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.
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.
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.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Call your doctor if you forget to apply your patch at least 24 hours before you are scheduled to begin your chemotherapy.
constipation
headache
skin redness after you remove the patch (Call the doctor if it lasts longer than 3 days.)
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].
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
If someone applies too many granisetron patches, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
headache
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Last Revised - 04/01/2009
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.