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Zofran vs. Sustol

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

Key takeaways

Ondansetron (Zofran) and Sustol (granisetron) are both antiemetic medications used to prevent nausea and vomiting, particularly related to chemotherapy. Ondansetron is available in multiple forms, including tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, liquid, and injections, and can be used by both adults and children. In contrast, Sustol is available as a tablet and injection and is specifically for adults. Ondansetron needs to be taken multiple times a day, while the Sustol injection lasts up to 7 days with a single injection. Ondansetron can be used off-label during pregnancy, but the safety of Sustol in pregnant or breastfeeding women is not clear. Additionally, Sustol cannot be used in children, whereas ondansetron can. Both medications can cause side effects like headache and constipation, but Sustol has a higher risk of injection site reactions.

Ondansetron

(Zofran)

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Sustol

(granisetron)

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Summary for Zofran

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.

Indications for Zofran

  • Prevention of nausea and vomiting due to cancer medications (chemotherapy) or radiation therapy
  • Prevention of nausea and vomiting after surgery

Pros and Cons for Zofran

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

Common Side Effects for Zofran

  • Headache (up to 24%)
  • Fatigue (up to 13%)
  • Constipation (up to 9%)
  • Diarrhea (up to 6%)

Warnings for Zofran

  • 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

Summary for Sustol

Prescription only

Sustol (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.

Indications for Sustol

  • Prevention of nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy

Pros and Cons for Sustol

Pros

  • Works well for preventing nausea
  • Lasts for up to 7 days
  • Good option for people who have a hard time taking pills

Cons

  • 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 children

Common Side Effects for Sustol

  • 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%)

Warnings for Sustol

  • Injection site reactions
  • Serotonin syndrome
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Stomach problems

Prices with our coupons for Zofran vs. Sustol

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Ondansetron20 orally disintegrating tabs / 4mg
$10.99-
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Sustol ER1 carton / 6 kits of 10mg/0.4ml
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