EMEND®
(aprepitant) Capsules
EMEND (aprepitant) is a substance P/neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor antagonist, chemically described as 5-[[(2R,3S)-2-[(1R)-1-[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethoxy]-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-morpholinyl]methyl]1,2-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one.
Its empirical formula is C23H21F7N4O3, and its structural formula is:
 |
Aprepitant is a white to off-white crystalline solid, with a molecular weight of 534.43. It is practically insoluble in water. Aprepitant is sparingly soluble in ethanol and isopropyl acetate and slightly soluble in acetonitrile.
Each capsule of EMEND for oral administration contains either 40 mg, 80 mg, or 125 mg of aprepitant and the following inactive ingredients: sucrose, microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose and sodium lauryl sulfate. The capsule shell excipients are gelatin, titanium dioxide, and may contain sodium lauryl sulfate and silicon dioxide. The 40-mg capsule shell also contains yellow ferric oxide, and the 125-mg capsule also contains red ferric oxide and yellow ferric oxide.
Last updated on RxList: 8/7/2009
EMEND, in combination with other antiemetic agents, is indicated for the:
EMEND is indicated for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
Capsules of EMEND (aprepitant) are given for 3 days as part of a regimen that includes a corticosteroid and a 5-HT3 antagonist. The recommended dose of EMEND is 125 mg orally 1 hour prior to chemotherapy treatment (Day 1) and 80 mg orally once daily in the morning on Days 2 and 3.
EMEND (fosaprepitant dimeglumine) for Injection (115 mg) is a prodrug of aprepitant and may be substituted for oral EMEND (125 mg), 30 minutes prior to chemotherapy, on Day 1 only of the CINV regimen as an intravenous infusion administered over 15 minutes.
In clinical studies, the following regimen was used for the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with highly emetogenic cancer chemotherapy:
| Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | |
| EMEND* | 125 mg orally | 80 mg orally | 80 mg orally | none |
| Dexamethasone** | 12 mg orally | 8 mg orally | 8 mg orally | 8 mg orally |
| Ondansetron† | 32 mg IV | none | none | none |
| *EMEND was administered orally 1 hour prior to chemotherapy
treatment on Day 1 and in the morning on Days 2 and 3. **Dexamethasone was administered 30 minutes prior to chemotherapy treatment on Day 1 and in the morning on Days 2 through 4. The dose of dexamethasone was chosen to account for drug interactions. † Ondansetron was administered 30 minutes prior to chemotherapy treatment on Day 1. |
||||
In a clinical study, the following regimen was used for the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with moderately emetogenic cancer chemotherapy:
| Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | |
| EMEND* | 125 mg orally | 80 mg orally | 80 mg orally |
| Dexamethasone** | 12 mg orally | none | none |
| Ondansetron† | 2 x 8 mg orally | none | none |
| *EMEND was administered orally 1 hour prior to chemotherapy
treatment on Day 1 and in the morning on Days 2 and 3. **Dexamethasone was administered 30 minutes prior to chemotherapy treatment on Day 1. The dose of dexamethasone was chosen to account for drug interactions. † Ondansetron 8-mg capsule was administered 30 to 60 minutes prior to chemotherapy treatment and one 8-mg capsule was administered 8 hours after the first dose on Day 1. |
|||
The recommended oral dosage of EMEND is 40 mg within 3 hours prior to induction of anesthesia.
EMEND has not been studied for the treatment of established nausea and vomiting.
Chronic continuous administration is not recommended (see PRECAUTIONS).
See PRECAUTIONS: DRUG INTERACTIONS for additional information on dose adjustment for corticosteroids when coadministered with EMEND.
Refer to the full prescribing information for coadministered antiemetic agents.
EMEND may be taken with or without food.
No dosage adjustment is necessary for the elderly.
No dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with renal insufficiency or for patients with end stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis.
No dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with mild to moderate hepatic insufficiency (Child-Pugh score 5 to 9). There are no clinical data in patients with severe hepatic insufficiency (Child-Pugh score > 9).
No. 3854 — 80 mg capsules: White, opaque, hard gelatin capsule with “461” and “80 mg” printed radially in black ink on the body. They are supplied as follows:
NDC 0006-0461-02 unit-of-use BiPack of 2
NDC 0006-0461-06 unit-dose package of 6.
No. 3855 — 125 mg capsules: Opaque, hard gelatin capsule with white body and pink cap with “462” and “125 mg” printed radially in black ink on the body. They are supplied as follows:
NDC 0006-0462-06 unit-dose package of 6.
No. 3862 — Unit-of-use TriPack containing one 125 mg capsule and two 80 mg capsules.
NDC 0006-3862-03.
No. 6741 — 40 mg capsules: Opaque, hard gelatin capsule with white body and mustard yellow cap with “464” and “40 mg” printed radially in black ink on the body. They are supplied as follows:
NDC 0006-0464-10 unit-of-use package of 1
NDC 0006-0464-05 unit-dose package of 5.
Store at 20-25°C (68-77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889, USA. Issued July 2009
Last updated on RxList: 8/7/2009
The overall safety of aprepitant was evaluated in approximately 4400 individuals.
In 2 well-controlled clinical trials in patients receiving highly emetogenic cancer chemotherapy, 544 patients were treated with aprepitant during Cycle 1 of chemotherapy and 413 of these patients continued into the Multiple-Cycle extension for up to 6 cycles of chemotherapy. EMEND was given in combination with ondansetron and dexamethasone and was generally well tolerated. Most adverse experiences reported in these clinical studies were described as mild to moderate in intensity.
In Cycle 1, clinical adverse experiences were reported in approximately 69% of patients treated with the aprepitant regimen compared with approximately 68% of patients treated with standard therapy. Table 6 shows the percent of patients with clinical adverse experiences reported at an incidence ≥ 3%.
Table 6 : Percent of Patients Receiving Highly Emetogenic
Chemotherapy With Clinical Adverse Experiences (Incidence ≥ 3%) - Cycle 1
| Aprepitant Regimen (N = 544) |
Standard Therapy (N = 550) |
|
| Body as a Whole/ Site Unspecified | ||
| Abdominal Pain | 4.6 | 3.3 |
| Asthenia/Fatigue | 17.8 | 11.8 |
| Dehydration | 5.9 | 5.1 |
| Dizziness | 6.6 | 4.4 |
| Fever | 2.9 | 3.5 |
| Mucous Membrane Disorder | 2.6 | 3.1 |
| Digestive System | ||
| Constipation | 10.3 | 12.2 |
| Diarrhea | 10.3 | 7.5 |
| Epigastric Discomfort | 4.0 | 3.1 |
| Gastritis | 4.2 | 3.1 |
| Heartburn | 5.3 | 4.9 |
| Nausea | 12.7 | 11.8 |
| Vomiting | 7.5 | 7.6 |
| Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Throat | ||
| Tinnitus | 3.7 | 3.8 |
| Hemic and Lymphatic System | ||
| Neutropenia | 3.1 | 2.9 |
| Metabolism and Nutrition | ||
| Anorexia | 10.1 | 9.5 |
| Nervous System | ||
| Headache | 8.5 | 8.7 |
| Insomnia | 2.9 | 3.1 |
| Respiratory System | ||
| Hiccups | 10.8 | 5.6 |
In addition, isolated cases of serious adverse experiences, regardless of causality, of bradycardia, disorientation, and perforating duodenal ulcer were reported in highly emetogenic CINV clinical studies. Moderately Emetogenic Chemotherapy
During Cycle 1 of a moderately emetogenic chemotherapy study, 438 patients were treated with the aprepitant regimen and 385 of these patients continued into the Multiple-Cycle extension for up to 4 cycles of chemotherapy. In Cycle 1, clinical adverse experiences were reported in approximately 73% of patients treated with the aprepitant regimen compared with approximately 75% of patients treated with standard therapy.
