Anti-Nausea Patch Approved for Chemo Patients

THURSDAY, Sept. 18 (HealthDay News) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the first skin patch to prevent nausea and vomiting in people with cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy, Scottish maker ProStrakan Group Plc said in a news release.

The Sancuso (granisetron transdermal system) patch releases the active drug slowly into the bloodstream, providing up to five days relief from symptoms that can lead to dehydration and malnutrition, the company said.

Clinical testing involving 641 patients who were getting moderately or highly nausea-inducing chemotherapy found it worked as well as the active ingredient, granisetron, when taken in pill form. Adverse effects of the patch included constipation and mild skin reactions.

More information

To learn more about the nausea that stems from chemotherapy, visit the American Cancer Society.