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Anzemet Coupon - Anzemet 50mg tablet

Anzemet

dolasetron
Used for Nausea
Used for Nausea

Anzemet (dolasetron) is a medication used to prevent nausea and vomiting due to cancer medications (chemotherapy). It's used for adults and children 2 years and older. This medication is taken by mouth within 1 hour before chemotherapy.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on November 14, 2022
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostAlternativesLatest newsImagesPricesMedicare
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What is Anzemet (dolasetron)?

What is Anzemet (dolasetron) used for?

  • Prevention of nausea and vomiting due to cancer medications (chemotherapy)

How Anzemet (dolasetron) works

Anzemet (dolasetron) is an antiemetic medication. It works by blocking the actions of serotonin in the part of your brain that causes nausea and vomiting. This helps you feel less nauseous and less of an urge to vomit.

Are you looking for information on ondansetron (Zofran) or palonosetron instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsAnzemet
Drug ClassAntiemetic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Anzemet (dolasetron)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Headache (18-23%)
  • Fatigue (3-6%)

Other Side Effects

  • Changes in heart rate (faster or slower)
  • Dizziness
  • Chills
  • Diarrhea
  • Indigestion
  • Pain

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Abnormal heart rhythm: chest pounding, short of breath, chest pain, feeling faint or lightheaded
  • Serotonin syndrome: fast heart rate, dizziness, sweating, flushing, tremor (shakiness), muscle stiffness, muscle twitching or spasms, uncoordinated movement, distress, seizures, distress, hallucinations, coma
  • Serious allergic reactions: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Chest pain or discomfort

lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

slow or irregular heartbeat

unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

Chills

decrease in the amount of urine

fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse

fever

Rare

Agitation

black, tarry stools

bleeding gums

bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet

blood in the urine or stools

blurred vision

burning while urinating

changes in skin color

confusion

cough

delirium

depression

diarrhea

difficult or labored breathing

difficult or painful urination

difficulty with swallowing

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

feeling of warmth

feeling uncoordinated

frequent urination

hallucinations

headache

hives or welts, itching, or skin rash

increased volume of pale, dilute urine

irritability

lethargy

muscle twitching

nausea

noisy breathing

numbness and tingling of the face, fingers, or toes

pain in the arms, legs, or lower back, especially pain in the calves or heels upon exertion

pain, tenderness, or swelling of the foot or leg

pale skin

pale, bluish-colored, or cold hands or feet

pinpoint red or purple spots on the skin

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

rapid weight gain

red skin

rigid muscles

seizures

sweating

swelling of the face, ankles, or hands

tightness in the chest

tingling of the hands or feet

tremor

troubled breathing with exertion

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual weight gain or loss

vomiting

weak or absent pulses in the legs

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Belching

heartburn

indigestion

pain

stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

Rare

Abnormal dreams

bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste

bloating

bloody nose

change in taste

changes in vision

continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears

darkened urine

difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)

difficulty seeing at night

difficulty with moving

feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

feeling of unreality

hearing loss

increased sensitivity of the eyes to sunlight

increased sweating

joint pain

loss of appetite

muscle aching or cramping

muscle pain or stiffness

pain or burning sensation at the injection site

pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back

redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest

sensation of spinning

sense of detachment from self or body

shakiness and unsteady walk

shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet

swollen joints

unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination

weight loss

yellow eyes or skin

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Anzemet (dolasetron)

thumbs-up

Pros

Works well to prevent nausea and vomiting

Can use in children as young as 2 years old

Can use safely in people with liver or kidney problems

thumbs-down

Cons

Available as a brand name only, which can be expensive

Not the best choice for people with heart rhythm problems

Can interact with certain medications, like antidepressants and migraine medications

No longer available as an injection for people who might have trouble swallowing or keeping things down

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Anzemet (dolasetron)

pharmacist

  • Make sure you understand when you're supposed to take Anzemet (dolasetron) to get the most out of the medication to prevent nausea or vomiting. Take Anzemet (dolasetron) 1 hour before your chemotherapy.

    • Take Anzemet (dolasetron) with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole. Don't crush or chew the tablets.

      • Anzemet (dolasetron) can make you feel tired and dizzy. Don't drive until you know how this medication affects you.

        • Anzemet (dolasetron) can interact with many other medications, such as certain antidepressants, migraine medications called triptans, and some medications that affect your heart rhythm. Make sure to tell your provider about all the medications you take before starting Anzemet (dolasetron). Also, don't start any new medications while taking Anzemet (dolasetron) without talking to your provider first.

          faqs

          Frequently asked questions about Anzemet (dolasetron)

