom APS (granisetron) should be used with caution in patients with pre-existing arrhythmias or cardiac conduction disorders, as this might lead to clinical consequences. Patients with cardiac disease, on cardio-toxic chemotherapy, with concomitant electrolyte abnormalities and/or on concomitant medications that prolong the QT interval are particularly at risk.
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of FertilityIn a 24-month carcinogenicity study, rats were treated orally with granisetron 1, 5 or 50 mg/kg/day (6, 30 or 300 mg/m²/day). The 50 mg/kg/day dose was reduced to 25 mg/kg/day (150 mg/m²/day) during week 59 due to toxicity. For a 50 kg person of average height (1.46 m² body surface area), these doses represent 4, 20, and 101 times the recommended clinical dose (1.48 mg/m², oral) on a body surface area basis. There was a statistically significant increase in the incidence of hepatocellular carcinomas and adenomas in males treated with 5 mg/kg/day (30 mg/m²/day, 20 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area) and above, and in females treated with 25 mg/kg/day (150 mg/m²/day, 101 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area). No increase in liver tumors was observed at a dose of 1 mg/kg/day (6 mg/m²/day, 4 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area) in males and 5 mg/kg/day (30 mg/m²/day, 20 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area) in females. In a 12-month oral toxicity study, treatment with granisetron 100 mg/kg/day (600 mg/m²/day, 405 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area) produced hepatocellular adenomas in male and female rats while no such tumors were found in the control rats. A 24-month mouse carcinogenicity study of granisetron did not show a statistically significant increase in tumor incidence, but the study was not conclusive.
Because of the tumor findings in rat studies, Granissetrom APS (granisetron hydrochloride) should be prescribed only at the dose and for the indication recommended (see INDICATIONS AND USAGE, and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
Granisetron was not mutagenic in in vitro Ames test and mouse lymphoma cell forward mutation assay, and in vivo mouse micronucleus test and in vitro and ex vivo rat hepatocyte UDS assays. It, however, produced a significant increase in UDS in HeLa cells in vitro and a significant increased incidence of cells with polyploidy in an in vitro human lymphocyte chromosomal aberration test.
Granisetron at oral doses up to 100 mg/kg/day (600 mg/m²/day, 405 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area) was found to have no effect on fertility and reproductive performance of male and female rats.
Pregnancy Teratogenic EffectsPregnancy Category B.
Reproduction studies have been performed in pregnant rats at oral doses up to 125 mg/kg/day (750 mg/m²/day, 507 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area) and pregnant rabbits at oral doses up to 32 mg/kg/day (378 mg/m²/day, 255 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area) and have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to granisetron. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Nursing MothersIt is not known whether granisetron is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when Granissetrom APS (granisetron) is administered to a nursing woman.
Pediatric UseSafety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
Geriatric UseDuring clinical trials, 325 patients 65 years of age or older received Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets; 298 were 65 to 74 years of age, and 27 were 75 years of age or older. Efficacy and safety were maintained with increasing age.
Overdosage & Contraindications OVERDOSEThere is no specific treatment for granisetron hydrochloride overdosage. In case of overdosage, symptomatic treatment should be given. Overdosage of up to 38.5 mg of granisetron hydrochloride injection has been reported without symptoms or only the occurrence of a slight headache.
CONTRAINDICATIONSGranissetrom APS (granisetron) is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug or any of its components.
Clinical Pharmacology CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGYGranisetron is a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonist with little or no affinity for other serotonin receptors, including 5-HT1; 5-HT1A; 5-HT1B/C; 5-HT2; for alpha1-, alpha2-, or beta-adrenoreceptors; for dopamine-D2; or for histamine-H1; benzodiazepine; picrotoxin or opioid receptors.
