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Sancuso vs. Zyprexa

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

Key takeaways

Sancuso (granisetron) and Zyprexa (olanzapine) are both prescription medications, but they serve different purposes and belong to different drug classes. Sancuso (granisetron) is an antiemetic used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, and it comes in the form of a transdermal patch. On the other hand, Zyprexa (olanzapine) is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and certain types of depression, and it is available in oral and injectable forms. While Sancuso (granisetron) works by blocking serotonin to prevent nausea, Zyprexa (olanzapine) is thought to balance chemicals like dopamine and serotonin in the brain to control mood and behavior. Sancuso (granisetron) is typically applied to the skin and can be worn for up to 7 days, whereas Zyprexa (olanzapine) tablets are usually taken once daily by mouth. Additionally, Zyprexa (olanzapine) has a generic form available, making it a lower-cost option, while Sancuso (granisetron) can be very expensive. Common side effects of Zyprexa (olanzapine) include sleepiness and weight gain, whereas Sancuso (granisetron) is generally well-tolerated but can cause skin reactions and constipation.

Sancuso

(granisetron)

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Olanzapine

(Zyprexa)

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Summary for Sancuso

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.

Indications for Sancuso

  • Prevention of nausea and vomiting caused by cancer medications (chemotherapy)

Pros and Cons for Sancuso

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

Common Side Effects for Sancuso

  • Constipation (5%)

Warnings for Sancuso

  • Digestion problems
  • Serotonin syndrome
  • Skin reactions
  • Possible side effects with heat and sun exposure to the patch

Summary for Zyprexa

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 for Zyprexa

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 for Zyprexa

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 for Zyprexa

  • Sleepiness (29%)
  • Trouble sleeping (12%)
  • Accidental injury (12%)
  • Dizziness (11%)
  • Weakness (10%)
  • Dry mouth (9%)
  • Constipation (9%)
  • Upset stomach (7%)
  • Runny nose (7%)

Warnings for Zyprexa

  • 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 Sancuso vs. Zyprexa

Price Card Drug Icon
Sancuso1 patch / 3.1mg
$675.01$906.41
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Price Card Drug Icon
Olanzapine30 tablets / 5mg
$12.26$81.16
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