Sancuso

Generic name: Granisetron (transdermal)
Drug class: 5HT3 receptor antagonists

Usage of Sancuso

Sancuso blocks the actions of chemicals in the body that may cause nausea and vomiting.

Sancuso skin patches are used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy.

Sancuso may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Sancuso side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic Reaction to Sancuso: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Remove the skin patch and call your doctor at once if you have:

pain or swelling in your stomach; or

severe redness, itching, swelling, or other irritation where the patch is worn; or

high levels of serotonin in the body - agitation, hallucinations, fever, fast heart rate, overactive reflexes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, fainting.

Common Sancuso side effects may include:

constipation;

headache; or

mild skin irritation where the patch was worn.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Sancuso

You should not use Sancuso if you are allergic to granisetron.

To make sure Sancuso is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

a stomach or intestinal disorder;

if you have recently had stomach or intestinal surgery; or

if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any type of medicated skin patch.

Sancuso is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether granisetron passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Relate drugs

How to use Sancuso

Usual Adult Dose for Nausea/Vomiting -- Sancuso transdermal system: Apply a single patch to the upper outer arm a minimum of 24 hours before chemotherapy. The patch may be applied up to a maximum of 48 hours before chemotherapy as appropriate. Remove the patch a minimum of 24 hours after completion of chemotherapy. The patch can be worn for up to 7 days Depending on the duration of the chemotherapy regimen. Sancuso transdermal system is a 52 cm2 patch containing 34.3 mg of granisetron. The patch releases 3.1 mg of granisetron per 24 hours for up to 7 days. The transdermal system (patch) should be applied to clean, dry, intact healthy skin on the upper outer arm. Sancuso patches should not be placed on skin that is red, irritated or damaged. Each patch is packed in a pouch and should be applied directly after the pouch has been opened. The patch should not be cut into pieces.

Warnings

Before using Sancuso, tell your doctor if you have a stomach or intestinal disorder, if you have recently had stomach or intestinal surgery, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any type of medicated skin patch. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use Sancuso.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Avoid exposing the skin patch or your upper arm to sunlight, sunlamps, or tanning beds. Natural or artificial sunlight can cause a skin reaction where the Sancuso skin patch is worn. This effect may last for up to 10 days after the patch is removed. Wear protective clothing over your arms while you are wearing the skin patch and for at least 10 days after you remove a patch. Do not use Sancuso during a time when you are not having chemotherapy, unless your doctor has told you to.

What other drugs will affect Sancuso

Using Sancuso while you are using certain other medicines can cause high levels of serotonin to build up in your body, a condition called "serotonin syndrome," which can be fatal. Tell your doctor if you also use:

lithium;

ritonavir;

St. John's wort;

an antidepressant;

migraine headache medicine;

a narcotic (opioid) medication or muscle relaxer; or

other anti-nausea medications.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with granisetron, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide. Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Sancuso.

Disclaimer

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