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Compare Zofran vs. Emend

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

Key takeaways

Ondansetron (Zofran) and Emend (aprepitant) are both medications used to prevent nausea and vomiting, but they work in different ways and are used in different situations. Ondansetron is a serotonin blocker that can be used for nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. It comes in various forms, including tablets, dissolvable tablets, liquid, and injections, and is available as a lower-cost generic. Emend, on the other hand, is an NK1 receptor antagonist specifically used to prevent nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy and must be taken along with other medications like dexamethasone and a serotonin antagonist. Emend is available as capsules and an oral solution, but it is not used to treat nausea and vomiting once they have started. While both medications can cause tiredness and diarrhea, Emend has additional side effects like weakness and indigestion, and it interacts with many other medications, including hormonal birth control. Unlike ondansetron, Emend does not cause QT prolongation, a heart rhythm problem.

  • Ondansetron (Zofran)
    Emend (aprepitant)
  • Ondansetron (Zofran)
    Emend (aprepitant)

  • Summary of Zofran vs. Emend

    Summary for Antiemetic
    Prescription only

    Ondansetron (Zofran) is an antiemetic (or anti-nausea) medication. It's used to prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery or cancer treatments. It works by stopping a chemical called serotonin from binding to receptors in the brain that cause the feeling of nausea and vomiting. Ondansetron (Zofran) is taken by mouth, typically every 8 to 12 hours. It comes in different formulations, including orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) and oral solution. It can also be given as injection by a healthcare professional (HCP) in a hospital setting. Side effects of this medication include headache, tiredness, and constipation or diarrhea.

    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 Zofran vs. Emend

    Indications for
    •Prevention of nausea and vomiting due to cancer medications (chemotherapy) or radiation therapy
    •Prevention of nausea and vomiting after surgery
    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 Zofran vs. Emend

    Pros and Const for Antiemetic
    Pros
    •Can use for both adults and children
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Available as a liquid, dissolvable tablet, and injection for people who have problems swallowing pills or are too nauseous to keep medication down
    •Possible option during pregnancy and breastfeeding
    Cons
    •Needs to be taken multiple times daily
    •Might cause headache
    •Can interact with certain medications, like antidepressants and migraine medications
    •Not the best option for people who are at risk for stomach or gut blockages (bowel problems)
    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 Zofran vs. Emend

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (up to 24%)
    •Fatigue (up to 13%)
    •Constipation (up to 9%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 6%)
    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 Zofran vs. Emend

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Risk of heart attack
    •Masking of gut blockage and stomach bloating
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - orally disintegrating tablets only
    Common Side Effects for
    •Interactions with other medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Zofran vs. Emend

    Learn more about Ondansetron
    Learn more about Emend

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