What is Sancuso: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Sancuso overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Sancuso

Generic Names:

  • Sancuso

Uses:

  • Prevents nausea and vomiting caused by cancer treatment.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antiemetic

Forms:

  • Patch

How it’s taken:

  • Absorbed through the skin

What is Sancuso used for?

What form(s) does Sancuso come in

  • Patch

What are common Sancuso doses?

  • Box 1 Patch

Common Sancuso prescriptions

  • Sancuso
    1 patch box

How to take Sancuso

  • After removing a used patch, fold the patch in half with the sticky sides together. Make sure to dispose of it out of the reach of children and pets.

  • Transdermal routeStore the patches at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Transdermal routeYour 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.

  • Transdermal routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after applying a patch.

  • Transdermal routeLeave 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, almost hairless, intact healthy skin on the outside of your upper arm. Do not put the patch over red, damaged, or irritated skin.

  • If the patch does not stick well, use medical tape around the edges to keep it in place. Do not cover the patch completely. If the patch comes more than halfway off or becomes damaged, call your doctor for instructions.

  • Cover the area with clothing while you wear the patch and for 10 days after you remove it.

  • Remove the patch by peeling it off from the skin gently.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Transdermal routeLeave 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.

  • After removing a used patch, fold the patch in half with the sticky sides together. Make sure to dispose of it out of the reach of children and pets.

  • Transdermal routeStore the patches at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Transdermal routeYour 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.

  • Apply the patch to clean, dry, almost hairless, intact healthy skin on the outside of your upper arm. Do not put the patch over red, damaged, or irritated skin.

  • Remove the patch by peeling it off from the skin gently.

  • If the patch does not stick well, use medical tape around the edges to keep it in place. Do not cover the patch completely. If the patch comes more than halfway off or becomes damaged, call your doctor for instructions.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Transdermal routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after applying a patch.

  • Cover the area with clothing while you wear the patch and for 10 days after you remove it.

What to do if you miss a dose of Sancuso

Sancuso contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to granisetron.

Sancuso warnings

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have stomach or bowel problems (including a history of stomach surgery). Tell your doctor if you had an allergic reaction to medical adhesive tape, adhesive dressings, or other skin patches.

  • This medicine may the following problems:Stomach or bowel problemSerotonin syndrome, when used with certain medicinesSerious skin reactions

  • Do not use a heating pad or heat lamp on the area where you wear the patch. Avoid exposing the patch to sunlight or sunlamps.

  • Avoid swimming, strenuous exercise, or using a sauna or whirlpool while you are wearing the patch.

Sancuso interactions

  • Do not take other medicines containing granisetron while you are using Sancuso®.

  • Some medicines can affect how granisetron works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Fentanyl, lithium, tramadolMAO inhibitor (including methylene blue injection)Medicine to treat depression (including mirtazapine, SNRIs, SSRIs)

  • Avoid putting the patch on areas that have been treated with other skin products (including creams, oils, lotions, powders).

  • Avoid swimming, strenuous exercise, or using a sauna or whirlpool while you are wearing the patch.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Sancuso side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Pain, redness, itching, blistering, or rash where the patch is applied

  • Severe constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, pain or swelling in your stomach

  • Anxiety, restlessness, fast heartbeat, fever, sweating, muscle spasms, seeing or hearing things that are not there

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Mild redness or itching where the patch is applied