Sancuso 3.1 mg/24 hour transdermal patch

Generic name:
Granisetron - transdermal

Pronunciation
(gra-NIS-e-tron)

Brand name(s)
Sancuso

This medication is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer drug treatment (chemotherapy). It works by blocking one of the body's natural substances (serotonin) that can cause vomiting.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. Follow all instructions for how to properly apply and use the patch. Do not cut the patch into smaller sizes. Do not use the patch if it appears broken, cut, or damaged. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Apply this medication to the skin as directed by your doctor, usually 1 to 2 days (24 to 48 hours) before your chemotherapy treatment. Do not open the sealed pouch until you are ready to use the patch. Open the pouch and remove the patch from the protective liner. Apply the patch as directed to a clean and dry area on the outside part of your upper arm. Do not apply the patch to recently shaved or oily/red/irritated/broken areas of skin or to areas where you have applied skin products such as creams or lotions. You can bathe and shower with the patch on. Wash your hands with soap and water after each application. Do not apply a heating pad or other heat to the patch area since this may increase the risk of side effects.

Wear the patch during your chemotherapy treatment until at least 24 hours after you finish treatment. Do not wear the patch for more than 7 days in a row. Consult your doctor for more details on how long you should wear your patch.

If the patch does not stick well, apply medical tape or surgical bandages to the edges of the patch to keep the patch in place. Do not completely cover the patch.

When it is time to remove the patch, peel it off gently. Fold it in half with the sticky sides together, and discard in the trash away from children and pets. Do not reuse the patch. Wash the application site and your hands with soap and water. The application site may have some mild redness, which should go away within 3 days. Contact your doctor if the redness continues after 3 days.

Use this medication exactly as directed to get the most benefit from it. Do not use more medication than prescribed. Tell your doctor if nausea occurs with your chemotherapy treatment.

Constipation may occur. If this effect lasts or gets worse, tell your doctor promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• stomach/abdominal pain or swelling

This medication may increase serotonin and rarely cause a very serious condition called serotonin syndrome/toxicity. The risk increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin, so tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take (see Drug Interactions section). Get medical help right away if you develop some of the following symptoms:

• fast heartbeat
• hallucinations
• loss of coordination
• severe dizziness
• severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea
• twitching muscles
• unexplained fever
• unusual agitation/restlessness

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using granisetron, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• stomach/intestinal problems (such as ileus, swelling)

This medication may be affected by sunlight or may make the application site more sensitive to sunlight. While wearing the patch, keep it covered (such as under clothing) to avoid exposing it to sunlight and sunlamps. Avoid tanning booths. After removing the patch, keep the application site covered for another 10 days. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.

If you are going to have an MRI test, tell testing personnel that you are using this patch. Some patches may contain metals that can cause serious burns during an MRI. Ask your doctor whether you will need to remove your patch before the test and apply a new patch afterward, and how to do so properly.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

A product that may interact with this drug is:

• apomorphine

The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin. Examples include street drugs such as MDMA/"ecstasy," St. John's wort, certain antidepressants (including SSRIs such as fluoxetine/paroxetine, SNRIs such as duloxetine/venlafaxine), among others. The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity may be more likely when you start or increase the dose of these drugs.

This medication patch may be harmful if chewed or swallowed. If someone has overdosed, remove the patch if possible. For serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.

Do not share this medication with others.

Tell your doctor if you miss your dose or did not use your dose at the correct time before your scheduled chemotherapy appointment. Your treatment may need to be rescheduled.

Store the patch at room temperature away from heat. Do not open the pouch until you are ready to use the patch. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.