Granisetron Patches

What is this medication?

GRANISETRON (gra NI se tron) prevents nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy. It works by blocking substances in your body that may cause nausea and vomiting. It belongs to a class of medications called antiemetics.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Sancuso

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Liver disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to granisetron, ondansetron, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for external use only. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Apply the patch to an area of the upper, outer arm that is clean and dry. Avoid injured, irritated, calloused, or scarred areas. Use a different site each time to prevent skin irritation. Do not cut or trim the patch. One patch can last for up to 7 days. Do not use your medication more often than directed. Do not stop using except on the advice of your care team.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss your dose. Notify your care team if you are not able to apply the patch 24 to 48 hours before starting chemotherapy.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Certain medications for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole
• Cisapride
• Dronedarone
• Pimozide
• Thioridazine

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Certain medications for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• Fentanyl
• Linezolid
• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• Methylene blue (injected into a vein)
• Other medications that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm) like dofetilide, ziprasidone
• Phenobarbital
• Tramadol

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored after taking this medication.

The patch can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep the area of your skin where the patch is applied out of the sun. Cover the patch with clothing if you cannot keep out of the sun. Continue to keep the area covered and out of the sun for 10 days after removing the patch. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Bowel blockage—stomach cramping, unable to have a bowel movement or pass gas, loss of appetite, vomiting
• Irritability, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle stiffness, twitching muscles, sweating, high fever, seizure, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, which may be signs of serotonin syndrome

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Stomach pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (56 and 86 degrees F). Keep in the original container. Throw away any unused patches after the expiration date.

Dispose of used patches properly. Since used patches may still contain active medication, fold the patch in half so that it sticks to itself prior to disposal.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.