Granisetron Transdermal

Conditions Treated

Granisetron transdermal patches are used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. Granisetron is in a class of medications called 5HT3 inhibitors. It works by stopping the release of a certain natural substance (serotonin) from the stomach and intestine and by preventing it from acting on the part of the brain that controls nausea and vomiting.

Possible Side Effects

What Side Effects Can This Cause?

Transdermal granisetron may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• constipation
• headache
• skin redness after you remove the patch (Call the doctor if it lasts longer than 3 days.)

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• rash, redness, bumps, blisters, or itching of the skin under or around the patch
• hives
• tightness of the throat
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• hoarseness

Transdermal granisetron may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Usage Instructions

How Should This Medication Be Used

Transdermal granisetron comes as a patch to apply to the skin. It is usually applied 24 to 48 hours before chemotherapy begins. The patch should be left in place for at least 24 hours after chemotherapy is finished, but should not be worn continuously for longer than a total of 7 days. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Apply transdermal granisetron exactly as directed. Do not apply more patches or apply the patches more often than prescribed by your doctor. You should apply the granisetron patch to the outer area of your upper arm. Be sure that the skin in the area where you plan to apply the patch is clean, dry, and healthy. Do not apply the patch to skin that is red, dry or peeling, irritated, or oily. Also do not apply the patch to skin that you have recently shaved or treated with creams, powders, lotions, oils, or other skin products. After you apply your granisetron patch, you should wear it all the time until you are scheduled to remove it. You may bathe or shower normally while you are wearing the patch, but you should not soak the patch in water for long periods of time. Avoid swimming, strenuous exercise, and using saunas or whirlpools while you are wearing the patch. If your patch loosens before it is time to remove it, you may apply medical adhesive tape or surgical bandages around the edges of the patch to keep it in place. Do not cover the entire patch with bandages or tape, and do not wrap bandages or tape all the way around your arm. Call your doctor if your patch comes more than half-way off or if it becomes damaged. To apply the patch, follow these steps:

Take the foil pouch out of the carton. Tear open the foil pouch at the slit and and remove the patch. Each patch is stuck onto a thin plastic liner and a seperate rigid plastic film. Do not open the pouch in advance, because you must apply the patch as soon as you remove it from the pouch. Do not try to cut the patch into pieces.

Peel the thin plastic liner off of the printed side of the patch. Throw the liner away.

Bend the patch in the middle so that you can remove one piece of the plastic film from the sticky side of the patch. Be careful not to stick the patch to itself or to touch the sticky part of the patch with your fingers.

Hold the part of the patch that is still covered with the plastic film, and apply the sticky side to your skin.

Bend the patch back and remove the second piece of plastic film. Press the entire patch firmly in place and smooth it down with your fingers. Be sure to press firmly, especially around the edges.

Wash your hands right away.

When it is time to remove the patch, peel it off gently. Fold it in half so that it sticks to itself and throw it away in a garbage can that is out of the reach of children and pets. The patch cannot be reused.

If there is any sticky residue on your skin, wash it away gently with soap and water. Do not use alcohol or dissolving liquids such as nail polish remover.

Wash your hands after you handle the patch.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

What Dietary Instructions Should I Follow

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Are There Any Special Instructions

Before using transdermal granisetron, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to granisetron, any other medications, any other skin patches, or medical adhesive tape or dressings. you should know that granisetron is also available as tablets and a solution (liquid) to be taken orally and as an injection. These products are sold under the brand name Kytril. Do not take granisetron tablets or solution or receive granisetron injection while you are wearing a granisetron patch because you may receive too much granisetron. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention ketoconazole (Nizoral) and phenobarbital. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. tell your doctor if you have stomach pain or swelling, or if you develop these symptoms during your treatment with transdermal granisetron. plan to protect the granisetron patch and the skin around it from real and artificial sunlight (tanning beds, sunlamps). Keep the patch covered with clothing if you need to be exposed to sunlight during your treatment. You should also protect the area on your skin where the patch was applied from sunlight for 10 days after you remove the patch.