Sancuso, for nausea, anyone?

Libby1223

I just finished my 2nd AC treatment and I'm praying that I can find something that works better for nausea before my 3rd treatment.  I have heard people discussing sancuso patches and just wondering if anyone has tried them and how well they work?  I alternate Zofran and Compazine every 4 hours right now, but all they do is keep me from vomiting.  I'm really hoping I can find something that works better.  If my provider allows me to get the patch, it sounds like I need it 24 hours before chemo, so I would need to call and speak to him before chemo day to get it started.  I'd love to hear any opinions or personal stories.  Thanks!

Kris103

Mine's been a lifesaver. I don't know if I would be able to get through this course of chemo without it. I actually put it on during pre-meds, and that seems to work fine. There are a few downsides, but they're manageable. One is that the darn thing doesn't actually stay stuck to your arm. I've had to tape down the edges, and often re-tape them. A hassle, but not that big of a deal compared to the nausea. I complained to the company about it the first time I used it, and they sent a replacement to my MO's for me. Not in time to do any good for that round, but still.

The other problem that I have is that it doesn't last long enough. By the time the patch is done (it's supposed to be 7 days, but my first one only lasted 5), I've still got a few more days to go until the nausea stops (I tend to go 9 days total). My MO is ok with taking off the first and slapping on another one until I've reached the end. On my worst days, I do get a bit of breakthrough nausea, but a Compazine takes care of that pretty quickly.

Be sure to get whatever preapprovals through your MO and insurance as soon as you can, as the thing is ridiculously expensive without insurance coverage.

Hope that helps!

WinningSoFar

I used the patch when I was taken off Emend (due to trial protocol) and it was  very effective.  Expensive as hell though. 

SA8PG

I am on dose dense (every 2 weeks, AC first 4, then Taxol last 4).  AC and Taxol.  I have used the patch for every treatment so far, just finished 5 out of 8.

I have not needed to take anything else for nausea.  I completely agree that you have to tape the sides down or it does come off sooner.  I wear mine for the full 7 days.   If your insurance will cover it, definitely look into using it.   

I hope this helps.

God Bless

Libby1223

Thanks for the responses.  I will definitely ask my doctor about it.

DoggieBytes

I finished up dose dense A/C a couple of weeks ago, I was given a free sample of the sancuso patch. Tried it but it didn't help me at all.  It didn't stick well at all (as mentioned) and be careful to not get it wet.  Chemo nurses said it helps some patients not others.  If it doesn't help I found that for me Ativan and oral steroids did the trick.  Ativan is an anti depressant but it helps with nausea too. I hated the steroids, but for me the break through vomiting and nausea were pretty rough and Zofran did not work for me either.  I hope the sancuso patch works for you if it doesn't you may need to ask your Onc for other drugs until you find what works for you.

Libby1223

Doggie bytes, how often did you use Ativan and what dose?  He gave it to me last time, but I didn't use it much.  Wasn't sure how much and how often to take it.  I took 0.25mg, but probably should have used more because it didn't help much.  I also take Zofran and compazine every 4 hours.  The nausea is horrible!

knmtwins

There is a co-pay coupon http://www.sancuso.com/patient/copay/loyaltyRX.php  Mind you, I don't pay $20, I think I am paying about $85, with the coupon.  I never thought to call to complain about it not staying on, would have been nice to get a free one, but last chemo is Wed.  I also have phenergan suppository, I haven't used it though, and Reglan I'm on HCT-P, so haven't actually thrown up.  I now do the patch, if still bad, zofran, if contiues, reglan.  Also have horrible reflux so 20mg protonix in the morning and 40mg protonix in the evening.  This actually works.  The nausea...  keeps me able to eat, but still can't stand smells.

DoggieBytes

Hi Libby,

Yes the nausea and vomiting were horrible with A/C, but it got better as we figured out how to manage it better.

I took the Ativan as needed, 1 to 2 tablets.  0.5 MG each.   My Onc said to take as soon as I started feeling a bit sick to my stomach.  He said don't wait for it to get worse.  It also helped me get some sleep.

Doses 6 hours apart.

Keeping something on my stomach, like just saltine crackers with a little slice of mild cheese helped me too.

I know everyone is different as to what they can tolerate taste wise during A/C but something that really helped me was creamy coconut frozen bars "Outshine" brand.  If you like coconut it coats the tummy and has healthy medium chain fats and electrolytes too.  It was like heaven, cooled my mouth, made me feel hydrated and settled the icky stomach.

I hope some of these tips help you.

((Hugs))