The adverse experience profile in the moderately emetogenic chemotherapy study was generally comparable to the highly emetogenic chemotherapy studies. Table 7 shows the percent of patients with clinical adverse experiences reported at an incidence ≥ 3%.
Table 7 : Percent of Patients Receiving Moderately Emetogenic
Chemotherapy With Clinical Adverse Experiences (Incidence ≥ 3%) — Cycle 1
| Aprepitant Regimen (N = 438) |
Standard Therapy (N = 428) |
|
| Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders | ||
| Neutropenia | 8.9 | 8.4 |
| Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders | ||
| Anorexia | 4.3 | 5.8 |
| Psychiatric Disorders | ||
| Insomnia | 4.1 | 5.6 |
| Nervous System Disorders | ||
| Dizziness | 3.4 | 4.2 |
| Headache | 16.4 | 16.4 |
| Vascular Disorders | ||
| Hot Flush | 3.0 | 1.4 |
| Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders | ||
| Pharyngolaryngeal pain | 3.0 | 2.3 |
| Gastrointestinal Disorders | ||
| Constipation | 12.3 | 18.0 |
| Diarrhea | 5.5 | 6.3 |
| Dyspepsia | 8.4 | 4.9 |
| Nausea | 7.1 | 7.5 |
| Stomatitis | 5.3 | 4.4 |
| Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders | ||
| Alopecia | 24.0 | 22.2 |
| General Disorders and General Administration Site Conditions | ||
| Asthenia | 3.4 | 3.7 |
| Fatigue | 21.9 | 21.5 |
| Mucosal inflammation | 2.5 | 3.5 |
Isolated cases of serious adverse experiences, regardless of causality, of dehydration, enterocolitis, febrile neutropenia, hypertension, hypoesthesia, neutropenic sepsis, pneumonia, and sinus tachycardia were reported in the moderately emetogenic CINV clinical study.
The following additional clinical adverse experiences (incidence > 0.5% and greater than standard therapy), regardless of causality, were reported in patients treated with aprepitant regimen: Infections and infestations: candidiasis, herpes simplex, lower respiratory infection, pharyngitis, septic shock, upper respiratory infection, urinary tract infection.
Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (including cysts and polyps): malignant neoplasm, non-small cell lung carcinoma.
Blood and lymphatic system disorders: anemia, febrile neutropenia, thrombocytopenia.
Metabolism and nutrition disorders: appetite decreased, diabetes mellitus, hypokalemia.
Psychiatric disorders: anxiety disorder, confusion, depression.
Nervous system: peripheral neuropathy, sensory neuropathy, taste disturbance, tremor.
Eye disorders: conjunctivitis.
Cardiac disorders: myocardial infarction, palpitations, tachycardia.
Vascular disorders: deep venous thrombosis, flushing, hypertension, hypotension.
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: cough, dyspnea, nasal secretion, pneumonitis, pulmonary embolism, respiratory insufficiency, vocal disturbance.
Gastrointestinal disorders: acid reflux, deglutition disorder, dry mouth, dysgeusia, dysphagia, eructation, flatulence, obstipation, salivation increased.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: acne, diaphoresis, rash.
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: arthralgia, back pain, muscular weakness, musculoskeletal pain, myalgia.
Renal and urinary disorders: dysuria, renal insufficiency.
Reproductive system and breast disorders: pelvic pain.
General disorders and administrative site conditions: edema, malaise, rigors.
Investigations: weight loss.
Table 8 shows the percent of patients with laboratory adverse experiences reported at an incidence ≥ 3% in patients receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy.
Table 8 : Percent of Patients Receiving Highly Emetogenic
Chemotherapy With Laboratory Adverse Experiences (Incidence ≥ 3%) - Cycle
1
| Aprepitant Regimen (N = 544) |
Standard Therapy (N = 550) |
|
| ALT Increased | 6.0 | 4.3 |
| AST Increased | 3.0 | 1.3 |
| Blood Urea Nitrogen Increased | 4.7 | 3.5 |
| Serum Creatinine Increased | 3.7 | 4.3 |
| Proteinuria | 6.8 | 5.3 |
The following additional laboratory adverse experiences (incidence > 0.5% and greater than standard therapy), regardless of causality, were reported in patients treated with aprepitant regimen: alkaline phosphatase increased, hyperglycemia, hyponatremia, leukocytes increased, erythrocyturia, leukocyturia.
The adverse experiences of increased AST and ALT were generally mild and transient.
The following laboratory adverse experiences were reported at an incidence ≥ 3% during Cycle 1 of the moderately emetogenic chemotherapy study in patients treated with the aprepitant regimen or standard therapy, respectively: decreased hemoglobin (2.3%, 4.7%) and decreased white blood cell count (9.3%, 9.0%).
The adverse experience profiles in the Multiple-Cycle extensions for up to 6 cycles of chemotherapy were generally similar to that observed in Cycle 1.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome was reported as a serious adverse experience in a patient receiving aprepitant with cancer chemotherapy in another CINV study.
In well-controlled clinical studies in patients receiving general anesthesia, 564 patients were administered 40 mg aprepitant orally and 538 patients were administered 4 mg ondansetron IV. EMEND was generally well tolerated. Most adverse experiences reported in these clinical studies were described as mild to moderate in intensity.
Clinical adverse experiences were reported in approximately 60% of patients treated with 40 mg aprepitant compared with approximately 64% of patients treated with 4 mg ondansetron IV. Table 9 shows the percent of patients with clinical adverse experiences reported at an incidence ≥ 3% of the combined studies.
Table 9 : Percent of Patients Receiving General Anesthesia
With Clinical Adverse Experiences (Incidence ≥ 3%)
| Aprepitant 40 mg (N=564) |
Ondansetron (N=538) |
|
| Infections and Infestations | ||
| Urinary Tract Infection | 2.3 | 3.2 |
| Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders | ||
| Anemia | 3.0 | 4.3 |
| Psychiatric Disorders | ||
| Insomnia | 2.1 | 3.3 |
| Nervous System Disorders | ||
| Headache | 5.0 | 6.5 |
| Cardiac Disorders | ||
| Bradycardia | 4.4 | 3.9 |
| Vascular Disorders | ||
| Hypertension | 2.1 | 3.2 |
| Hypotension | 5.7 | 4.6 |
| Gastrointestinal Disorders | ||
| Constipation | 8.5 | 7.6 |
| Flatulence | 4.1 | 5.8 |
| Nausea | 8.5 | 8.6 |
| Vomiting | 2.5 | 3.9 |
| Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders | ||
| Pruritus | 7.6 | 8.4 |
| General Disorders and General Administration Site Conditions | ||
| Pyrexia | 5.9 | 10.6 |
The following additional clinical adverse experiences (incidence > 0.5% and greater than ondansetron), regardless of causality, were reported in patients treated with aprepitant:
Infections and infestations: postoperative infection
Metabolism and nutrition disorders: hypokalemia, hypovolemia.
Nervous system disorders: dizziness, hypoesthesia, syncope.
Vascular disorders: hematoma
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: dyspnea, hypoxia, respiratory depression.
