Medications and Drugs
Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
GENERIC NAME: granisetron transdermal system (patch)
BRAND NAME: Sancuso
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Sancuso is granisetron delivered via a
transdermal patch system for the prevention of
nausea and
vomiting resulting
from chemotherapy for cancer. Other formulations of granisetron (for
example, Kytril)
are administered by mouth or injection. Certain chemotherapeutic agents used for
treating cancer stimulate the release of a neurotransmitter called serotonin
from nerves in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that nerves use to
communicate with one another. Released serotonin binds to other nerves in an
area of the brain called the chemoreceptor trigger zone, causing nausea and
vomiting. Granisetron, the active ingredient in Sancuso, prevents serotonin from
binding to nerves in the chemoreceptor trigger zone thereby preventing nausea
and vomiting. The FDA approved Sancuso in September 2008.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: No
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Transdermal patch delivering 3.1 mg/24 h
STORAGE: Sancuso should be store in the original package at 15-30 C
(59-86 F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Granisetron patches are used for prevention of nausea
and vomiting in patients receiving five consecutive days of chemotherapy that is
associated with nausea and vomiting.
DOSING: A single patch is applied to clean, dry, intact healthy skin
on the upper outer arm 24-48 hours before chemotherapy is begun and not removed
until at least 24 hours after completion of chemotherapy. The patch may be worn
for up to seven days. It should not be applied on skin that is red, irritated,
or damaged because of concerns about increasing inflammation and increased
absorption of drug. Each patch is packed in a pouch and should be applied
immediately after the pouch has been opened. The patch should not be cut into
pieces.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interaction studies have not been conducted
with granisetron. Granisetron is broken down in the body by cytochrome P-450
liver enzymes. Drugs that increase or decrease the activity of cytochrome P-450
liver enzymes may affect the levels of granisetron in the body.
PREGNANCY: There are no adequate studies of granisetron use in
pregnant women. It should only be used during
pregnancy if its need outweighs
the unknown risks.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not know whether granisetron is excreted in
breast milk. Nursing mothers should consider not
breastfeeding.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most common adverse effects of granisetron are
constipation and headache. Other adverse effects include anxiety, dizziness,
diarrhea, abdominal pain, and chest pain. Allergic reactions may occur rarely.
Application site reactions (redness, bumps, rashes, blisters) may occur. The
patch must be removed if serious skin reactions or generalized skin reactions
occur. Light exposure (sunlight, sun lamps, tanning beds) may reduce the effect
of granisetron, and granisetron may cause light sensitivity. To avoid light
exposure, the application site should be covered with clothing during therapy
and for 10 days after the patch is removed. Granisetron may mask the symptoms of
certain gastrointestinal conditions, for example, gastroparesis or ileus
(paralysis of the muscles of the stomach and small intestine, respectively) by
reducing the nausea and vomiting that are their primary symptoms.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 12/10/2008
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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