Compare Sustol vs. Emend
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Sustol ER (granisetron) and Emend (aprepitant) are both medications used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, but they have some key differences. Sustol ER is an antiemetic that works by blocking serotonin in the brain and is given as an injection under the skin by a healthcare professional. It lasts up to 7 days and is not approved for use in children. On the other hand, Emend is an NK1 receptor antagonist that blocks different chemicals in the brain and is taken orally. Emend is available in both capsule and oral solution forms, making it suitable for children as young as 6 months old. Sustol ER is typically given once every 7 days, while Emend is taken over the first three days of each chemotherapy cycle. Additionally, Emend has many drug interactions, including with hormonal birth control, whereas Sustol ER can cause serotonin syndrome if taken with other serotonin-raising medications. Sustol ER is only available as a brand name medication, whereas Emend is available as a low-cost generic.
- Sustol (granisetron)Emend (aprepitant)
- Sustol (granisetron)Emend (aprepitant)
Summary of Sustol vs. Emend
Summary for AntiemeticPrescription onlySustol (granisetron) is a medication used to prevent nausea and vomiting due to cancer medications (chemotherapy) in adults. It can last for up to 7 days.
Summary for NK1 receptor antagonistPrescription onlyEmend (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 Sustol vs. Emend
Indications for•Prevention of nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapyIndications 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 Sustol vs. Emend
Pros and Const for AntiemeticPros•Works well for preventing nausea•Lasts for up to 7 days•Good option for people who have a hard time taking pillsCons•Must be given by a healthcare provider as an injection under the skin•Not clear how safe the medication is in pregnant or breastfeeding females•Can't be used in childrenPros and Const for NK1 receptor antagonistPros•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 medicationCons•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)Common Side Effects of Sustol vs. Emend
Common Side Effects for•Injection site reactions, such as bruising, redness, or swelling (37-62%)•Constipation (14-22%)•Weakness or lack of energy (11-21%)•Headache (9-13%)•Diarrhea (8-9%)•Stomach pain (7%)Common Side Effects forAdults
•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 Sustol vs. Emend
Common Side Effects for•Injection site reactions•Serotonin syndrome•Severe allergic reactions•Stomach problemsCommon Side Effects for•Interactions with other medicationsPrices with our coupons for Sustol vs. Emend
Browse medications
View AllResearch prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.