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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 31
Contributing Member (25+ posts)
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Contributing Member (25+ posts)

Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 31
My oncologist gave me, among the usual other anti-nauseants/anti-emetics the option of using a granisetron transdermal patch called Sancuso. They all said patients who use it swear by it but it is very expensive - with my insurance it cost around $120 for one patch which you apply the day after chemo and wear for a week.

Being a profligate spendthrift, which explains my descent into near pauperism, I grandly announced "Why not? My comfort is worth more to me than my money," and I threw down my $120 and ordered a patch. I applied it the day after my first of three cisplatin infusions and went about my business secure in the knowledge that I had the beast under control.

The next morning I was sharing my wisdom with the unsuspecting on a number of internet forums when I saw my unusually large male cat, Vince, prance by with some object sticking to his side. Could it be? Yes, it not only could be, but it actually was my $120 transdermal patch. Presumably it had fallen off and Vince, being a cat and all, thought it would be a nice thing to lay down on. I called to Vince to come over but, being of a suspicious nature, he ran off and I had to chase him throughout the house to recover the patch. Needless to say, it wouldn't stick back on me because it was covered with dust and cat hair. So I tossed it.

Fortunately, I experienced only very mild nausea anyway.

I mentioned it to the nurse at my oncologist's office and she said she thought the manufacturer would replace it. She looked into it for me and, sure enough, she was right. They had a form where I explained how it had failed to adhere and they are not only sending me a free patch but they sent me a coupon worth $100 on one patch or $150 on two!!! Since I only have two more chemo infusions and a free patch was on the way I opted for one patch for $20 ($100 off).

Has anybody else had experience with Sancuso patches?

Last edited by Liam Skye; 03-29-2014 07:48 AM.

2/2014 SCC T4aN2bM0 HPV+ Tonsil/BOT
3/3/2014 PEG and port
3/10/2014 Chemoradiation therapy begins 260 mg Cisplatin x3, 2.12 Gy rads x33
4/23/2014 Final Cisplatin infusion
4/25/2014 Final radiation treatment
7/17/2014 PET scan. Lymph nodes clear. Primary tumor reduced both size and SUV (borderline hypermetabolic) so it's inconclusive.
8/2/2014 PEG tube removed.
11/24/2014 Saw MO, RO, ENT, and Head & Neck Surg. over past 10 days - all agree no recurrence but enhanced surveillance will continue.
Joined: Jul 2012
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Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
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Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)

Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,267
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I have no experience with this, but did use the fetynal pain patch. With any transdermal dermal patch you have to careful in regards to discarding them, even after the use of it, which ingediants can still be active, harmfull, and may be obtained by pets, children, even adults, accidently, even by stepping on them. Somehow my translucent patch got stuck on my arm when discarding in the trash after putting on a new patch on my chest, meaning I received more dosage than I was usually taking. I then used the new backing to put on the old one, I could have even put in a jar like I do with my old insulin needles. I also put the date on the patch I put on. Glad your cat is ok, and you were able to get replacements. Good luck with the rest of your treatments.


10/09 T1N2bM0 Tonsil
11/09 Taxo Cisp 5-FU, 6 Months Hosp
01/11 35 IMRT 70Gy 7 Wks
06/11 30 HBO
08/11 RND PNI
06/12 SND PNI LVI
08/12 RND Pec Flap IORT 12 Gy
10/12 25 IMRT 50Gy 6 Wks Taxo Erbitux
10/13 SND
10/13 TBO/Angiograph
10/13 RND Carotid Remove IORT 10Gy PNI
12/13 25 Protons 50Gy 6 Wks Carbo
11/14 All Teeth Extract 30 HBO
03/15 Sequestromy Buccal Flap ORN
09/16 Mandibulectomy Fib Flap Sternotomy
04/17 Regraft hypergranulation Donor Site
06/17 Heart Attack Stent
02/19 Finally Cancer Free Took 10 yrs






Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 945
"Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
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"Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)

Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 945
Heavens, Liam, quite a cautionary "tail". And thanks for the remainder about correct disposal of patches and other medical waste, Paul.
Maria


CG to husband - SCC Tonsil T1N2M0 HPV+ Never Smoker
First symptoms 7/2010, DX 12/2010
TX 40 IRMT (1.8 gy) + 10 Cetuximab
PET Scans 6/2011 + 3/2012 clear, 5 year physical exam clear; chest CT's clear of cancer. On thyroid pills. Life is good.

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