Anzemet
(dolasetron)
Helps prevent nausea and vomiting
Our bottom line
Anzemet (dolasetron) prevents nausea and vomiting and does not have many side effects.
- Drug class: Gastrointestinal
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
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.
What to expect from Anzemet, on one page
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.
What to expect from Anzemet, on one page
Anzemet (dolasetron) is a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. It prevents nausea and vomiting by blocking the nerves that activate a nausea and vomiting response.
- Drug class: Gastrointestinal
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Dosage forms
- Pill
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Pay as low as$1104.17Retail priceRetail priceLearn more
- CostcoGet free coupon$1071.91
- Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$1110.92
- AlbertsonsGet free coupon$1111.92
What to expect when you take Anzemet (dolasetron) for Nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Full effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Decreased heart rate
- Dizziness
- Indigestion
It can take time for a drug to start working, or for some side effects to go away.
Source: FDA product label and Iodine pharmacistsSide effect rates for Anzemet (dolasetron)
- Headache23%23%
- Fatigue6%6%
- Diarrhea5%5%
- Decreased heart rate4%4%
- Dizziness3%3%
- Pain3%3%
- Increased heart rate3%3%
- Indigestion2%2%
- Chills/shivering2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Anzemet.
People taking Anzemet felt side effect more
People taking Anzemet felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Anzemet (dolasetron)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › 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
Anzemet (dolasetron) can cause irregular heartbeats that may be life-threatening. Talk to your doctor about any history of heart rhythm irregularities. Call your doctor or get help help right away if you have a heartbeat that does not feel normal.