Gastrointestinal disorders: abdominal pain, abdominal pain upper, dry mouth, dyspepsia.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: urticaria
General disorders and administrative site conditions: hypothermia, pain.
Investigations: blood pressure decreased
Injury, poisoning and procedural complications: operative hemorrhage, wound dehiscence.
Other adverse experiences (incidence ≤ 0.5%) reported in patients treated with aprepitant 40 mg for postoperative nausea and vomiting included:
Nervous system disorders: dysarthria, sensory disturbance.
Eye disorders: miosis, visual acuity reduced.
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: wheezing
Gastrointestinal disorders: bowel sounds abnormal, stomach discomfort.
There were no serious adverse drug-related experiences reported in the postoperative nausea and vomiting clinical studies in patients taking 40 mg aprepitant.
One laboratory adverse experience, hemoglobin decreased (40 mg aprepitant 3.8%, ondansetron 4.2%), was reported at an incidence ≥ 3% in a patient receiving general anesthesia.
The following additional laboratory adverse experiences (incidence > 0.5% and greater than ondansetron), regardless of causality, were reported in patients treated with aprepitant 40 mg: blood albumin decreased, blood bilirubin increased, blood glucose increased, blood potassium decreased, glucose urine present.
The adverse experience of ALT increased occurred with similar incidence in patients treated with aprepitant 40 mg (1.1%) as in patients treated with ondansetron 4 mg (1.0%).
Angioedema and urticaria were reported as serious adverse experiences in a patient receiving aprepitant in a non-CINV/non-PONV study.
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-marketing use of aprepitant. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is generally not possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to the drug.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: pruritus, rash, urticaria
Immune system disorders: hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylactic reactions
Aprepitant is a substrate, a weak-to-moderate (dose-dependent) inhibitor, and an inducer of CYP3A4. Aprepitant is also an inducer of CYP2C9.
Weak inhibition of CYP3A4 by a single 40 mg dose of aprepitant is not expected to alter the plasma concentrations of concomitant medications that are primarily metabolized through CYP3A4 to a clinically significant degree. However, higher aprepitant doses or repeated dosing at any aprepitant dose may have a clinically significant effect.
As a moderate inhibitor of CYP3A4 at a dose of 125 mg/80 mg, aprepitant can increase plasma concentrations of concomitantly administered oral medications that are metabolized through CYP3A4 (see CONTRAINDICATIONS). The use of fosaprepitant may increase CYP3A4 substrate plasma concentrations to a lesser degree than the use of oral aprepitant (125 mg).
Aprepitant has been shown to induce the metabolism of S(-) warfarin and tolbutamide, which are metabolized through CYP2C9. Coadministration of EMEND with these drugs or other drugs that are known to be metabolized by CYP2C9, such as phenytoin, may result in lower plasma concentrations of these drugs.
EMEND is unlikely to interact with drugs that are substrates for the P-glycoprotein transporter, as demonstrated by the lack of interaction of EMEND with digoxin in a clinical drug interaction study.
5-HT3 antagonists: In clinical drug interaction studies, aprepitant did not have clinically important effects on the pharmacokinetics of ondansetron, granisetron, or hydrodolasetron (the active metabolite of dolasetron).
Dexamethasone: EMEND, when given as a regimen of 125 mg with dexamethasone coadministered orally as 20 mg on Day 1, and EMEND when given as 80 mg/day with dexamethasone coadministered orally as 8 mg on Days 2 through 5, increased the AUC of dexamethasone, a CYP3A4 substrate, by 2.2-fold on Days 1 and 5. The oral dexamethasone doses should be reduced by approximately 50% when coadministered with EMEND (125 mg/80 mg regimen), to achieve exposures of dexamethasone similar to those obtained when it is given without EMEND. The daily dose of dexamethasone administered in clinical chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting studies with EMEND reflects an approximate 50% reduction of the dose of dexamethasone (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). A single dose of EMEND (40 mg) when coadministered with a single oral dose of dexamethasone 20 mg, increased the AUC of dexamethasone by 1.45-fold. Therefore, no dose adjustment is recommended.
Methylprednisolone: EMEND, when given as a regimen of 125 mg on Day 1 and 80 mg/day on Days 2 and 3, increased the AUC of methylprednisolone, a CYP3A4 substrate, by 1.34-fold on Day 1 and by 2.5-fold on Day 3, when methylprednisolone was coadministered intravenously as 125 mg on Day 1 and orally as 40 mg on Days 2 and 3. The IV methylprednisolone dose should be reduced by approximately 25%, and the oral methylprednisolone dose should be reduced by approximately 50% when coadministered with EMEND (125 mg/80 mg regimen) to achieve exposures of methylprednisolone similar to those obtained when it is given without EMEND. Although the concomitant administration of methylprednisolone with the single 40 mg dose of aprepitant has not been studied, a single 40 mg dose of EMEND produces a weak inhibition of CYP3A4 (based on midazolam interaction study) and it is not expected to alter the plasma concentrations of methylprednisolone to a clinically significant degree. Therefore, no dose adjustment is recommended.
Chemotherapeutic agents: See PRECAUTIONS, General.
Docetaxel: In a pharmacokinetic study, EMEND (125 mg/80 mg regimen) did not influence the pharmacokinetics of docetaxel.
Vinorelbine: In a pharmacokinetic study, EMEND (125 mg/80 mg regimen) did not influence the pharmacokinetics of vinorelbine to a clinically significant degree.
Warfarin: A single 125-mg dose of EMEND was administered on Day 1 and 80 mg/day on Days 2 and 3 to healthy subjects who were stabilized on chronic warfarin therapy. Although there was no effect of EMEND on the plasma AUC of R(+) or S(-) warfarin determined on Day 3, there was a 34% decrease in S(-) warfarin (a CYP2C9 substrate) trough concentration accompanied by a 14% decrease in the prothrombin time (reported as International Normalized Ratio or INR) 5 days after completion of dosing with EMEND. In patients on chronic warfarin therapy, the prothrombin time (INR) should be closely monitored in the 2-week period, particularly at 7 to 10 days, following initiation of the 3-day regimen of EMEND with each chemotherapy cycle, or following administration of a single 40 mg dose of EMEND for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting.
Tolbutamide: EMEND, when given as 125 mg on Day 1 and 80 mg/day on Days 2 and 3, decreased the AUC of tolbutamide (a CYP2C9 substrate) by 23% on Day 4, 28% on Day 8, and 15% on Day 15, when a single dose of tolbutamide 500 mg was administered orally prior to the administration of the 3-day regimen of EMEND and on Days 4, 8, and 15.
EMEND, when given as a 40-mg single oral dose Day 1, decreased the AUC of tolbutamide (a CYP2C9 substrate) by 8% on Day 2, 16% on Day 4, 15% on Day 8, and 10% on Day 15, when a single dose of tolbutamide 500 mg was administered orally prior to the administration of EMEND 40 mg and on Days 2, 4, 8, and 15. This effect was not considered clinically important.
Oral contraceptives: Aprepitant, when given once daily for 14 days as a 100-mg capsule with an oral contraceptive containing 35 mcg of ethinyl estradiol and 1 mg of norethindrone, decreased the AUC of ethinyl estradiol by 43%, and decreased the AUC of norethindrone by 8%.