Serotonin receptors of the 5-HT3 type are located peripherally on vagal nerve terminals and centrally in the chemoreceptor trigger zone of the area postrema. During chemotherapy that induces vomiting, mucosal enterochromaffin cells release serotonin, which stimulates 5-HT3 receptors. This evokes vagal afferent discharge, inducing vomiting. Animal studies demonstrate that, in binding to 5-HT3 receptors, granisetron blocks serotonin stimulation and subsequent vomiting after emetogenic stimuli such as cisplatin. In the ferret animal model, a single granisetron injection prevented vomiting due to high-dose cisplatin or arrested vomiting within 5 to 30 seconds.
In most human studies, granisetron has had little effect on blood pressure, heart rate or ECG. No evidence of an effect on plasma prolactin or aldosterone concentrations has been found in other studies.
Following single and multiple oral doses, Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets slowed colonic transit in normal volunteers. However, Granissetrom APS (granisetron) had no effect on oro-cecal transit time in normal volunteers when given as a single intravenous (IV) infusion of 50 mcg/kg or 200 mcg/kg.
PharmacokineticsIn healthy volunteers and adult cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, administration of Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets produced mean pharmacokinetic data shown in Table 1.
Table 1 : Pharmacokinetic Parameters (Median [range]) Following Granissetrom APS Tablets (granisetron hydrochloride)
| Peak Plasma Concentration (ng/mL) | Terminal Phase Plasma Half-Life (h) | Volume of Distribution (L/kg) | Total Clearance (L/h/kg) | |
| Cancer Patients 1 mg bid, 7 days (n=27) | 5.99 [0.63 to 30.9] | N.D.1 | N.D. | 0.52 [0.09 to 7.37] |
| Volunteers single 1 mg dose (n=39) | 3.63 [0.27 to 9.14] | 6.23 [0.96 to 19.9] | 3.94 [1.89 to 39.4] | 0.41 [0.11 to 24.6] |
| 1 Not determined after oral administration; following a single intravenous dose of 40 mcg/kg, terminal phase half-life was determined to be 8.95 hours. N.D. Not determined. |
A 2 mg dose of Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Oral Solution is bioequivalent to the corresponding dose of Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets (1 mg x 2) and may be used interchangeably.
AbsorptionWhen Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets were administered with food, AUC was decreased by 5% and Cmax increased by 30% in non-fasted healthy volunteers who received a single dose of 10 mg.
DistributionPlasma protein binding is approximately 65% and granisetron distributes freely between plasma and red blood cells.
MetabolismGranisetron metabolism involves N-demethylation and aromatic ring oxidation followed by conjugation. In vitro liver microsomal studies show that granisetron's major route of metabolism is inhibited by ketoconazole, suggestive of metabolism mediated by the cytochrome P-450 3A subfamily. Animal studies suggest that some of the metabolites may also have 5-HT3 receptor antagonist activity.
EliminationClearance is predominantly by hepatic metabolism. In normal volunteers, approximately 11% of the orally administered dose is eliminated unchanged in the urine in 48 hours. The remainder of the dose is excreted as metabolites, 48% in the urine and 38% in the feces.
Subpopulations GenderThe effects of gender on the pharmacokinetics of Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets have not been studied. However, after intravenous infusion of Granissetrom APS (granisetron) , no difference in mean AUC was found between males and females, although males had a higher Cmax generally.
In elderly and pediatric patients and in patients with renal failure or hepatic impairment, the pharmacokinetics of granisetron was determined following administration of intravenous Granissetrom APS (granisetron).
ElderlyThe ranges of the pharmacokinetic parameters in elderly volunteers (mean age 71 years), given a single 40 mcg/kg intravenous dose of Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Injection, were generally similar to those in younger healthy volunteers; mean values were lower for clearance and longer for half-life in the elderly.
Renal Failure PatientsTotal clearance of granisetron was not affected in patients with severe renal failure who received a single 40 mcg/kg intravenous dose of Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Injection.
Hepatically Impaired PatientsA pharmacokinetic study with intravenous Granissetrom APS (granisetron) in patients with hepatic impairment due to neoplastic liver involvement showed that total clearance was approximately halved compared to patients without hepatic impairment. Given the wide variability in pharmacokinetic parameters noted in patients, dosage adjustment in patients with hepatic functional impairment is not necessary.