          How well does Anzemet (dolasetron) work?
          In two studies looking at how well the medication works, 61% to 73% of people taking 100 mg of Anzemet (dolasetron) before receiving chemotherapy had a complete response to Anzemet (dolasetron). This meant that they didn't experience any vomiting and didn't need any rescue medications for vomiting.
          Can Anzemet (dolasetron) be used for preventing nausea and vomiting from other things besides chemotherapy?
          Anzemet (dolasetron) is FDA approved to prevent nausea and vomiting only from certain chemotherapy. But some healthcare providers commonly use Anzemet (dolasetron) and other similar medications for preventing nausea and vomiting from other things as well, such as surgery. Discuss with your provider if using Anzemet (dolasetron) is an option to prevent nausea and vomiting for your particular situation.
          Is there an injection form of Anzemet (dolasetron) available in case I can't swallow the tablets?
          No. The injection form of Anzemet (dolasetron) is no longer available because it had a high risk of a severe, and even deadly, heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation. If you're having trouble swallowing the Anzemet (dolasetron) tablets or having trouble keeping the tablets down, let your provider know. They can prescribe you a different medication such as ondansetron (Zofran), which is available in several formulations that might be easier to take.
          How does Anzemet (dolasetron) differ from ondansetron (Zofran)?
          Anzemet (dolasetron) and ondansetron (Zofran) are similar medications that both work well to prevent nausea and vomiting from certain chemotherapy treatments. One major difference is that Anzemet (dolasetron) is only available as a tablet, whereas ondansetron (Zofran) is available in many forms: a tablet that's taken by mouth, a tablet that's dissolved under the tongue, an oral liquid, and an injection. Another difference is that Anzemet (dolasetron) is only available as a brand-name medication that can be expensive, whereas ondansetron (Zofran) is available as a lower-cost, generic form.
          Can I take Anzemet (dolasetron) if I'm pregnant?
          There haven't been enough studies looking at how Anzemet (dolasetron) affects pregnant females or their unborn babies, so it's not known if it's safe to use during pregnancy. If you're pregnant or thinking of getting pregnant, talk to your provider about the risks and benefits of using Anzemet (dolasetron). In addition, this medication isn't FDA approved to help with pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting, so talk to your provider about your options to relieve morning sickness.
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          What are the risks and warnings for Anzemet (dolasetron)?

          Anzemet (dolasetron) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

          risk-warning

          Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm

          • Risk factors: Low blood potassium or magnesium levels | Older age | Kidney problems | History of heart problems, slow heart rate, or other abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) | Personal or family history of long QT syndrome | Taking other medications that cause QT prolongation

            Anzemet (dolasetron) can affect your heart rhythm, which can be serious and life-threatening. One example includes lengthening the time period from when the heart pumps and then relaxes. This is known as QT prolongation. Your risk for QT prolongation is higher if you have certain factors, including abnormal electrolyte levels, heart rhythm problems, or are taking other medications that cause heart rhythm problems, such as amiodarone (Pacerone) and ciprofloxacin (Cipro), among others.

            To lower your risk, your provider will periodically monitor your heart and perform electrocardiograms (EKGs) to make sure your heart rhythm is normal. If you feel your chest pounding, have shortness of breath, have chest pain, or feel faint or lightheaded while taking Anzemet (dolasetron), call 911 right away.

            risk-warning

            Serotonin syndrome

            • Risk factors: Taking other medications that raise serotonin levels in your brain

              Some people taking Anzemet (dolasetron) have developed a rare, but potentially life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome. This condition happens where there's too much serotonin in the brain. Your risk for serotonin syndrome goes up if you use Anzemet (dolasetron) with other medications that can raise your serotonin levels, such as certain antidepressants, mental health medications, pain medications, and migraine medications.

              Let your provider know about all the medications you take before starting Anzemet (dolasetron). Also, don't start any new medications without talking to your provider first. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include fast heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, fever, and confusion. Get medical help right away if you have any of these symptoms.

              risk-warning

              Severe allergic reactions

              Some people have experienced a severe allergic reaction to Anzemet (dolasetron). These reactions can be life-threatening and include facial swelling, hives, and anaphylaxis (e.g., closing of the throat). If you notice dizziness, fast heartbeat, a choking sensation, difficulty breathing, swelling around your eyes, swelling of the lips or tongue, or any signs of a severe skin reaction after taking Anzemet (dolasetron), get medical attention right away.

              dosage

              Anzemet (dolasetron) dosage forms

              The average cost for 30 tablets of 50mg of Anzemet (dolasetron) is $855.92 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 22.89% off the average retail price of $1109.95.
              tablet
              Tablet
              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
              50mg30 tablets$855.92$28.53

              Typical dosing for Anzemet (dolasetron)

              Each tablet contains 50 mg of dolasetron.

              • Age 17 years and older: The typical dose is 100 mg by mouth within 1 hour before chemotherapy.

              • Age 2 to 16 years: The dose depends on your child's body weight. The typical dose is 1.8 mg/kg of body weight (and up to 100 mg) by mouth within 1 hour before chemotherapy.

              interactions

              Interactions between Anzemet (dolasetron) and other drugs

              Anzemet (dolasetron) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Anzemet (dolasetron). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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              How much does Anzemet (dolasetron) cost?

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              alternatives

              What are alternatives to Anzemet (dolasetron)?

              There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Anzemet (dolasetron). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
              Anzemet (dolasetron)
              Used for:

              • Prevention of nausea and vomiting due to cancer medications (chemotherapy)

              $855.92 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Palonosetron
              Used for:

              • Prevention of nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy in adults and children 1 month of age and older

              • Prevention of nausea and vomiting (for up to 24 hours) after surgery in adults

              $39.55 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Ondansetron (Zofran)
              Used for:
              $11.66 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
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