In another study, a daily dose of an oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone was administered on Days 1 through 21, and EMEND was given as a 3-day regimen of 125 mg on Day 8 and 80 mg/day on Days 9 and 10 with ondansetron 32 mg IV on Day 8 and oral dexamethasone given as 12 mg on Day 8 and 8 mg/day on Days 9, 10, and 11. In the study, the AUC of ethinyl estradiol decreased by 19% on Day 10 and there was as much as a 64% decrease in ethinyl estradiol trough concentrations during Days 9 through 21. While there was no effect of EMEND on the AUC of norethindrone on Day 10, there was as much as a 60% decrease in norethindrone trough concentrations during Days 9 through 21.
In another study, a daily dose of an oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate (which is converted to norelgestromin) was administered on Days 1 through 21, and EMEND 40 mg was given on Day 8. In the study, the AUC of ethinyl estradiol decreased by 4% and 29% on Day 8 and Day 12, respectively, while the AUC of norelgestromin increased by 18% on Day 8 and decreased by 10% on Day 12. In addition, the trough concentrations of ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin on Days 8 through 21 were generally lower following coadministration of the oral contraceptive with EMEND 40 mg on Day 8 compared to the trough levels following administration of the oral contraceptive alone.
The coadministration of EMEND may reduce the efficacy of hormonal contraceptives (these can include birth control pills, skin patches, implants, and certain IUDs) during and for 28 days after administration of the last dose of EMEND. Alternative or back-up methods of contraception should be used during treatment with EMEND and for 1 month following the last dose of EMEND.
Midazolam: EMEND increased the AUC of midazolam, a sensitive CYP3A4 substrate, by 2.3-fold on Day 1 and 3.3-fold on Day 5, when a single oral dose of midazolam 2 mg was coadministered on Day 1 and Day 5 of a regimen of EMEND 125 mg on Day 1 and 80 mg/day on Days 2 through 5. The potential effects of increased plasma concentrations of midazolam or other benzodiazepines metabolized via CYP3A4 (alprazolam, triazolam) should be considered when coadministering these agents with EMEND (125 mg/80 mg). A single dose of EMEND (40 mg) increased the AUC of midazolam by 1.2-fold on Day 1, when a single oral dose of midazolam 2 mg was coadministered on Day 1 with EMEND 40 mg; this effect was not considered clinically important.
In another study with intravenous administration of midazolam, EMEND was given as 125 mg on Day 1 and 80 mg/day on Days 2 and 3, and midazolam 2 mg IV was given prior to the administration of the 3-day regimen of EMEND and on Days 4, 8, and 15. EMEND increased the AUC of midazolam by 25% on Day 4 and decreased the AUC of midazolam by 19% on Day 8 relative to the dosing of EMEND on Days 1 through 3. These effects were not considered clinically important. The AUC of midazolam on Day 15 was similar to that observed at baseline.
An additional study was completed with intravenous administration of midazolam and EMEND. Intravenous midazolam 2 mg was given 1 hour after oral administration of a single dose of EMEND 125 mg. The plasma AUC of midazolam was increased by 1.5-fold. Depending on clinical situations (e.g., elderly patients) and degree of monitoring available, dosage adjustment for intravenous midazolam may be necessary when it is coadministered with EMEND for the chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting indication (125 mg Day 1 followed by 80 mg on Days 2 and 3).
Aprepitant is a substrate for CYP3A4; therefore, coadministration of EMEND with drugs that inhibit CYP3A4 activity may result in increased plasma concentrations of aprepitant. Consequently, concomitant administration of EMEND with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, nefazodone, troleandomycin, clarithromycin, ritonavir, nelfinavir) should be approached with caution. Because moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., diltiazem) result in a 2-fold increase in plasma concentrations of aprepitant, concomitant administration should also be approached with caution.
Aprepitant is a substrate for CYP3A4; therefore, coadministration of EMEND with drugs that strongly induce CYP3A4 activity (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin) may result in reduced plasma concentrations of aprepitant that may result in decreased efficacy of EMEND.
Ketoconazole: When a single 125-mg dose of EMEND was administered on Day 5 of a 10-day regimen of 400 mg/day of ketoconazole, a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, the AUC of aprepitant increased approximately 5-fold and the mean terminal half-life of aprepitant increased approximately 3-fold. Concomitant administration of EMEND with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors should be approached cautiously.
Rifampin: When a single 375-mg dose of EMEND was administered on Day 9 of a 14-day regimen of 600 mg/day of rifampin, a strong CYP3A4 inducer, the AUC of aprepitant decreased approximately 11-fold and the mean terminal half-life decreased approximately 3-fold.
Coadministration of EMEND with drugs that induce CYP3A4 activity may result in reduced plasma concentrations and decreased efficacy of EMEND. Additional interactions
Diltiazem: In patients with mild to moderate hypertension, administration of aprepitant once daily, as a tablet formulation comparable to 230 mg of the capsule formulation, with diltiazem 120 mg 3 times daily for 5 days, resulted in a 2-fold increase of aprepitant AUC and a simultaneous 1.7-fold increase of diltiazem AUC. These pharmacokinetic effects did not result in clinically meaningful changes in ECG, heart rate or blood pressure beyond those changes induced by diltiazem alone.
Paroxetine: Coadministration of once daily doses of aprepitant, as a tablet formulation comparable to 85 mg or 170 mg of the capsule formulation, with paroxetine 20 mg once daily, resulted in a decrease in AUC by approximately 25% and Cmax by approximately 20% of both aprepitant and paroxetine.
Last updated on RxList: 8/7/2009
EMEND (aprepitant), a dose-dependent inhibitor of CYP3A4, should be used with caution in patients receiving concomitant medications that are primarily metabolized through CYP3A4. Moderate inhibition of CYP3A4 by aprepitant, 125 mg/80 mg regimen, could result in elevated plasma concentrations of these concomitant medications.
Weak inhibition of CYP3A4 by a single 40 mg dose of aprepitant is not expected to alter the plasma concentrations of concomitant medications that are primarily metabolized through CYP3A4 to a clinically significant degree.
When aprepitant is used concomitantly with another CYP3A4 inhibitor, aprepitant plasma concentrations could be elevated. When EMEND is used concomitantly with medications that induce CYP3A4 activity aprepitant plasma concentrations could be reduced and this may result in decreased efficacy of EMEND (See PRECAUTIONS: DRUG INTERACTIONS).
Chemotherapy agents that are known to be metabolized by CYP3A4 include docetaxel, paclitaxel, etoposide, irinotecan, ifosfamide, imatinib, vinorelbine, vinblastine and vincristine. In clinical studies, EMEND (125 mg/80 mg regimen) was administered commonly with etoposide, vinorelbine, or paclitaxel. The doses of these agents were not adjusted to account for potential drug interactions.
In separate pharmacokinetic studies no clinically significant change in docetaxel or vinorelbine pharmacokinetics was observed when EMEND (125 mg/80 mg regimen) was co-administered.
Due to the small number of patients in clinical studies who received the CYP3A4 substrates vinblastine, vincristine, or ifosfamide, particular caution and careful monitoring are advised in patients receiving these agents or other chemotherapy agents metabolized primarily by CYP3A4 that were not studied (see PRECAUTIONS: DRUG INTERACTIONS).
Chronic continuous use of EMEND for prevention of nausea and vomiting is not recommended because it has not been studied and because the drug interaction profile may change during chronic continuous use.
Coadministration of EMEND with warfarin may result in a clinically significant decrease in International Normalized Ratio (INR) of prothrombin time. In patients on chronic warfarin therapy, the INR should be closely monitored in the 2-week period, particularly at 7 to 10 days, following initiation of the 3-day regimen of EMEND with each chemotherapy cycle, or following administration of a single 40 mg dose of EMEND for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (see PRECAUTIONS: DRUG INTERACTIONS).