Pediatric PatientsA pharmacokinetic study in pediatric cancer patients (2 to 16 years of age), given a single 40 mcg/kg intravenous dose of Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Injection, showed that volume of distribution and total clearance increased with age. No relationship with age was observed for peak plasma concentration or terminal phase plasma half-life. When volume of distribution and total clearance are adjusted for body weight, the pharmacokinetics of granisetron are similar in pediatric and adult cancer patients.
Clinical Trials Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and VomitingGranissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets prevent nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of emetogenic cancer therapy, as shown by 24-hour efficacy data from studies using both moderately- and highly-emetogenic chemotherapy.
Moderately Emetogenic ChemotherapyThe first trial compared Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets doses of 0.25 mg to 2 mg twice a day, in 930 cancer patients receiving, principally, cyclophosphamide, carboplatin, and cisplatin (20 mg/m² to 50 mg/m²). Efficacy was based on complete response (ie, no vomiting, no moderate or severe nausea, no rescue medication), no vomiting, and no nausea. Table 2 summarizes the results of this study.
Table 2 : Prevention of Nausea and Vomiting 24 Hours PostÂChemotherapy1
| Percentages of Patients Granissetrom APS Tablet Dose | ||||
| Efficacy Measures | 0.25 mg twice a day (n=229) % | 0.5 mg twice a day (n=235) % | 1 mg twice a day (n=233) % | 2 mg twice a day (n=233) % |
| Complete Response2 | 61 | 70* | 81*† | 72* |
| No Vomiting | 66 | 77* | 88* | 79* |
| No Nausea | 48 | 57 | 63* | 54 |
| 1 Chemotherapy included oral and injectable cyclophosphamide, carboplatin, cisplatin (20 mg/m² to 50 mg/m²), dacarbazine, doxorubicin, epirubicin. 2 No vomiting, no moderate or severe nausea, no rescue medication. *Statistically significant (P < 0.01) vs. 0.25 mg bid. †Statistically significant (P < 0.01) vs. 0.5 mg bid. |
Results from a second double-blind, randomized trial evaluating Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets 2 mg once a day and Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets 1 mg twice a day were compared to prochlorperazine 10 mg twice a day derived from a historical control. At 24 hours, there was no statistically significant difference in efficacy between the two Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablet regimens. Both regimens were statistically superior to the prochlorperazine control regimen (see Table 3).
Table 3 : Prevention of Nausea and Vomiting 24 Hours PostÂChemotherapy1
| Efficacy Measures | Percentages of Patients | ||
| Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets 1 mg twice a day (n = 354) % | Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets 2 mg once a day (n = 343) % | Prochlorperazine2 10 mg twice daily (n=111) % | |
| Complete Response3 | 69* | 64* | 41 |
| No Vomiting | 82* | 77* | 48 |
| No Nausea | 51* | 53* | 35 |
| Total Control4 | 51* | 50* | 33 |
| 1 Moderately emetogenic chemotherapeutic agents included cisplatin (20 mg/m² to 50 mg/m²), oral and intravenous cyclophosphamide, carboplatin, dacarbazine, doxorubicin. 2 Historical control from a previous double-blind Granissetrom APS (granisetron) trial. 3 No vomiting, no moderate or severe nausea, no rescue medication. 4 No vomiting, no nausea, no rescue medication. *Statistically significant (P < 0.05) vs. prochlorperazine historical control. |
Results from a Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets 2 mg daily alone treatment arm in a third double-blind, randomized trial, were compared to prochlorperazine (PCPZ), 10 mg bid, derived from a historical control. The 24-hour results for Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets 2 mg daily were statistically superior to PCPZ for all efficacy parameters: complete response (58%), no vomiting (79%), no nausea (51%), total control (49%). The PCPZ rates are shown in Table 3.
