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Compare Granisetron vs. Zyprexa

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Granisetron (Kytril) and olanzapine (Zyprexa) are both used to help with nausea and vomiting related to cancer treatments, but they belong to different medication classes. Granisetron is an antiemetic that works by blocking serotonin to prevent nausea and vomiting, while olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic that balances chemicals in the brain and is used off-label for nausea. Granisetron is taken orally or by injection, typically on chemotherapy or radiation days, and is available as a generic. Olanzapine is taken once daily by mouth or as an injection for other conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and it is also available as a generic. Common side effects of granisetron include headaches and constipation, while olanzapine can cause sleepiness, weight gain, and high blood sugar. Granisetron can interact with medications affecting serotonin levels, increasing the risk of serotonin syndrome, whereas olanzapine can interact with medications that cause drowsiness or affect blood pressure.

  • Granisetron
    Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
  • Granisetron
    Olanzapine (Zyprexa)

  • Summary of Granisetron vs. Zyprexa

    Summary for Antiemetic
    Prescription only

    Granisetron prevents nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy and radiation. It can cause headaches and can be more expensive than other similar medications like ondansetron (Zofran).

    Summary for Atypical antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Olanzapine (Zyprexa) is an atypical antipsychotic used treat schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. It can also treat depression, in combination with fluoxetine (Prozac), when other treatments haven't worked well. This medication is thought to work by balancing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Olanzapine (Zyprexa) is taken by mouth, typically once daily, by adults and children. Olanzapine (Zyprexa) is also available as an injection that's usually given in a hospital or clinic setting. Some of the more common side effects of olanzapine (Zyprexa) include sleep problems, dizziness, and weight gain.

  • Indications of Granisetron vs. Zyprexa

    Indications for
    •Prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with cancer medications (chemotherapy) and radiation
    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia in adults and children age 13 years and older
    •Bipolar I disorder in adults and children age 13 years and older

    When taken with fluoxetine (Prozac):

    •Bipolar depression in adults and children age 10 years and older
    •Depression that hasn't responded well to other treatments

  • Pros and Cons of Granisetron vs. Zyprexa

    Pros and Const for Antiemetic
    Pros
    •Can be taken orally or by injection
    •Safe option for older adults and people with kidney and liver problems
    •Only needs to be taken on chemotherapy and radiation days
    Cons
    •Only prevents nausea and vomiting; not as good of an option for treatment of nausea and vomiting that is already present
    •Tablets not for use in children
    •Can be more expensive than similar medications
    Pros and Const for Atypical antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Taken once daily
    •Might notice an improvement in your symptoms in as early as a week of starting olanzapine (Zyprexa)
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Can cause anticholinergic side effects, such as constipation and dry mouth
    •Can affect your sleep
    •More likely to cause weight gain, high blood cholesterol, and high blood sugar levels compared to some other atypical antipsychotics

  • Common Side Effects of Granisetron vs. Zyprexa

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (20%)
    •Weakness or lack of energy (18%)
    •Constipation (14%)
    •Diarrhea (9%)
    •Upset stomach and stomach pain (4—6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (29%)
    •Trouble sleeping (12%)
    •Accidental injury (12%)
    •Dizziness (11%)
    •Weakness (10%)
    •Dry mouth (9%)
    •Constipation (9%)
    •Upset stomach (7%)
    •Runny nose (7%)

  • Warnings of Granisetron vs. Zyprexa

    Common Side Effects for
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Heart rhythm problems
    •Digestion problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of death in older people with dementia-related psychosis
    •Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Severe allergic skin reactions
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    •Weight gain, higher blood sugar, and higher cholesterol levels
    •Difficulty controlling body movements
    •Changes in blood pressure and higher risk of falls
    •Risk of infection (from low white blood cell count)
    •Seizures
    •High prolactin levels
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Anticholinergic side effects

  • Prices with our coupons for Granisetron vs. Zyprexa

    Learn more about Granisetron
    Learn more about Olanzapine

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