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Compare Zofran vs. Sancuso

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

Key takeaways

Ondansetron (Zofran) and granisetron (Sancuso) are both antiemetic medications used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. Ondansetron is available in multiple forms, including tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, liquid, and injections, while granisetron is available as a transdermal patch. Granisetron is also availible as a tablet and injection. Ondansetron needs to be taken multiple times a day, whereas the Sancuso patch is applied once and can last up to 7 days. Ondansetron is available as a lower-cost generic, but Sancuso can be very expensive. Ondansetron can be used for both adults and children and is sometimes used off-label during pregnancy, while the safety of Sancuso during pregnancy is not well known. Both medications can cause serotonin syndrome, but Sancuso also requires you to avoid direct sunlight and heat sources while wearing the patch.

  • Ondansetron (Zofran)
    Sancuso (granisetron)
  • Ondansetron (Zofran)
    Sancuso (granisetron)

  • Summary of Zofran vs. Sancuso

    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 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.

  • Indications of Zofran vs. Sancuso

    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 cancer medications (chemotherapy)

  • Pros and Cons of Zofran vs. Sancuso

    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 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

  • Common Side Effects of Zofran vs. Sancuso

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (up to 24%)
    •Fatigue (up to 13%)
    •Constipation (up to 9%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Constipation (5%)

  • Warnings of Zofran vs. Sancuso

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

  • Prices with our coupons for Zofran vs. Sancuso

    Learn more about Ondansetron
    Learn more about Sancuso

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