Granisetron (Absorbed through the skin)

Introduction

Granisetron (gra-NIS-e-tron)

Prevents nausea and vomiting that may be caused by cancer treatment (chemotherapy).

Brand Name(s)

Sancuso

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

How to Use This Medicine

Patch

• Your doctor will tell you how many patches to use, where to apply them, and how often to apply them. Do not use more patches or apply them more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying a patch.
• Wash the area of the skin where you will apply the patch gently with soap and warm water. Rinse completely and dry with a clean dry towel.
• Leave the patch in its sealed wrapper until you are ready to put it on. Tear the wrapper open carefully. NEVER CUT the wrapper or the patch with scissors. Do not use any patch that has been cut by accident.
• Apply the patch to clean, dry, and intact skin. Avoid putting the patch on areas where it could be rubbed off by tight clothing.
• Do not put the patch over burns, cuts, or irritated skin.
• Do not expose the patch to direct sunlight or sunlamps. This could destroy the medicine in the patch. If you will be exposed to direct sunlight or sunlamps, cover your skin with clothing where you have the patch. Keep the clothing on this area while you are wearing it and for 10 days after you remove it.
• Put on a new patch if the old one has fallen off and cannot be reapplied.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Store the patches at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Fold the used patch in half with the sticky sides together. Throw any used patch away so that children or pets cannot get to it. You will also need to throw away old patches after the expiration date has passed.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have stomach or bowel problems (slow moving).
• Check with your doctor right away if you start to have pain or swelling in your stomach area. These may be signs of a serious stomach or intestinal problem.
• Serious skin reactions may occur while using the patch. Remove the patch and check with your doctor right away if you have a skin rash, itching, redness, or any skin irritation while you are wearing the patch.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Chest pain.
• Lightheadedness or fainting.
• Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat.
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
• Severe nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, or stomach pain.
• Skin rash, itching, redness, or irritation.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088