GRANISETRON - TRANSDERMAL
Common Brand Name(s): Sancuso
Phonetic Pronunciation: (gra-NIS-e-tron)
Information last revised May 2010
What does GRANISETRON - TRANSDERMAL look like?

Sancuso 3.1 mg/24 hour Transderm Patch
Uses:
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.
Missed Dose
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.
How To Use
Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by 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, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Apply this medication to the skin, usually 1 to 2 days (24 to 48 hours) before your chemotherapy treatment or as directed by your doctor. 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. 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.
Drug Interactions
Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. This drug should not be used with the following medication because a very serious interaction may occur: apomorphine. If you are currently using the medication listed above, tell you doctor or pharmacist before starting granisetron. Before using this medication, tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
Overdose
This medication may be harmful if swallowed. If overdose or swallowing is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Precautions
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. 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 breast-feeding.
Storage
Store the patch at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) in the original sealed pouch away from heat. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not open the pouch until you are ready to use the patch. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines 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 for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Side Effects
Constipation may occur. If this effect persists or worsens, tell your doctor promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she 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 immediately if this unlikely but serious side effect occurs: stomach/abdominal pain or swelling. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention 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. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
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.
The information contained in the First DataBank databases is intended to supplement the knowledge of physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals regarding drug therapy problems and patient counselling information. This information is advisory only and is not intended to replace sound clinical judgment in the delivery of healthcare services. First DataBank disclaims all warranties, whether expressed or implied, including any warranty as to the quality, accuracy, and suitability of this information for any purpose.
Copyright 2010 First DataBank, Inc.