Upon coadministration with EMEND, the efficacy of hormonal contraceptives during and for 28 days following the last dose of EMEND may be reduced. Alternative or back-up methods of contraception should be used during treatment with EMEND and for 1 month following the last dose of EMEND (see PRECAUTIONS: DRUG INTERACTIONS).
There are no clinical or pharmacokinetic data in patients with severe hepatic insufficiency (Child-Pugh score > 9). Therefore, caution should be exercised when EMEND is administered in these patients (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Special Populations, Hepatic Insufficiency and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
Physicians should instruct their patients to read the patient package insert before starting therapy with EMEND and to reread it each time the prescription is renewed.
Patients should be instructed to take EMEND only as prescribed. For the prevention of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting, patients should be advised to take their first dose (125 mg) of EMEND 1 hour prior to chemotherapy treatment. For the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting, patients should receive their medication (40 mg capsule of EMEND) within 3 hours prior to induction of anesthesia.
Allergic reactions, which may be serious, and may include hives, rash and itching and cause difficulty in breathing or swallowing, have been reported in general use with EMEND. Physicians should instruct their patients to stop taking EMEND and call their doctor right away if they experience an allergic reaction.
EMEND may interact with some drugs including chemotherapy; therefore, patients should be advised to report to their doctor the use of any other prescription, non-prescription medication or herbal products.
Patients on chronic warfarin therapy should be instructed to have their clotting status closely monitored in the 2-week period, particularly at 7 to 10 days, following initiation of the 3-day regimen of EMEND 125 mg/80 mg with each chemotherapy cycle, or following administration of a single 40 mg dose of EMEND for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting.
Administration of EMEND may reduce the efficacy of hormonal contraceptives. Patients should be advised to use alternative or back-up methods of contraception during treatment with EMEND and for 1 month following the last dose of EMEND.
Carcinogenicity studies were conducted in Sprague-Dawley rats and in CD-1 mice for 2 years. In the rat carcinogenicity studies, animals were treated with oral doses ranging from 0.05 to 1000 mg/kg twice daily. The highest dose produced a systemic exposure to aprepitant (plasma AUC0-24hr) of 0.7 to 1.6 times the human exposure (AUC0-24hr = 19.6 mcg•hr/mL) at the recommended dose of 125 mg/day. Treatment with aprepitant at doses of 5 to 1000 mg/kg twice daily caused an increase in the incidences of thyroid follicular cell adenomas and carcinomas in male rats. In female rats, it produced hepatocellular adenomas at 5 to 1000 mg/kg twice daily and hepatocellular carcinomas and thyroid follicular cell adenomas at 125 to 1000 mg/kg twice daily. In the mouse carcinogenicity studies, the animals were treated with oral doses ranging from 2.5 to 2000 mg/kg/day. The highest dose produced a systemic exposure of about 2.8 to 3.6 times the human exposure at the recommended dose. Treatment with aprepitant produced skin fibrosarcomas at 125 and 500 mg/kg/day doses in male mice.
Aprepitant was not genotoxic in the Ames test, the human lymphoblastoid cell (TK6) mutagenesis test, the rat hepatocyte DNA strand break test, the Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell chromosome aberration test and the mouse micronucleus test.
Aprepitant did not affect the fertility or general reproductive performance of male or female rats at doses up to the maximum feasible dose of 1000 mg/kg twice daily (providing exposure in male rats lower than the exposure at the recommended human dose and exposure in female rats at about 1.6 times the human exposure).
Category B. Teratology studies have been performed in rats at oral doses up to 1000 mg/kg twice daily (plasma AUC0-24hr of 31.3 mcg•hr/mL, about 1.6 times the human exposure at the recommended dose) and in rabbits at oral doses up to 25 mg/kg/day (plasma AUC0-24hr of 26.9 mcg•hr/mL, about 1.4 times the human exposure at the recommended dose) and have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to aprepitant. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Aprepitant is excreted in the milk of rats. It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for possible serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from aprepitant and because of the potential for tumorigenicity shown for aprepitant in rodent carcinogenicity studies, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Safety and effectiveness of EMEND in pediatric patients have not been established.
In 2 well-controlled chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting clinical studies, of the total number of patients (N=544) treated with EMEND, 31% were 65 and over, while 5% were 75 and over. In well-controlled postoperative nausea and vomiting clinical studies, of the total number of patients (N=1120) treated with EMEND, 7% were 65 and over, while 2% were 75 and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects. Greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out. Dosage adjustment in the elderly is not necessary.
Last updated on RxList: 8/7/2009
No specific information is available on the treatment of overdosage with EMEND. Single doses up to 600 mg of aprepitant were generally well tolerated in healthy subjects. Aprepitant was generally well tolerated when administered as 375 mg once daily for up to 42 days to patients in non-CINV studies. In 33 cancer patients, administration of a single 375-mg dose of aprepitant on Day 1 and 250 mg once daily on Days 2 to 5 was generally well tolerated.
Drowsiness and headache were reported in one patient who ingested 1440 mg of aprepitant.
In the event of overdose, EMEND should be discontinued and general supportive treatment and monitoring should be provided. Because of the antiemetic activity of aprepitant, drug-induced emesis may not be effective.
Aprepitant cannot be removed by hemodialysis.
EMEND is a weak-to-moderate (dose-dependent) cytochrome P450 isoenzyme 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibitor. EMEND should not be used concurrently with pimozide, terfenadine, astemizole, or cisapride. Dose-dependent inhibition of CYP3A4 by aprepitant could result in elevated plasma concentrations of these drugs, potentially causing serious or life-threatening reactions (see PRECAUTIONS: DRUG INTERACTIONS).
EMEND is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to any component of the product.
Last updated on RxList: 8/7/2009
Aprepitant is a selective high-affinity antagonist of human substance P/neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptors. Aprepitant has little or no affinity for serotonin (5-HT3), dopamine, and corticosteroid receptors, the targets of existing therapies for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).
Aprepitant has been shown in animal models to inhibit emesis induced by cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents, such as cisplatin, via central actions. Animal and human Positron Emission Tomography (PET) studies with aprepitant have shown that it crosses the blood brain barrier and occupies brain NK1 receptors. Animal and human studies show that aprepitant augments the antiemetic activity of the 5-HT3receptor antagonist ondansetron and the corticosteroid dexamethasone and inhibits both the acute and delayed phases of cisplatin-induced emesis.
Following oral administration of a single 40 mg dose of EMEND in the fasted state, mean area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC0-∞) was 7.8 mcg•hr/mL and mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) was 0.7 mcg/mL, occurring at approximately 3 hours postdose (Tmax). The absolute bioavailability at the 40-mg dose has not been determined.
Following oral administration of a single 125-mg dose of EMEND on Day 1 and 80 mg once daily on Days 2 and 3, the AUC0-24hr was approximately 19.6 mcg•hr/mL and 21.2 mcg•hr/mL on Day 1 and Day 3, respectively. The Cmax of 1.6 mcg/mL and 1.4 mcg/mL were reached in approximately 4 hours (Tmax) on Day 1 and Day 3, respectively. At the dose range of 80-125 mg, the mean absolute oral bioavailability of aprepitant is approximately 60 to 65%. Oral administration of the capsule with a standard high-fat breakfast had no clinically meaningful effect on the bioavailability of aprepitant.
The pharmacokinetics of aprepitant are non-linear across the clinical dose range. In healthy young adults, the increase in AUC0-∞ was 26% greater than dose proportional between 80-mg and 125-mg single doses administered in the fed state.
