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Overview: Sancuso is used to reduce your chances of nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy. It works in your gut and brain to reduce feelings of nausea. Common side effects may include headache or constipation. Serious side effects are less likely, but may include a condition called serotonin syndrome. Contact your health care provider right away if you feel confused, anxious, or restless. Sancuso is available as a patch that is applied to your skin.

Uses

What is Sancuso used for?

Sancuso (granisetron) is commonly used to prevent nausea and vomiting that can happen when using medicines for cancer.

Sancuso may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Sancuso work (mechanism of action)?

Sancuso blocks a specific receptor in the gut (intestines) and brain called 5-HT3 that normally causes nausea when your body is exposed to certain substances, such as chemotherapy. By blocking this receptor, Sancuso reduces nausea and vomiting caused by anticancer medicines.

How is Sancuso supplied (dosage forms)?

Sancuso is available as a 3.1 mg/24 hours patch that is applied to the skin.

How should I store Sancuso?

Sancuso should be stored in the original packaging at room temperature between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Sancuso?

The most common side effects of Sancuso are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Constipation
  • Headache

There may be other side effects of Sancuso that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Sancuso?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Sancuso are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Sancuso may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Sancuso and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Skin Reactions. Your skin may become red and itchy, and you may get blisters, bumps, or a rash where the patch was applied. Sometimes, you may get skin reactions at other places on your body. Remove the patch and tell your health care provider right away if you have severe skin reactions where the patch was applied or if you get a rash or red and itchy skin in other places on your body.

Serotonin Syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is when there is too much of a substance called serotonin in your body. Sancuso can cause serotonin syndrome when it is taken alone or with other medicines that affect serotonin. This condition can be life-threatening. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of serotonin syndrome.

  • Sweating, fever, or flushing
  • Confusion
  • Feeling agitated or restless
  • Seeing or hearing unusual things
  • Dizziness
  • Fast or racing heartbeat
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Muscle twitching, stiffness, or tremor
  • Seizures

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Sancuso?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Sancuso.

  • Sancuso
  • Granisetron
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Sancuso.

What should I know about Sancuso before using it?

Do not use Sancuso unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share Sancuso with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Sancuso out of the reach of children.

Sancuso contains the medicine granisetron. Do not use other granisetron-containing products with Sancuso.

Tell your health care provider if you have new or worsening constipation, and seek immediate medical care if you have severe pain or swelling in your stomach area. These can be signs of ileus, which is a blockage in your intestinal system.

Do not apply heat to the site of the patch on your skin. Avoid a heating pad or heat lamp, for example. Avoid exposure of your body to heat for a long period of time, such as when sitting in a sauna or in the sun (or tanning bed), for example. Such heating can make Sancuso enter your blood faster, resulting in more side effects.

If you are going to be exposed to direct sunlight or a sunlamp/tanning bed, cover the patch with clothing and try to keep the area cool. Continue to protect the skin area from such light for 10 days after removing the patch. If the site of the patch (either during use, or after removal) is exposed to this intense UV light, the medicine may not work as well, and you may be at a higher risk of skin reactions. 

Make sure you read the instructions for use before applying Sancuso. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Sancuso?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Sancuso is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Sancuso may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Sancuso, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Abdominal Surgery. Tell your health care provider if you have had recent surgery on your gut (stomach or intestines). In this case, as Sancuso prevents nausea and vomiting, it may be harder to know if you are having complications from your surgery, such as any blockage, for example.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Sancuso could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Sancuso passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Sancuso while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Sancuso?

For more information about Sancuso, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.sancuso.com or call them at 877-484-2700.

Interactions

Does Sancuso interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Sancuso and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Sancuso.

Does Sancuso interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Sancuso.

  • A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which is a medicine commonly used for anxiety and depression
  • A serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), which is a medicine commonly used for anxiety and depression
  • A type of medicine called a triptan, such as sumatriptan (Imitrex and others), eletriptan (Relpax), and others, which is commonly used to treat migraines
  • A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease
  • An opioid, such as oxycodone, morphine, codeine, tramadol, or fentanyl, which is a medicine used for certain types of pain
  • Lithium, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions
  • Mirtazapine (Remeron, Remeron Soltab), which is a medicine commonly used for depression

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Sancuso. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Sancuso?

If you or someone else has used too much Sancuso, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Sancuso?

Sancuso should be applied between 24 and 48 hours before your scheduled chemotherapy treatment. If you miss this time frame, let your health care provider know right away, so they can decide if your chemotherapy timing needs to be changed.