Granisetron is used to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy.
Apply Granisetron patch on your skin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not apply more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Do not apply the patch on broken skin. Do not cut the patch. The release pattern of the medicine will be affected if you cut the patch. Do not use it for a longer period than instructed by your doctor.
Instructions for application:
- Remove the patch from the protective foil pouch and peel away half of the liner. Do not touch the sticky side with your fingers.
- Apply the patch to a clean, dry, and hairless area. Apply the patch on your upper arm or abdomen. Do not apply on broken or reddened skin.
- Peel away the other half of the liner. Press and hold firmly on the skin to ensure that the patch stays in place.
- If the sides of the patch lift up, use plaster or bandage to secure it to your skin. If the patch falls off, apply a new patch to the same or new area of the skin and remove the patch based on the scheduled time.
- Avoid exposing the application site to direct light or artificial light (e.g. sunlamp, tanning bed) and direct heat (e.g. heating pad or lamp), if exposure cannot be avoided, cover the patch with clothing while it is applied and for 10 days after removal.
- Throw away the used patch by folding the sticky sides together, put it back in the empty pouch, and place it in a rubbish bin. Do not throw it into the toilet bowl. Wash your hands after throwing the used patch.
The patch must be worn for at least 1 day after your chemotherapy or can be worn for up to 7 days as decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the duration of your chemotherapy regimen.
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose to make up for a missed dose.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease
- congenital long QT syndrome (an inherited disease causing abnormally fast and erratic heartbeats)
- electrolyte imbalance (imbalance of essential minerals in the body) e.g. low potassium or magnesium level in the blood
- blocked bowel
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of constipation, allergic reactions, and serotonin syndrome (drug reaction that results from excessive serotonin levels in the body) may also be needed.
Granisetron may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, tiredness, weakness, decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping and application site reactions (e.g. rash, pain, redness, irritation).
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs and symptoms of allergic reaction e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- signs and symptoms of heart problem e.g. chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular or abnormal heartbeat
- agitation, confusion, hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent), fever, fast heartbeat, excessive sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms
- pain or difficulty in passing stool, severe constipation
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines to treat depression e.g. fluoxetine, venlafaxine, mirtazapine
- strong painkillers e.g. fentanyl, tramadol
- lithium (medicine for mood disorders)
- phenobarbital (medicine for epilepsy [fits or seizures])
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Granisetron.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Keep the patches in their original package to protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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