Emend

Pharmacotherapy, Antiemetic Therapy, Malignant Neoplasms + 1 more

Treatment

1 Active Study for Emend

What is Emend

Aprepitant

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Aprepitant is a medication used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy. It works by blocking the action of the Substance P/Neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor, stopping signals that trigger nausea and vomiting. Aprepitant has very little effect on serotonin, dopamine, and corticosteroid receptors, which are the targets of other medications used to treat chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV).

Emend

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Emend Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Emend

Aprepitant

2003

22

Effectiveness

How Emend Affects Patients

Aprepitant is a medication used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. It works by blocking a receptor called substance P/neurokinin 1 (NK1) and does not affect serotonin, dopamine, or corticosteroid receptors like other antiemetic medicines.

How Emend works in the body

Aprepitant is used to prevent vomiting caused by chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin. Animal and human studies have shown that this drug reaches the brain, binds to receptors there, and blocks vomiting. It also works with other drugs like ondansetron and ethasone to stop both the immediate and delayed phases of chemotherapy-induced nausea.

When to interrupt dosage

The suggested amount of Emend is contingent upon the recognized affliction, including Operative Surgery, Nausea and cancer chemotherapy. The measure of dosage varies, depending on the approach of administration (e.g. Capsule; Kit - Oral or Powder, for suspension - Oral) outlined in the table below.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Pharmacotherapy

40.0 mg, , 80.0 mg, 125.0 mg, 165.0 mg, 13.0 mg/mL, 205.0 mg

Oral, , Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Kit, Capsule; Kit - Oral, Capsule; Kit, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral, Injection, emulsion - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection, emulsion, Kit - Oral

Antiemetic Therapy

40.0 mg, , 80.0 mg, 125.0 mg, 165.0 mg, 13.0 mg/mL, 205.0 mg

Oral, , Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Kit, Capsule; Kit - Oral, Capsule; Kit, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral, Injection, emulsion - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection, emulsion, Kit - Oral

Malignant Neoplasms

40.0 mg, , 80.0 mg, 125.0 mg, 165.0 mg, 13.0 mg/mL, 205.0 mg

Oral, , Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Kit, Capsule; Kit - Oral, Capsule; Kit, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral, Injection, emulsion - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection, emulsion, Kit - Oral

Malignant Neoplasms

40.0 mg, , 80.0 mg, 125.0 mg, 165.0 mg, 13.0 mg/mL, 205.0 mg

Oral, , Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Kit, Capsule; Kit - Oral, Capsule; Kit, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral, Injection, emulsion - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection, emulsion, Kit - Oral

Warnings

Emend has two contraindications, so it should not be utilized in combination with the issues detailed in the following table.

Emend Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Emend.

Common Emend Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Abemaciclib

Major

The metabolism of Abemaciclib can be decreased when combined with Aprepitant.

Acalabrutinib

Major

The metabolism of Acalabrutinib can be decreased when combined with Aprepitant.

Alectinib

Major

The metabolism of Alectinib can be decreased when combined with Aprepitant.

Alpelisib

Major

The metabolism of Alpelisib can be decreased when combined with Aprepitant.

Aminophylline

Major

The metabolism of Aminophylline can be decreased when combined with Aprepitant.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Emend Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Emend?

81 active clinical trials are currently in progress to evaluate the potential of Emend to ameliorate Operative Surgery-induced Nausea and cancer chemotherapy-related symptoms.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Pharmacotherapy

1 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable

Antiemetic Therapy

0 Actively Recruiting

Malignant Neoplasms

0 Actively Recruiting

Malignant Neoplasms

0 Actively Recruiting

Emend Reviews: What are patients saying about Emend?

5

Patient Review

5/11/2010

Emend for Prevent Nausea and Vomiting from Cancer Chemotherapy

This drug is nothing short of miraculous. I've had to go through several surgeries due to two mastectomies and breast reconstruction, and in the past the anesthesia always made me throw up for hours despite taking Zofran and other medications. However, on my last surgery I took Emend and only felt a wave of nausea that was quickly taken care of by the Zofran.

5

Patient Review

4/6/2011

Emend for Prevent Nausea and Vomiting from Cancer Chemotherapy

This medication was a lifesaver during my cancer treatment. I used it for chemotherapy and before surgery, and it really helped to ease the nausea.

5

Patient Review

11/4/2010

Emend for Prevent Nausea and Vomiting from Cancer Chemotherapy

Emend has been a total Godsend. I no longer have to suffer from chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting for my rectal cancer treatment.

5

Patient Review

4/5/2010

Emend for Prevent Nausea and Vomiting from Cancer Chemotherapy

Thank you for making this medication.

