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SANCUSO

Generic: granisetron

Verified·Apr 23, 2026
Manufacturer
Cumberland
NDC
66220-637
RxCUI
825003
Route
TRANSDERMAL
ICD-10 indication
R11.2

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About SANCUSO

What is this medication?

Sancuso is a prescription transdermal patch containing the active ingredient granisetron. It is used to prevent nausea and vomiting in adults who are receiving moderately or highly emetogenic chemotherapy. The patch is designed to deliver medication through the skin and directly into the bloodstream over an extended period, helping to block the signals that trigger the vomiting reflex during cancer treatments.

This medication belongs to a group of drugs called 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, which function by inhibiting serotonin from attaching to receptors that signal the brain to cause nausea. Patients typically apply the patch to their upper outer arm at least twenty-four hours before their chemotherapy session begins. It can be worn for up to seven days, providing a continuous preventive effect, although it is not meant to treat nausea or vomiting that is already occurring.

Copay & patient assistance

  • Patient Copay Amount: Not Publicly Available
  • Maximum Annual Benefit Limit: Not Publicly Available
  • Core Eligibility Restrictions: Not Publicly Available
  • RxBIN, PCN, and Group numbers: Not Publicly Available

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Prescribing information

From the FDA-approved label for SANCUSO. Official source: DailyMed (NLM) · Label effective Nov 4, 2024

Indications and usage
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE SANCUSO ® is indicated for the prevention of nausea and vomiting in adults receiving moderately and/or highly emetogenic chemotherapy regimens of up to 5 consecutive days duration. SANCUSO is a serotonin-3 (5-HT 3 ) receptor antagonist indicated for the prevention of nausea and vomiting in adults receiving moderately and/or highly emetogenic chemotherapy for up to 5 consecutive days. ( 1 )
Dosage and administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The recommended dosage is a single transdermal system applied to the upper outer arm a minimum of 24 hours, up to a maximum of 48 hours, before chemotherapy. The transdermal system should be worn at minimum, 24 hours after chemotherapy is finished. The transdermal system can be worn for up to 7 days. Application and Removal Instructions Each transdermal system releases 3.1 mg of granisetron per 24 hours for up to 7 days. Each transdermal system is packed in a pouch and should be applied directly after the pouch has been opened. Only wear one transdermal system at any time. Do not cut the transdermal system. Open the pouch and apply the transdermal system to clean, dry, nearly hairless, intact healthy skin on the upper outer arm. Do not place SANCUSO transdermal system on skin that is red, irritated, or damaged. Do not apply a heat pad or heat lamp over or in vicinity of the transdermal system and avoid extended exposure to heat [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] . 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 [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] . After the transdermal system is applied, wash hands thoroughly. Remove the transdermal system by peeling off gently from the skin. Upon removal, fold the transdermal system in half with the sticky side together, and discard in the household trash in a manner that prevents accidental contact or ingestion by children, pets or others. SANCUSO contains granisetron. Do not use other granisetron-containing products with SANCUSO. The recommended dosage is a single transdermal system applied to the upper outer arm a minimum of 24 hours, up to a maximum of 48 hours, before chemotherapy. The transdermal system should be worn at minimum, 24 hours after chemotherapy is finished. The transdermal system can be worn for up to 7 days. ( 2 )
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS SANCUSO is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to granisetron or to any of the components of the transdermal system [see Description ( 11 )] . Known hypersensitivity to granisetron or to any of the components of the transdermal system ( 4 )
Warnings and precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS 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.
Drug interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS 7.1 Serotonergic Drugs Serotonin syndrome (including altered mental status, autonomic instability, and neuromuscular symptoms) has been described following the concomitant use of 5-HT 3 receptor antagonists and other serotonergic drugs, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Monitor for the emergence of serotonin syndrome. If symptoms occur, discontinue SANCUSO and initiate supportive treatment [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] . 7.2 Concomitant Use Medications There have been no definitive drug-drug interaction studies to examine pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interaction with other drugs. However, in humans, granisetron hydrochloride injection has been safely administered with drugs representing benzodiazepines, neuroleptics and anti-ulcer medications commonly prescribed with antiemetic treatments. Granisetron hydrochloride injection also does not appear to interact with emetogenic cancer therapies. In agreement with these data, no clinically relevant drug interactions have been reported in clinical studies with SANCUSO.
Adverse reactions
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following are serious or otherwise clinically significant adverse reactions reported in other sections of labeling: Progressive ileus and gastric distention [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Serotonin syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Skin reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Increased drug exposure with use of external heat sources [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Phototoxicity with ultraviolet light exposure [se Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] The most common adverse reaction (≥ 3%) is constipation. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc. at 1-877-484-2700 (X 225) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. The safety of SANCUSO was evaluated in a total of 404 patients undergoing chemotherapy who participated in two double-blind, comparator studies with transdermal system treatment durations of up to 7 days. The control groups included a total of 406 patients who received a daily dose of 2 mg oral granisetron, for 1 to 5 days. Adverse reactions occurred in 9% (35/404) of patients receiving SANCUSO and 7% (29/406) of patients receiving oral granisetron. The most common adverse reaction was constipation that occurred in 5% of patients in the SANCUSO group and 3% of patients in the oral granisetron group. Table 1 lists the adverse reactions that occurred in at least 3% of patients treated with SANCUSO or oral granisetron. Table 1: Incidence of Adverse Reactions in Double-Blind, Active Comparator Controlled Studies in Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy (³ 3% in either group) SANCUSO Transdermal System Oral granisetron Body System N=404 N=406 Preferred Term (%) (%) Gastrointestinal disorders Constipation 5 3 Nervous system disorders Headache 1 3 5-HT 3 receptor antagonists, such as granisetron, may be associated with arrhythmias or ECG abnormalities. Three ECGs were performed on 588 patients in a randomized, parallel group, double-blind, double-dummy study: at baseline before treatment, the first day of chemotherapy, and 5 to 7 days after starting chemotherapy. QTcF prolongation greater than 450 milliseconds was seen in a total of 11 (1.9%) patients after receiving granisetron, 8 (2.7%) on oral granisetron, and 3 (1.1%) on the transdermal system. No new QTcF prolongation greater than 480 milliseconds was observed in any patient in this study. No arrhythmias were detected in this study. Adverse reactions reported in clinical trials with other formulations of granisetron include the following: Gastrointestinal: abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, elevation of ALT and AST levels, nausea and vomiting Cardiovascular: hypertension, hypotension, angina pectoris, atrial fibrillation and syncope have been observed rarely Central Nervous System: dizziness, insomnia, headache, anxiety, somnolence and asthenia Hypersensitivity: rare cases of hypersensitivity reactions, sometimes severe (e.g. anaphylaxis, shortness of breath, hypotension, urticaria) have been reported Other: fever; events often associated with chemotherapy have also been reported: leucopenia, decreased appetite, anemia, alopecia, thrombocytopenia. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of SANCUSO. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions: Application site reactions (pain, pruritus, erythema, rash, irritation, vesicles, burn, discoloration, urticaria) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] ; transdermal system non-adhesion. Cardiac Disorders : bradycardia, chest pain, palpitations, sick sinus syndrome
Use in pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available published data and postmarketing reports with granisetron use in pregnant women have not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In a published ex vivo human placental perfusion model, no transplacental passage of granisetron was detected at a concentration (5 ng/mL) that mimics the plasma concentration achieved following transdermal application of SANCUSO. In animal reproduction studies, no adverse developmental effects were observed in pregnant rats and rabbits administered granisetron hydrochloride during organogenesis at intravenous doses up to 24 times and 16 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose delivered by the SANCUSO transdermal system, based on body surface area (see Data ) . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risks of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies are 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. In animal reproduction studies, no adverse developmental effects were observed in pregnant rats and rabbits administered granisetron hydrochloride at intravenous doses up to 24 times and 16 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose delivered by the SANCUSO transdermal system, based on body surface area ( see Data ). Data Animal Data Reproduction studies with granisetron hydrochloride have been performed in pregnant rats at intravenous doses up to 9 mg/kg/day (54 mg/m 2 /day, about 24 times the recommended human dose delivered by the SANCUSO transdermal system, based on body surface area) and oral doses up to 125 mg/kg/day (750 mg/m 2 /day, about 326 times the recommended human dose with SANCUSO based on body surface area). Reproduction studies have been performed in pregnant rabbits at intravenous doses up to 3 mg/kg/day (36 mg/m 2 /day, about 16 times the human dose with SANCUSO based on body surface area) and at oral doses up to 32 mg/kg/day (384 mg/m 2 /day, about 167 times the human dose with SANCUSO based on body surface area). These studies did not reveal any harm to the fetus due to granisetron.