Aprepitant is greater than 95% bound to plasma proteins. The mean apparent volume of distribution at steady state (Vdss) is approximately 70 L in humans.
Aprepitant crosses the placenta in rats and rabbits and crosses the blood brain barrier in humans (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Mechanism of Action).
Aprepitant undergoes extensive metabolism. In vitro studies using human liver microsomes indicate that aprepitant is metabolized primarily by CYP3A4 with minor metabolism by CYP1A2 and CYP2C19. Metabolism is largely via oxidation at the morpholine ring and its side chains. No metabolism by CYP2D6, CYP2C9, or CYP2E1 was detected. In healthy young adults, aprepitant accounts for approximately 24% of the radioactivity in plasma over 72 hours following a single oral 300-mg dose of [14C]-aprepitant, indicating a substantial presence of metabolites in the plasma. Seven metabolites of aprepitant, which are only weakly active, have been identified in human plasma.
Following administration of a single IV 100-mg dose of [14C]-aprepitant prodrug to healthy subjects, 57% of the radioactivity was recovered in urine and 45% in feces. A study was not conducted with radiolabeled capsule formulation. The results after oral administration may differ.
Aprepitant is eliminated primarily by metabolism; aprepitant is not renally excreted. The apparent plasma clearance of aprepitant ranged from approximately 62 to 90 mL/min. The apparent terminal half-life ranged from approximately 9 to 13 hours.
Gender
Following oral administration of a single 125-mg dose of EMEND, no difference in AUC0-24hr was observed between males and females. The Cmax for aprepitant is 16% higher in females as compared with males. The half-life of aprepitant is 25% lower in females as compared with males and Tmax occurs at approximately the same time. These differences are not considered clinically meaningful. No dosage adjustment for EMEND is necessary based on gender.
Following oral administration of a single 125-mg dose of EMEND on Day 1 and 80 mg once daily on Days 2 through 5, the AUC0-24hr of aprepitant was 21% higher on Day 1 and 36% higher on Day 5 in elderly ( ≥ 65 years) relative to younger adults. The Cmax was 10% higher on Day 1 and 24% higher on Day 5 in elderly relative to younger adults. These differences are not considered clinically meaningful. No dosage adjustment for EMEND is necessary in elderly patients.
The pharmacokinetics of EMEND have not been evaluated in patients below 18 years of age.
Following oral administration of a single 125-mg dose of EMEND, the AUC0-24hr is approximately 25% and 29% higher in Hispanics as compared with Whites and Blacks, respectively. The Cmax is 22% and 31% higher in Hispanics as compared with Whites and Blacks, respectively. These differences are not considered clinically meaningful. There was no difference in AUC0-24hr or Cmax between Whites and Blacks. No dosage adjustment for EMEND is necessary based on race.
EMEND was well tolerated in patients with mild to moderate hepatic insufficiency. Following administration of a single 125-mg dose of EMEND on Day 1 and 80 mg once daily on Days 2 and 3 to patients with mild hepatic insufficiency (Child-Pugh score 5 to 6), the AUC0-24hr of aprepitant was 11% lower on Day 1 and 36% lower on Day 3, as compared with healthy subjects given the same regimen. In patients with moderate hepatic insufficiency (Child-Pugh score 7 to 9), the AUC0-24hr of aprepitant was 10% higher on Day 1 and 18% higher on Day 3, as compared with healthy subjects given the same regimen. These differences in AUC0-24hr are not considered clinically meaningful; therefore, no dosage adjustment for EMEND is necessary in patients with mild to moderate hepatic insufficiency.
There are no clinical or pharmacokinetic data in patients with severe hepatic insufficiency (Child-Pugh score > 9) (see PRECAUTIONS).
A single 240-mg dose of EMEND was administered to patients with severe renal insufficiency (CrCl < 30 mL/min) and to patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring hemodialysis.
In patients with severe renal insufficiency, the AUC0-∞ of total aprepitant (unbound and protein bound) decreased by 21% and Cmax decreased by 32%, relative to healthy subjects. In patients with ESRD undergoing hemodialysis, the AUC0-∞ of total aprepitant decreased by 42% and Cmax decreased by 32%. Due to modest decreases in protein binding of aprepitant in patients with renal disease, the AUC of pharmacologically active unbound drug was not significantly affected in patients with renal insufficiency compared with healthy subjects. Hemodialysis conducted 4 or 48 hours after dosing had no significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of aprepitant; less than 0.2% of the dose was recovered in the dialysate.
No dosage adjustment for EMEND is necessary for patients with renal insufficiency or for patients with ESRD undergoing hemodialysis.
Oral administration of EMEND in combination with ondansetron and dexamethasone (aprepitant regimen) has been shown to prevent acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with highly emetogenic chemotherapy including high-dose cisplatin, and nausea and vomiting associated with moderately emetogenic chemotherapy.
In 2 multicenter, randomized, parallel, double-blind, controlled clinical studies, the aprepitant regimen (see table below) was compared with standard therapy in patients receiving a chemotherapy regimen that included cisplatin > 50 mg/m² (mean cisplatin dose = 80.2 mg/m²). Of the 550 patients who were randomized to receive the aprepitant regimen, 42% were women, 58% men, 59% White, 3% Asian, 5% Black, 12% Hispanic American, and 21% Multi-Racial. The aprepitant-treated patients in these clinical studies ranged from 14 to 84 years of age, with a mean age of 56 years. 170 patients were 65 years or older, with 29 patients being 75 years or older.
Patients (N = 1105) were randomized to either the aprepitant regimen (N = 550) or standard therapy (N = 555). The treatment regimens are defined in the table below.
Treatment Regimens Highly Emetogenic Chemotherapy Trials
| Treatment Regimen | Day 1 | Days 2 to 4 |
| Aprepitant | Aprepitant 125 mg PO Dexamethasone 12 mg PO Ondansetron 32 mg IV |
Aprepitant 80 mg PO Daily (Days 2 and 3 only) Dexamethasone 8 mg PO Daily (morning) |
| Standard Therapy | Dexamethasone 20 mg PO Ondansetron 32 mg IV |
Dexamethasone 8 mg PO Daily (morning) Dexamethasone 8 mg PO Daily (evening) |
| Aprepitant placebo and dexamethasone placebo were used to maintain blinding. | ||
During these studies 95% of the patients in the aprepitant group received a concomitant chemotherapeutic agent in addition to protocol-mandated cisplatin. The most common chemotherapeutic agents and the number of aprepitant patients exposed follows: etoposide (106), fluorouracil (100), gemcitabine (89), vinorelbine (82), paclitaxel (52), cyclophosphamide (50), doxorubicin (38), docetaxel (11).
The antiemetic activity of EMEND was evaluated during the acute phase (0 to 24 hours post-cisplatin treatment), the delayed phase (25 to 120 hours post-cisplatin treatment) and overall (0 to 120 hours postcisplatin treatment) in Cycle 1. Efficacy was based on evaluation of the following endpoints: Primary endpoint:
A summary of the key study results from each individual study analysis is shown in Table 1 and in Table 2.
