sancuso

Important safety information

Progressive Ileus and Gastric Distention : Granisetron may mask a progressive ileus and/or gastric distention; consider before use in patients with abdominal surgery. Monitor for decreased bowel activity, particularly in patients with risk factors for gastrointestinal obstruction. ( 5.1 ) Serotonin Syndrome : Serotonin syndrome has been reported with 5-HT 3 receptor antagonists alone but particularly with concomitant use of serotonergic drugs. If such symptoms occur, discontinue SANCUSO and initiate supportive treatment. If concomitant use of SANCUSO with other serotonergic drugs is clinically warranted, patients should be aware of a potential increased risk of serotonin syndrome. ( 5.2 , 7.1 ) Skin Reactions : Mild application site reactions have occurred; remove SANCUSO transdermal system if severe reactions or a generalized skin reaction occur. ( 5.3 ) Increased Drug Exposure with Use of External Heat Sources: Avoid exposing SANCUSO transdermal system and surrounding area to direct external heat sources, such as heating pads ( 5.4 ). Phototoxicity with Ultraviolet Light Exposure : Avoid direct exposure of application site to natural or artificial sunlight, including sunlamps, by covering with clothing throughout the period of wear and for 10 days after removal. ( 5.5 ) 5.1 Progressive Ileus and Gastric Distention SANCUSO may mask a progressive ileus and/or gastric distention. This should be particularly considered before use of SANCUSO in patients who have had recent abdominal surgery. Monitor for decreased bowel activity, particularly in patients with risk factors for gastrointestinal obstruction. 5.2 Serotonin Syndrome The development of serotonin syndrome has been reported with 5-HT 3 receptor antagonists. Most reports have been associated with concomitant use of serotonergic drugs (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors, mirtazapine, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, and intravenous methylene blue). Some of the reported cases were fatal. Serotonin syndrome occurring with overdose of another 5-HT 3 receptor antagonist alone has also been reported. The majority of reports of serotonin syndrome related to 5-HT 3 receptor antagonist use occurred in a post-anesthesia care unit or an infusion center. Symptoms associated with serotonin syndrome may include the following combination of signs and symptoms: mental status changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations, delirium, and coma), autonomic instability (e.g., tachycardia, labile blood pressure, dizziness, diaphoresis, flushing, hyperthermia), neuromuscular symptoms (e.g., tremor, rigidity, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, incoordination), seizures, with or without gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). Patients should be monitored for the emergence of serotonin syndrome, especially with concomitant use of SANCUSO and other serotonergic drugs. If symptoms of serotonin syndrome occur, discontinue SANCUSO and initiate supportive treatment. Patients should be informed of the increased risk of serotonin syndrome, especially if SANCUSO is used concomitantly with other serotonergic drugs. [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )]. 5.3 Skin Reactions In clinical trials with SANCUSO, application site reactions were reported that were generally mild in intensity and did not lead to discontinuation of use. The incidence of reactions was comparable with placebo. If severe reactions, or a generalized skin reaction occur (e.g., allergic rash, including erythematous, macular, papular rash or pruritus), remove the SANCUSO transdermal system. 5.4 Increased Drug Exposure with Use of External Heat Sources Prolonged exposure to heat results in increasing plasma concentrations of granisetron during the period of heat exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Do not apply a heat pad or heat lamp over or in the vicinity of the SANCUSO transdermal system and avoid extended exposure to heat [see Dosage and Administration ( 2 )]. 5.5 Phototoxicity with Ultraviolet Light Exposure Granisetron may be affected by direct natural or artificial sunlight, including sunlamps. An in vitro study using Chinese hamster ovary cells suggests that granisetron has the potential for photogenotoxicity [see Nonclinical Toxicology ( 13.3 )] . To avoid a potential skin reaction, advise patients to cover the application site of the transdermal system with clothing if there is a risk of exposure to direct natural or artificial sunlight throughout the period of wear and for 10 days following its removal.