EMEND® (Aprepitant) 125 mg + 80 mg

Pack: 1 capsule (125 mg) + 2 capsules (80 mg)
Manufacturer: MSD (Merck Sharp & Dohme)

Description

EMEND (aprepitant) is an antiemetic medicine used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy. It belongs to a class of medicines called neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonists, which block signals in the brain that trigger nausea and vomiting.

Pack Contents

The standard 3-day treatment pack contains:

• 1 capsule of 125 mg aprepitant (Day 1)
• 2 capsules of 80 mg aprepitant (Days 2 and 3)

Indications

EMEND is used, together with other anti-nausea medicines, for:

• Prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with highly emetogenic chemotherapy
• Prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with moderately emetogenic chemotherapy in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older.

Typical Dosing Regimen

• Day 1: 125 mg orally about 1 hour before chemotherapy
• Day 2: 80 mg orally once daily
• Day 3: 80 mg orally once daily

It is usually given as part of a combination regimen that includes a corticosteroid and a 5-HT3 antagonist (such as ondansetron).

How It Works

Aprepitant blocks NK1 receptors in the brain, preventing the action of substance P, a chemical involved in triggering nausea and vomiting.

Common Side Effects

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Hiccups
• Constipation
• Indigestion
• Loss of appetite
• Elevated liver enzymes

Storage

Store below 30°C and keep in the original packaging to protect from moisture.

Active ingredient: Aprepitant
Strengths: 125 mg (1 capsule) + 80 mg (2 capsules)
Dosage form: Hard capsules
Prescription status: Prescription-only medicine.