Table 1 : Percent of Patients Receiving Highly Emetogenic
Chemotherapy Responding by Treatment Group and Phase for Study 1 — Cycle 1
| ENDPOINTS | Aprepitant Regimen (N = 260)† % |
Standard Therapy (N = 261) † % |
p-Value |
| PRIMARY ENDPOINT | |||
| Complete Response | |||
| Overall‡ | 73 | 52 | < 0.001 |
| OTHER PRESPECIFIED ENDPOINTS | |||
| Complete Response | |||
| Acute phase§ | 89 | 78 | < 0.001 |
| Delayed phase|| | 75 | 56 | < 0.001 |
| Complete Protection | |||
| Overall | 63 | 49 | 0.001 |
| Acute phase | 85 | 75 | NS* |
| Delayed phase | 66 | 52 | < 0.001 |
| No Emesis | |||
| Overall | 78 | 55 | < 0.001 |
| Acute phase | 90 | 79 | 0.001 |
| Delayed phase | 81 | 59 | < 0.001 |
| No Nausea | |||
| Overall | 48 | 44 | NS** |
| Delayed phase | 51 | 48 | NS** |
| No Significant Nausea | |||
| Overall | 73 | 66 | NS** |
| Delayed phase | 75 | 69 | NS** |
| †N: Number of patients (older than 18
years of age) who received cisplatin, study drug, and had at least one
post-treatment efficacy evaluation. ‡Overall: 0 to 120 hours post-cisplatin treatment. §Acute phase: 0 to 24 hours post-cisplatin treatment. ||Delayed phase: 25 to 120 hours post-cisplatin treatment. *Not statistically significant when adjusted for multiple comparisons. **Not statistically significant. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score range: 0 mm = no nausea; 100 mm = nausea as bad as it could be. |
|||
Table 2 : Percent of Patients Receiving Highly Emetogenic
Chemotherapy Responding by Treatment Group and Phase for Study 2 — Cycle 1
| ENDPOINTS | Aprepitant Regimen (N = 261)† % |
Standard Therapy (N = 263) † % |
p-Value |
| PRIMARY ENDPOINT | |||
| Complete Response | |||
| Overall‡ | 63 | 43 | < 0.001 |
| OTHER PRESPECIFIED ENDPOINTS | |||
| Complete Response | |||
| Acute phase§ | 83 | 68 | < 0.001 |
| Delayed phase|| | 68 | 47 | < 0.001 |
| Complete Protection | |||
| Overall | 56 | 41 | < 0.001 |
| Acute phase | 80 | 65 | < 0.001 |
| Delayed phase | 61 | 44 | < 0.001 |
| No Emesis | |||
| Overall | 66 | 44 | < 0.001 |
| Acute phase | 84 | 69 | < 0.001 |
| Delayed phase | 72 | 48 | < 0.001 |
| No Nausea | |||
| Overall | 49 | 39 | NS* |
| Delayed phase | 53 | 40 | NS* |
| No Significant Nausea | |||
| Overall | 71 | 64 | NS** |
| Delayed phase | 73 | 65 | NS** |
| †N: Number of patients (older than 18
years of age) who received cisplatin, study drug, and had at least one
post-treatment efficacy evaluation. ‡Overall: 0 to 120 hours post-cisplatin treatment. §Acute phase: 0 to 24 hours post-cisplatin treatment. ||Delayed phase: 25 to 120 hours post-cisplatin treatment. *Not statistically significant when adjusted for multiple comparisons. **Not statistically significant. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score range: 0 mm = no nausea; 100 mm = nausea as bad as it could be. |
|||
In both studies, a statistically significantly higher proportion of patients receiving the aprepitant regimen in Cycle 1 had a complete response (primary endpoint), compared with patients receiving standard therapy. A statistically significant difference in complete response in favor of the aprepitant regimen was also observed when the acute phase and the delayed phase were analyzed separately.
In both studies, the estimated time to first emesis after initiation of cisplatin treatment was longer with the aprepitant regimen, and the incidence of first emesis was reduced in the aprepitant regimen group compared with standard therapy group as depicted in the Kaplan-Meier curves in Figure 1.
Figure 1: Percent of Patients Receiving Highly Emetogenic
Chemotherapy Who Remain Emesis Free Over Time – Cycle 1
 |
Patient-Reported Outcomes: The impact of nausea and vomiting on patients' daily lives was assessed in Cycle 1 of both Phase III studies using the Functional Living Index–Emesis (FLIE), a validated nausea-and vomiting-specific patient-reported outcome measure. Minimal or no impact of nausea and vomiting on patients' daily lives is defined as a FLIE total score > 108. In each of the 2 studies, a higher proportion of patients receiving the aprepitant regimen reported minimal or no impact of nausea and vomiting on daily life (Study 1: 74% versus 64%; Study 2: 75% versus 64%).
Multiple-Cycle Extension: In the same 2 clinical studies, patients continued into the Multiple-Cycle extension for up to 5 additional cycles of chemotherapy. The proportion of patients with no emesis and no significant nausea by treatment group at each cycle is depicted in Figure 2. Antiemetic effectiveness for the patients receiving the aprepitant regimen is maintained throughout repeat cycles for those patients continuing in each of the multiple cycles.
Figure 2: Proportion of Patients Receiving Highly Emetogenic
Chemotherapy With No Emesis and No Significant Nausea by Treatment Group and
Cycle
 |
In a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, clinical study in breast cancer patients, the aprepitant regimen (see table that follows) was compared with a standard of care therapy in patients receiving a moderately emetogenic chemotherapy regimen that included cyclophosphamide 7501500 mg/m²; or cyclophosphamide 500-1500 mg/m² and doxorubicin ( ≤ 60 mg/m²) or epirubicin ( ≤ 100 mg/m²).
In this study, the most common combinations were cyclophosphamide + doxorubicin (60.6%); and cyclophosphamide + epirubicin + fluorouracil (21.6%).
Of the 438 patients who were randomized to receive the aprepitant regimen, 99.5% were women. Of these, approximately 80% were White, 8% Black, 8% Asian, 4% Hispanic, and < 1% Other. The aprepitant-treated patients in this clinical study ranged from 25 to 78 years of age, with a mean age of 53 years; 70 patients were 65 years or older, with 12 patients being over 74 years.
Patients (N = 866) were randomized to either the aprepitant regimen (N = 438) or standard therapy (N = 428). The treatment regimens are defined in the table that follows.
Treatment Regimens Moderately Emetogenic Chemotherapy Trial
| Treatment Regimen | Day 1 | Days 2 to 3 |
| Aprepitant | Aprepitant 125 mg PO† Dexamethasone 12 mg PO‡ Ondansetron 8 mg PO x 2 doses§ |
Aprepitant 80 mg PO Daily |
| Standard Therapy | Dexamethasone 20 mg PO Ondansetron 8 mg PO x 2 doses |
Ondansetron 8 mg PO Daily (every 12 hours) |
| Aprepitant placebo and dexamethasone placebo were used to
maintain blinding. †1 hour prior to chemotherapy. ‡30 minutes prior to chemotherapy. §30 to 60 minutes prior to chemotherapy and 8 hours after first ondansetron dose. |
||
The antiemetic activity of EMEND was evaluated based on the following endpoints
Complete response (defined as no emetic episodes and no use of rescue therapy) in the overall phase (0 to 120 hours post-chemotherapy)
A summary of the key results from this study is shown in Table 3.
