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Compare Sancuso vs. Reglan

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

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.

  • Sancuso (granisetron)
    Metoclopramide (Reglan)
  • Sancuso (granisetron)
    Metoclopramide (Reglan)

  • Summary of Sancuso vs. Reglan

    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 Dopamine antagonist
    Prescription only

    Metoclopramide (Reglan) is FDA-approved to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), as well as gastroparesis in people with diabetes. Providers might also prescribe it off-label for morning sickness during pregnancy and nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. But metoclopramide (Reglan) isn’t a first-choice medication for these conditions because it has a black box warning for a serious side effect called tardive dyskinesia. Metoclopramide (Reglan) can interact with some commonly prescribed medications, such as risperidone (Risperdal) and quetiapine (Seroquel).

  • Indications of Sancuso vs. Reglan

    Indications for
    •Prevention of nausea and vomiting caused by cancer medications (chemotherapy)
    Indications for
    •Delayed stomach-emptying caused by diabetes (diabetic gastroparesis)
    •Severe acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD) when other medications haven’t worked

  • Pros and Cons of Sancuso vs. Reglan

    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 Dopamine antagonist
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Available in many forms including tablet, fast-melting tablet, liquid, nasal spray, and injection
    •Typically starts to work in 30 minutes to 1 hour
    •A possible option during pregnancy
    Cons
    •Shouldn’t be used in children or for more than 12 weeks because of a higher risk of serious side effects
    •Needs to be taken multiple times a day
    •Interacts with a lot of medications such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, and opioids
    •Can't be used if you have Parkinson's disease, seizures, or stomach blockages or bleeds

  • Common Side Effects of Sancuso vs. Reglan

    Common Side Effects for
    •Constipation (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Restlessness (10%)
    •Drowsiness (10%)
    •Lack of energy (10%)
    •Tiredness (10%)

  • Warnings of Sancuso vs. Reglan

    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
    •Difficulty controlling muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia)
    •Other conditions with uncontrolled muscle movements (dystonia, Parkinsonian symptoms, and restlessness)
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
    •Depression and suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •High blood pressure
    •Swelling in arms, legs, or around the belly
    •High prolactin levels

  • Prices with our coupons for Sancuso vs. Reglan

    Learn more about Sancuso
    Learn more about Metoclopramide

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