Compare Anzemet vs. Sustol

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

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Helps prevent nausea and vomiting

Anzemet (dolasetron) prevents nausea and vomiting and does not have many side effects.

Helps prevent nausea and vomiting due to cancer chemotherapies.

Sustol (granisetron) is a long-acting injection that helps to prevent nausea and vomiting due to cancer chemotherapies, but causes bleeding and bruising at the injection site.

Upsides
  • Reduced nausea and vomiting in people receiving chemotherapy.
  • Well-tolerated with mild headache as the most common side effect.
  • Requires only 1 dose prior to chemotherapy and once daily dosing after chemotherapy if needed for delayed nausea/vomiting.
  • Each dose of Sustol (granisetron) provides relief from nausea and vomiting for at least 7 days.
  • Dosing is less frequent than alternatives.
  • Injection may be preferrable if you have difficulty swallowing a pill.
Downsides
  • Anzemet (dolasetron) doesn't treat nausea and vomiting that's already happening. It only works to prevent future episodes.
  • High doses of Anzemet (dolasetron) can cause problems with heart rhythm.
  • Can be expensive since a generic version is not available.
  • Sustol (granisetron) must be given at the doctor's office or infusion center 30 minutes before chemotherapy.
  • The dose of Sustol (granisetron) needs to be adjusted if you have poor kidney function.
  • Available as an expensive, branded product only.
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Used for
  • Prevention of nausea and vomiting due to cancer chemotherapy
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Extended-release injection
Price
Lowest price
$568.39
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Lowest price
$46.95
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Reviews
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Side effects
9possible side effects
  • Headache
    23%
  • Fatigue
    6%
  • Diarrhea
    5%
  • Decreased heart rate
    4%
  • Dizziness
    3%
  • Pain
    3%
  • Increased heart rate
    3%
  • Indigestion
    2%
  • Chills/shivering
    2%
See more detailed side effects
The Sustol (granisetron) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
  • Abnormal heart rhythm
    • History of heart rhythms such as long QT syndrome or atrial fibrillation
    • Heart failure
    • Taking other medications that can affect heart rhythms
    • Low potassium or magnesium levels
    • Advanced age
  • Serotonin syndrome
    • Taking other medicines that affect serotonin levels such as tramadol and anti-depressants
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Serotonin syndrome
    • Taking other medicines that affect serotonin levels such as anti-depressants
  • Troublesome stomach side-effects (ileus)
    • Taking other medications that cause constipation such as Norco and Percocet.
  • Injection site reactions
    • Bruising/bleeding more likely if also taking medications that affect blood coagulation
  • Allergic reactions
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Anzemet (dolasetron)
Learn more about Sustol (granisetron)