Cisplatin-Based ChemotherapyThe first double-blind trial compared Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets 1 mg bid, relative to placebo (historical control), in 119 cancer patients receiving high-dose cisplatin (mean dose 80 mg/m²). At 24 hours, Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets 1 mg bid was significantly (P < 0.001) superior to placebo (historical control) in all efficacy parameters: complete response (52%), no vomiting (56%) and no nausea (45%). The placebo rates were 7%, 14%, and 7%, respectively, for the three efficacy parameters.
Results from a Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets 2 mg once a day alone treatment arm in a second double-blind, randomized trial, were compared to both Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets 1 mg twice a day and placebo historical controls. The 24-hour results for Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets 2 mg once a day were: complete response (44%), no vomiting (58%), no nausea (46%), total control (40%). The efficacy of Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets 2 mg once a day was comparable to Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets 1 mg twice a day and statistically superior to placebo. The placebo rates were 7%, 14%, 7%, and 7%, respectively, for the four parameters.
No controlled study comparing granisetron injection with the oral formulation to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting has been performed.
Radiation-Induced Nausea and Vomiting Total Body IrradiationIn a double-blind randomized study, 18 patients receiving Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets, 2 mg daily, experienced significantly greater antiemetic protection compared to patients in a historical negative control group who received conventional (non-5-HT3 antagonist) antiemetics. Total body irradiation consisted of 11 fractions of 120 cGy administered over 4 days, with three fractions on each of the first 3 days, and two fractions on the fourth day. Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets were given one hour before the first radiation fraction of each day.
Twenty-two percent (22%) of patients treated with Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets did not experience vomiting or receive rescue antiemetics over the entire 4-day dosing period, compared to 0% of patients in the historical negative control group (P < 0.01).
In addition, patients who received Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets also experienced significantly fewer emetic episodes during the first day of radiation and over the 4-day treatment period, compared to patients in the historical negative control group. The median time to the first emetic episode was 36 hours for patients who received Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets.
Fractionated Abdominal RadiationThe efficacy of Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets, 2 mg daily, was evaluated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial of 260 patients. Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets were given 1 hour before radiation, composed of up to 20 daily fractions of 180 to 300 cGy each. The exceptions were patients with seminoma or those receiving whole abdomen irradiation who initially received 150 cGy per fraction. Radiation was administered to the upper abdomen with a field size of at least 100 cm².
The proportion of patients without emesis and those without nausea for Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets, compared to placebo, was statistically significant (P < 0.0001) at 24 hours after radiation, irrespective of the radiation dose. Granissetrom APS (granisetron) was superior to placebo in patients receiving up to 10 daily fractions of radiation, but was not superior to placebo in patients receiving 20 fractions.
Patients treated with Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets (n=134) had a significantly longer time to the first episode of vomiting (35 days vs. 9 days, P < 0.001) relative to those patients who received placebo (n=126), and a significantly longer time to the first episode of nausea (11 days vs. 1 day, P < 0.001). Granissetrom APS (granisetron) provided significantly greater protection from nausea and vomiting than placebo.
No information provided.
PRECAUTIONSGranissetrom APS (granisetron) is not a drug that stimulates gastric or intestinal peristalsis. It should not be used instead of nasogastric suction. The use of Granissetrom APS (granisetron) in patients following abdominal surgery or in patients with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting may mask a progressive ileus and/or gastric distention.
An adequate QT assessment has not been conducted, but QT prolongation has been reported with Granissetrom APS (granisetron). Therefore, Granissetrom APS (granisetron) should be used with caution in patients with pre-existing arrhythmias or cardiac conduction disorders, as this might lead to clinical consequences. Patients with cardiac disease, on cardio-toxic chemotherapy, with concomitant electrolyte abnormalities and/or on concomitant medications that prolong the QT interval are particularly at risk.
