Type of medicine: 5-HT3 receptor antagonist; antiemetic (antinausea)
Generic and brand names: granisetron, transdermal; Sancuso
This medicine is given to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Put a single patch on your upper arm 24 to 48 hours before chemotherapy. Remove the patch 24 hours after you finish chemotherapy. You may wear the patch for up to 7 days.
Wash your hands before using this medicine. Apply the patch as soon as it is removed from the protective pouch. Put the sticky side of the patch on clean, dry skin on the outside of your upper arm. Choose a spot with no redness or irritation. Do not cut the patch. Make sure all the edges of the patch are firmly attached. Wash your hands after handling a patch.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.
Sunlight or sunlamps may make the medicine in the patch less effective. While you are wearing the patch, cover the patch with protective clothing when you need to be outdoors, and for 10 days after you take it off. Do not use a sunlamp.
If you have a severe rash or itching, gently peel off the patch and contact your healthcare provider.
If you need emergency care, surgery, dental work, or tests, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine. The patch may need to be removed before certain tests or procedures such as MRIs.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Pounding or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, pain or swelling in the abdomen.
Other: Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, fever, mild rash or itching.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store the patch at room temperature. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
