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Compare Sancuso vs. Emend

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

Key takeaways

Sancuso (granisetron) and Emend (aprepitant) are both used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, but they have some key differences. Sancuso is a transdermal patch that works by blocking serotonin, while Emend is an oral medication that blocks NK1 receptors in the brain. Sancuso is applied to the skin 1-2 days before chemotherapy and can be worn for up to 7 days, making it a good option for those who prefer not to take pills. On the other hand, Emend is taken by mouth for the first three days of each chemotherapy cycle and is available in both capsule and oral solution forms. Emend is also available as a lower-cost generic, whereas Sancuso can be very expensive. Additionally, Emend has many drug interactions, while Sancuso has specific precautions related to heat and sunlight exposure. Both medications have their own set of side effects, with Sancuso potentially causing severe constipation and skin reactions, and Emend commonly causing tiredness and diarrhea.

  • Sancuso (granisetron)
    Emend (aprepitant)
  • Sancuso (granisetron)
    Emend (aprepitant)

  • Summary of Sancuso vs. Emend

    Summary for Antiemetic
    Prescription only

    Sancuso, the brand name for the granisetron patch, is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. This antiemetic medication is approved for adults only. You typically apply a patch to the skin on the upper outer arm 1 to 2 days before chemotherapy. The patch slowly releases your dose over several days. The most common side effect of Sancuso (granisetron) is constipation.

    Summary for NK1 receptor antagonist
    Prescription only

    Emend (aprepitant) is a medication that's used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by certain anti-cancer medications (chemotherapy). It's usually given an hour before your chemotherapy treatment on days 1 through 3. Emend (aprepitant) is available as capsules for people 12 years and older. It's also available as an oral solution for adults who can't swallow and for younger children. Common side effects of Emend (aprepitant) include feeling tired and diarrhea.

  • Indications of Sancuso vs. Emend

    Indications for
    •Prevention of nausea and vomiting caused by cancer medications (chemotherapy)
    Indications for
    •Prevention of nausea and vomiting caused by certain chemotherapy; taken along with dexamethasone and a serotonin antagonist (e.g., ondansetron (Zofran))

  • Pros and Cons of Sancuso vs. Emend

    Pros and Const for Antiemetic
    Pros
    •Good option for people who don't like to take pills
    •Each patch prevents nausea and vomiting around the clock for up to 7 days
    •A convenient option for those on multi-day chemotherapy regimens
    •Usually well-tolerated with few side effects
    Cons
    •Only approved for adults
    •Can only wear each patch for up to 7 days, even if you still have nausea
    •Need to apply to nearly hairless skin
    •Must place on the upper outer arm, so it might be visible to others
    Pros and Const for NK1 receptor antagonist
    Pros
    •Might work well for people who didn’t see benefits with other antiemetics
    •Safe to take for children 6 months and older
    •Available as an oral solution, which is helpful for people who have trouble swallowing
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    Cons
    •Only prevents nausea and vomiting; can't treat nausea and vomiting if you already have symptoms
    •Not for long-term use (only for first 3 days of each chemotherapy cycle)
    •Many interactions with other medications, such as hormonal birth control and benzodiazepines

  • Common Side Effects of Sancuso vs. Emend

    Common Side Effects for
    •Constipation (5%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Adults

    •Tiredness (13%)
    •Diarrhea (9%)
    •Weakness (7%)
    •Indigestion (7%)
    •Belly pain (6%)
    •Hiccups (5%)

    Children between 6 months to 17 years old

    •Lower white blood cell count (13%)
    •Headache (9%)
    •Diarrhea (6%)
    •Low appetite (5%)
    •Cough (5%)
    •Tiredness (5%)
    •Dizziness (5%)
    •Lower red blood cell count (5%)

  • Warnings of Sancuso vs. Emend

    Common Side Effects for
    •Digestion problems
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Skin reactions
    •Possible side effects with heat and sun exposure to the patch
    Common Side Effects for
    •Interactions with other medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Sancuso vs. Emend

    Learn more about Sancuso
    Learn more about Emend

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