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of FertilityIn a 24-month carcinogenicity study, rats were treated orally with granisetron 1, 5 or 50 mg/kg/day (6, 30 or 300 mg/m²/day). The 50 mg/kg/day dose was reduced to 25 mg/kg/day (150 mg/m²/day) during week 59 due to toxicity. For a 50 kg person of average height (1.46 m² body surface area), these doses represent 4, 20, and 101 times the recommended clinical dose (1.48 mg/m², oral) on a body surface area basis. There was a statistically significant increase in the incidence of hepatocellular carcinomas and adenomas in males treated with 5 mg/kg/day (30 mg/m²/day, 20 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area) and above, and in females treated with 25 mg/kg/day (150 mg/m²/day, 101 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area). No increase in liver tumors was observed at a dose of 1 mg/kg/day (6 mg/m²/day, 4 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area) in males and 5 mg/kg/day (30 mg/m²/day, 20 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area) in females. In a 12-month oral toxicity study, treatment with granisetron 100 mg/kg/day (600 mg/m²/day, 405 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area) produced hepatocellular adenomas in male and female rats while no such tumors were found in the control rats. A 24-month mouse carcinogenicity study of granisetron did not show a statistically significant increase in tumor incidence, but the study was not conclusive.
Because of the tumor findings in rat studies, Granissetrom APS (granisetron hydrochloride) should be prescribed only at the dose and for the indication recommended (see INDICATIONS AND USAGE, and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
Granisetron was not mutagenic in in vitro Ames test and mouse lymphoma cell forward mutation assay, and in vivo mouse micronucleus test and in vitro and ex vivo rat hepatocyte UDS assays. It, however, produced a significant increase in UDS in HeLa cells in vitro and a significant increased incidence of cells with polyploidy in an in vitro human lymphocyte chromosomal aberration test.
Granisetron at oral doses up to 100 mg/kg/day (600 mg/m²/day, 405 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area) was found to have no effect on fertility and reproductive performance of male and female rats.
Pregnancy Teratogenic EffectsPregnancy Category B.
Reproduction studies have been performed in pregnant rats at oral doses up to 125 mg/kg/day (750 mg/m²/day, 507 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area) and pregnant rabbits at oral doses up to 32 mg/kg/day (378 mg/m²/day, 255 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area) and have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to granisetron. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Nursing MothersIt is not known whether granisetron is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when Granissetrom APS (granisetron) is administered to a nursing woman.
Pediatric UseSafety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
Geriatric UseDuring clinical trials, 325 patients 65 years of age or older received Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Tablets; 298 were 65 to 74 years of age, and 27 were 75 years of age or older. Efficacy and safety were maintained with increasing age.
The recommended adult dosage of oral Granissetrom APS (granisetron hydrochloride) is 2 mg once daily or 1 mg twice daily. In the 2 mg once-daily regimen, two 1 mg tablets or 10 mL of Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Oral Solution (2 teaspoonfuls, equivalent to 2 mg of granisetron) are given up to 1 hour before chemotherapy. In the 1 mg twice-daily regimen, the first 1 mg tablet or one teaspoonful (5 mL) of Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Oral Solution is given up to 1 hour before chemotherapy, and the second tablet or second teaspoonful (5 mL) of Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Oral Solution, 12 hours after the first. Either regimen is administered only on the day(s) chemotherapy is given. Continued treatment, while not on chemotherapy, has not been found to be useful.
Use in the Elderly, Renal Failure Patients or Hepatically Impaired PatientsNo dosage adjustment is recommended (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Pharmacokinetics).
Pediatric UseSafety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
Radiation (Either Total Body Irradiation or Fractionated Abdominal Radiation)
The recommended adult dosage of oral Granissetrom APS (granisetron) is 2 mg once daily. Two 1 mg tablets or 10 mL of Granissetrom APS (granisetron) Oral Solution (2 teaspoonfuls, equivalent to 2 mg of granisetron) are taken within 1 hour of radiation.
Pediatric UseSafety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
Use in the ElderlyNo dosage adjustment is recommended.