Label text is reproduced as-is from the FDA-approved label. We do not paraphrase, summarize, or omit. Content above is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your prescribing clinician or pharmacist before making decisions about your medication.

Conditions we've indexed resources for

Click a condition to see copay cards, grants, and PA rules specific to it. For the full list of FDA-approved indications, see Prescribing information above.

Medicare Part D coverage

How SANCUSO appears across Medicare Part D plan formularies nationally. Source: CMS monthly Prescription Drug Plan file (2026-04-30).

Covered by plans

21%

1,151 of 5,509 plans

Most common tier

Tier 5

On 86% of covering formularies

Prior authorization required

0%

of covering formularies

TierFormularies on this tierShare
Tier 1 (preferred generic)3
14%
Tier 5 (specialty)18
86%

Step therapy: 14% of formularies

Quantity limits: 38% of formularies

Coverage breadth: 21 of 65 formularies

How to read this:plans on the same formulary share tier + PA rules. Your specific plan's copay depends on (a) the tier above, (b) your plan's cost-share for that tier, (c) whether you're in the initial coverage phase or past the 2026 $2,000 out-of-pocket cap. For your exact plan, check its Summary of Benefits or log in to your Medicare.gov account. Copay cards don't apply to Medicare (federal law).

Prior authorization & coverage

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Medicare Part D

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How this page is sourced

  • Drug identity verified against openFDA NDC Directory.
  • Label text (when shown) originates from NLM DailyMed.
  • Copay and assistance URLs verified periodically; if you hit a broken link, tell us.