Key takeaways
Sancuso (granisetron) and Reglan (metoclopramide) are both used to manage nausea and vomiting, but they work differently and are used for different conditions. Sancuso (granisetron) is a patch that blocks serotonin to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. It is applied to the skin and can be worn for up to 7 days. Reglan (metoclopramide), on the other hand, is an oral medication that blocks dopamine to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and diabetic gastroparesis. It is taken multiple times a day and has a black box warning for a serious side effect called tardive dyskinesia, which involves uncontrolled muscle movements. Sancuso is generally well-tolerated with few side effects, while Reglan can cause drowsiness, restlessness, and some serious side effects including seizures. Additionally, generic Reglan is available in various forms, including tablets and nasal spray, whereas Sancuso is a brand-name patch that can be very expensive.