5

Patient Review

11/6/2013

Emend for Prevent Nausea and Vomiting from Cancer Chemotherapy

Though this medication is expensive, I found it well worth the price. I never experienced any nausea or vomiting during my six-month treatment.

5

Patient Review

5/20/2013

Emend for Prevent Nausea and Vomiting from Cancer Chemotherapy

I haven't had any negative side effects since taking this medication, which is great.

5

Patient Review

6/17/2014

Emend for Prevent Nausea and Vomiting from Cancer Chemotherapy

Emend was an absolute life-saver for me during my chemotherapy. I tried Phenergan and Zofran prior with little to no relief, but Emend completely took away the nausea and allowed me to get through my treatments.

5

Patient Review

11/19/2013

Emend for Prevent Nausea and Vomiting After Surgery

Zolfram on its own only partially worked for me in terms of reducing nausea and delaying vomiting. However, when I combined it with this treatment, it was much more effective.

5

Patient Review

6/3/2015

Emend for Prevent Nausea and Vomiting After Surgery

I have really severe PONV after anesthesia, but this time I was given Emend and didn't experience any nausea. It worked great for me!

5

Patient Review

1/8/2014

Emend for Prevent Nausea and Vomiting from Cancer Chemotherapy

Emend has been an absolute godsend. I haven't been able to keep food down for years, but this medication finally gave me relief.

5

Patient Review

5/11/2009

Emend for Prevent Nausea and Vomiting from Cancer Chemotherapy

5

Patient Review

2/5/2011

Emend for Prevent Nausea and Vomiting from Cancer Chemotherapy

I'm a one year breast cancer survivor, and I can attest that Emend was extremely helpful for me. Usually, after treatment on Wednesday, I was able to go back to work on Thursday and then rest over the weekend. Without Emend, there's no way I could have kept up with that schedule--I never once had to use my backup Zofran, either.

5

Patient Review

3/16/2016

Emend for Prevent Nausea and Vomiting from Cancer Chemotherapy

This drug has made all the difference for my daughter's cancer. She's going through chemo again, and this time around we're seeing much better results than before. I'm so thankful that this medication exists.

5

Patient Review

7/23/2015

Emend for Prevent Nausea and Vomiting from Cancer Chemotherapy

I am so grateful that this medication was prescribed to me by my oncologist. It has been extremely helpful.

4.7

Patient Review

5/15/2009

Emend for Prevent Nausea and Vomiting After Surgery

Emend has been working well for me in conjunction with adriamycin/cytoxan. I only feel mildly queasy every now and then, which is a drastic improvement.

4.3

Patient Review

4/29/2009

Emend for Prevent Nausea and Vomiting from Cancer Chemotherapy

4

Patient Review

9/5/2012

Emend for Prevent Nausea and Vomiting from Cancer Chemotherapy

I'm sorry, I haven't had a chance to use this treatment yet. I'll update my review after I've tried it out.

3.7

Patient Review

2/10/2011

Emend for Prevent Nausea and Vomiting from Cancer Chemotherapy

My husband had his first round of chemo today for bladder cancer. It was Cisplatin/Gemzar. Th Emend worked great. No nausea at all.

1

Patient Review

12/18/2020

Emend for Prevent Nausea and Vomiting from Cancer Chemotherapy

I had a severe allergic reaction to Emend, which was given to me intravenously before chemotherapy. I experienced chest tightness and intense pain in my lower back. My blood pressure spiked dangerously high as a result. If you're prone to allergies, be very careful with this medication.

1

Patient Review

1/21/2020

Emend for Prevent Nausea and Vomiting from Cancer Chemotherapy

I unfortunately had a severe allergic reaction to Emend and had to be switched to Compazine. The new medication made me very tired.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about emend

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What is Emend used for?

"Aprepitant is used alongside two other medications to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by certain chemotherapy medications."

Answered by AI

How long does it take for Emend to work?

"Your doctor will tell you when to start taking this medicine. It is usual to take the first dose one hour before the start of chemotherapy. For the next two days, continue to take a dose once daily, one hour before chemotherapy if you are receiving it that day. If you are not having any chemotherapy, take the dose once daily in the morning."

Answered by AI

Can you take Emend and Zofran together?

"There is no known interaction between Emend and Zofran, but that doesn't mean there definitely isn't one. Always check with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns."

Answered by AI

What drug class is Emend?

"Emend is a prescription medicine used to relieve the symptoms of nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. It may be used alone or with other medications. Emend belongs to a class of drugs called antiemetics, which are drugs that prevent or treat nausea and vomiting.NK1 receptor antagonists are a type of antiemetic."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Emend