Compare Aloxi vs. Emend

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

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Aloxi (palonosetron)

Prescription only

Emend (aprepitant)

Prescription only
Stops nausea caused by chemotherapy or surgery.

Aloxi (palonosetron) is given one time to effectively reduce nausea from chemotherapy or surgery. In some cases, it will only help for a short period of time.

Stops nausea and vomitting caused by chemotherapy and surgery.

Emend (aprepitant) is used with other medicines to stop nausea and vomiting that can happen after chemotherapy and surgery.

Upsides
  • Aloxi (palonosetron) can be given through the same IV line as your chemotherapy - as a one-time dose 30 minutes before treatment starts.
  • Starts working in 30 minutes.
  • Aloxi (palonosetron) can be used in children as young as 1 month of age.
  • Emend (aprepitant) can help stop nausea that lasts several days after receiving chemo, which is harder to control than the nausea that starts immediately.
  • Emend (aprepitant) can also be used to stop nausea in adults that happens after surgery.
  • Emend (aprepitant) also comes as a liquid for children over 6 months and adults who can't take pills.
  • The side effects of Emend (aprepitant) are usually mild and include hiccups and fatigue.
Downsides
  • If your chemotherapy is very likely to make you feel queasy or if you have nausea after surgery, Aloxi (palonosetron) is usually only helpful for one day.
  • Can only be used to prevent nausea and vomiting, not to treat if it's already happening.
  • Emend (aprepitant) only stops nausea and vomiting from happening. It won't work if you already have nausea and vomiting.
  • Emend (aprepitant) has to be used in combination with other medicines to treat chemotherapy related nausea.
  • Emend (aprepitant) needs to be taken for the first three days of chemo.
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Used for
  • Nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy or surgery
  • Prevention of acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with highly-emetogenic chemotherapy
  • Prevention of acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with moderately-emetogenic chemotherapy
  • Prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting
Dosage forms
  • Injection
  • Pill
  • Liquid
Price
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Reviews
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Side effects
4possible side effects
  • Abnormal heartbeat
    5%
  • Slow heart rate
    4%
  • Headache
    3%
  • Constipation
    2%
See more detailed side effects
6possible side effects
  • Fatigue
    13%
  • Diarrhea
    9%
  • Weakness
    7%
  • Indigestion
    7%
  • Hiccups
    5%
  • Lower white blood cells
    4%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Serotonin syndrome
    • Taking antidepressants, lithium, some migraine medications, and St. John's wort.
  • Severe allergic reaction
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Drug Interactions
  • Decreased INR when used with warfarin (Coumadin)
    • Taking warfarin with Emend (aprepitant)
  • Risk of reduced efficacy of hormone based birth control
    • Taking hormone-based birth control
See more detailed risks and warnings