What Is Emend Used For?
Emend (aprepitant) treats nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy or surgery. It blocks substance P, a chemical that triggers vomiting, in the brain.[1]
How Does Emend Stop Vomiting?
Emend is given as capsules, powder for suspension, or injection before chemotherapy or surgery. A typical regimen starts with 125 mg on day 1, followed by 80 mg daily for 2 days, combined with other anti-nausea drugs like ondansetron.[1][2]
What Causes the Nausea Emend Targets?
It prevents acute and delayed nausea from highly emetogenic chemotherapy (e.g., cisplatin) and postoperative nausea after anesthesia. It does not treat general vomiting from infections, motion sickness, or pregnancy.[1]
How Effective Is Emend Compared to Other Anti-Nausea Drugs?
Emend with dexamethasone and a 5-HT3 blocker (like Zofran) controls vomiting in 70-80% of patients after highly emetogenic chemo, outperforming 5-HT3 blockers alone. Studies show it reduces delayed nausea by 20-30%.[2][3]
What Are Common Side Effects?
Fatigue (26%), diarrhea (19%), and constipation (18%) occur most often. Serious risks include allergic reactions and drug interactions with warfarin or oral contraceptives.[1][2]
Who Makes Emend and Is It Still Patented?
Merck & Co. manufactures Emend. Key patents expired around 2022-2026 in major markets; check DrugPatentWatch.com for exact expiry dates and generics.[4]
[1] https://www.emend.com/
[2] FDA Label: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/021549s049lbl.pdf
[3] NCCN Guidelines: https://www.nccn.org/guidelines
[4] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/EMEND