The generic name for Emend is aprepitant [1].
What is aprepitant used for?
Aprepitant is a medication used to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) [2]. It is also used to prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) [3].
How does aprepitant work?
Aprepitant is a neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor antagonist [2]. It works by blocking the action of substance P, a chemical in the body that plays a role in vomiting [4]. By blocking substance P, aprepitant helps to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy or surgery [2][4].
When is generic aprepitant expected to be available?
The availability of generic versions of a drug often depends on patent expirations and regulatory approvals. Information on specific patent statuses and expected generic launch dates for Emend can be found on resources like DrugPatentWatch.com [5].
What are the different formulations of aprepitant?
Aprepitant is available in oral capsule form and as a powder for oral suspension. It is also available in an intravenous (IV) formulation under the brand name Cinvanti, which contains the active ingredient fosaprepitant, a prodrug of aprepitant [1][6]. Fosaprepitant is converted to aprepitant in the body [6].
Are there alternatives to aprepitant for nausea and vomiting?
Yes, several other medications can be used to prevent and treat chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting. These include other NK-1 receptor antagonists, serotonin (5-HT3) receptor antagonists, corticosteroids, and dopamine antagonists [7]. The choice of medication often depends on the type of chemotherapy or surgery and individual patient factors [7].
What are the potential side effects of aprepitant?
Common side effects of aprepitant can include fatigue, hiccups, constipation, loss of appetite, and headache [1]. More serious side effects are rare but can occur [1].
What is the difference between Emend and Cinvanti?
Emend is the brand name for oral aprepitant [1]. Cinvanti is a brand name for intravenous fosaprepitant, which is converted to aprepitant in the body and is used for similar indications [6].
Who manufactures Emend and its generic versions?
Emend is manufactured by Merck & Co. [1]. The manufacturers of generic versions of aprepitant will vary as patents expire and regulatory approvals are granted [5].
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/
[2] https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-drug-terms/def/aprepitant
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556087/
[4] https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/aprepitant/
[5] https://drugpatentwatch.com/
[6] https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-drug-terms/def/fosaprepitant
[7] https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/treatment-types/chemotherapy/managing-nausea-and-vomiting-from-cancer-treatment.html