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Compare Zyprexa vs. Emend

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

Key takeaways

Olanzapine (Zyprexa) and aprepitant (Emend) are both prescription medications that can be used to treat anemia, but they have some important differences. Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic approved for schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder and in combination with fluoxetine (Prozac) for certain types of depression. It can also be used off-label for nausea from chemotherapy. Aprepitant, on the other hand, is an NK1 receptor antagonist used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. While olanzapine is available in oral and injectable forms, aprepitant is available as oral capsules and an oral solution. Olanzapine is typically taken once daily, while aprepitant is taken over three days during chemotherapy cycles. Common olanzapine side effects include sleepiness, dizziness, and weight gain, whereas aprepitant may cause tiredness, diarrhea, and weakness. Olanzapine can interact with caffeine and alcohol, while aprepitant has many drug interactions. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics.

Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
Emend (aprepitant)
Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
Emend (aprepitant)
Summary of Zyprexa vs. Emend
Summary for Atypical antipsychotic
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.
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 Zyprexa vs. Emend
Indications for

•Schizophrenia in adults and children age 13 years and older

•Bipolar I disorder in adults and children age 13 years and older

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

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 Zyprexa vs. Emend
Pros and Const for Atypical antipsychotic
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

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 Zyprexa vs. Emend
Common Side Effects for

•Sleepiness (29%)

•Trouble sleeping (12%)

•Accidental injury (12%)

•Dizziness (11%)

•Weakness (10%)

•Dry mouth (9%)

•Constipation (9%)

•Upset stomach (7%)

•Runny nose (7%)

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 Zyprexa vs. Emend
Common Side Effects for

•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

Common Side Effects for

•Interactions with other medications
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Compare Zyprexa vs. Emend

Key takeaways

Summary of Zyprexa vs. Emend

Indications of Zyprexa vs. Emend

Pros and Cons of Zyprexa vs. Emend

Common Side Effects of Zyprexa vs. Emend

Warnings of Zyprexa vs. Emend

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