Table 3 : Percent of Patients Receiving Moderately Emetogenic
Chemotherapy Responding by Treatment Group and Phase — Cycle 1
| ENDPOINTS | Aprepitant Regimen (N = 433)† % |
Standard Therapy (N = 424)† % |
p-Value |
| PRIMARY ENDPOINT | |||
| Complete Response‡ | 51 | 42 | 0.015 |
| OTHER PRESPECIFIED ENDPOINTS | |||
| No Emesis | 76 | 59 | NS* |
| No Nausea | 33 | 33 | NS |
| No Significant Nausea | 61 | 56 | NS |
| No Rescue Therapy | 59 | 56 | NS |
| Complete Protection | 43 | 37 | NS |
| †N: Number of patients included in the
primary analysis of complete response. ‡Overall: 0 to 120 hours post-chemotherapy treatment. *NS when adjusted for prespecified multiple comparisons rule; unadjusted p-value < 0.001. |
|||
In this study, a statistically significantly (p=0.015) higher proportion of patients receiving the aprepitant regimen (51%) in Cycle 1 had a complete response (primary endpoint) during the overall phase compared with patients receiving standard therapy (42%). The difference between treatment groups was primarily driven by the “No Emesis Endpoint”, a principal component of this composite primary endpoint. In addition, a higher proportion of patients receiving the aprepitant regimen in Cycle 1 had a complete response during the acute (0-24 hours) and delayed (25-120 hours) phases compared with patients receiving standard therapy; however, the treatment group differences failed to reach statistical significance, after multiplicity adjustments.
Patient-Reported Outcomes: In a phase III study in patients receiving moderately emetogenic chemotherapy, the impact of nausea and vomiting on patients' daily lives was assessed in Cycle 1 using the FLIE. A higher proportion of patients receiving the aprepitant regimen reported minimal or no impact on daily life (64% versus 56%). This difference between treatment groups was primarily driven by the “No Vomiting Domain” of this composite endpoint.
Multiple-Cycle Extension: Patients receiving moderately emetogenic chemotherapy were permitted to continue into the Multiple-Cycle extension of the study for up to 3 additional cycles of chemotherapy. Antiemetic effect for patients receiving the aprepitant regimen is maintained during all cycles.
In two multicenter, randomized, double-blind, active comparator-controlled, parallel-group clinical studies (PONV Studies 1 and 2), aprepitant was compared with ondansetron for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting in 1658 patients undergoing open abdominal surgery. Patients were randomized to receive 40 mg aprepitant, 125 mg aprepitant, or 4 mg ondansetron. Aprepitant was given orally with 50 mL of water 1 to 3 hours before anesthesia. Ondansetron was given intravenously immediately before induction of anesthesia. A comparison between the 125 mg dose and the 40 mg dose did not demonstrate any additional clinical benefit. The remainder of this section will focus on the results in the 40 mg aprepitant dose recommended for PONV.
Of the 564 patients who received 40 mg aprepitant, 92% were women and 8% were men; of these, 58% were White, 13% Hispanic American, 7% Multi-Racial, 14% Black, 6% Asian, and 2% Other. The age of patients treated with 40 mg aprepitant ranged from 19 to 84 years, with a mean age of 46.1 years. 46 patients were 65 years or older, with 13 patients being 75 years or older.
The antiemetic activity of EMEND was evaluated during the 0 to 48 hour period following the end of surgery. The two pivotal studies were of similar design; however, they differed in terms of study hypothesis, efficacy analyses and geographic location. PONV Study 1 was a multinational study including the U.S., whereas, PONV Study 2 was conducted entirely in the U.S.
Efficacy measures in PONV Study 1 included:
A closed testing procedure was applied to control the type I error for the primary endpoints.
The results of the primary and secondary endpoints for 40 mg aprepitant and 4 mg ondansetron are described in Table 4:
Table 4 : PONV Study 1 Response Rates for Select Efficacy
Endpoints (Modified-Intention-to-Treat Population)
| Treatment | n/m (%) | Aprepitant Vs Ondansetron | ||
| Δ | Odds ratio† | Analysis | ||
| Primary Endpoints | ||||
| No Vomiting 0 to 24hours (Superiority) (no emetic episodes) | ||||
| Aprepitant 40 mg | 246/293 (84.0) | 12.6% | 2.1 | P < 0.001* |
| Ondansetron | 200/280 (71.4) | |||
| Complete Response (Non-inferiority: If LB‡ > 0.65) (no emesis and no rescue therapy, 0 to 24hours) | ||||
| Aprepitant 40 mg | 187/293 (63.8) | 8.8% | 1.4 | LB=1.02 |
| Ondansetron | 154/280 (55.0) | |||
| Complete Response (Superiority: If LB > 1.0) (no emesis and no rescue therapy, 0 to 24hours) | ||||
| Aprepitant 40 mg | 187/293 (63.8) | 8.8% | 1.4 | LB=1.02+ |
| Ondansetron | 154/280 (55.0) | |||
| Secondary Endpoint | ||||
| No Vomiting 0 to 48 (Superiority) (no emetic episodes) | ||||
| Aprepitant 40 mg | 238/292 (81.5) | 15.2% | 2.3 | P < 0.001* |
| Ondansetron | 185/279 (66.3) | |||
| n/m = Number of responders/number of patients in analysis.
Δ Difference (%): Aprepitant 40 mg minus Ondansetron. ‡ LB= lower bound of 1-sided 97.5% confidence interval for the odds ratio. * P-value of two-sided test < 0.05. + Based on the prespecified fixed sequence multiplicity strategy, Aprepitant 40 mg was not superior to Ondansetron. † Estimated odds ratio for Aprepitant versus Ondansetron. A value of > 1 favors Aprepitant over Ondansetron. |
||||
The use of aprepitant did not affect the time to first use of rescue medication when compared to ondansetron. However, compared to the ondansetron group, use of aprepitant delayed the time to first vomiting, as depicted in Figure 3.
Figure 3 : Percent of Patients Who Remain Emesis Free During
the 48 Hours Following End of Surgery
 |
Efficacy measures in PONV Study 2 included:
PONV Study 2 failed to satisfy its primary hypothesis that aprepitant is superior to ondansetron in the prevention of PONV as measured by the proportion of patients with complete response in the 24 hours following end of surgery.
The study demonstrated that both dose levels of aprepitant had a clinically meaningful effect with respect to the secondary endpoint “no vomiting” during the first 24 hours after surgery and showed that the use of 40 mg aprepitant was associated with a 16% improvement over ondansetron for the no vomiting endpoint.
Table 5 : PONV Study 2 (Modified-Intention-to-Treat Population)
| Treatment | n/m (%) | Aprepitant Vs Ondansetron | ||
| Δ | Odd sratio† | p-Value | ||
| Primary Endpoint | ||||
| Complete Response (no emesis and no rescue therapy, 0 to 24hours) | ||||
| Aprepitant 40 mg | 111/248 (44.8) | 2.5% | 1.1 | 0.61 |
| Ondansetron | 104/246 (42.3) | |||
| Secondary Endpoints | ||||
| No Vomiting (no emetic episodes, 0 to 24 hours) | ||||
| Aprepitant 40 mg | 223/248 (89.9) | 16.3% | 3.2 | < 0.001* |
| Ondansetron | 181/246 (73.6) | |||
| No Use of Rescue Medication (for established emesis or nausea, 0 to 24 hours) | ||||
| Aprepitant 40 mg | 112/248 (45.2) | -0.7% | 1.0 | 0.83 |
| Ondansetron | 113/246 (45.9) | |||
| No Vomiting 0 to 48 (Superiority) (no emetic episodes, 0 to 48 hours) | ||||
| Aprepitant 40 mg | 209/247 (84.6) | 17.7% | 2.7 | < 0.001* |
| Ondansetron | 164/245 (66.9) | |||
| n/m = Number of responders/number of patients in analysis. Difference (%) : Aprepitant 40 mg minus Ondansetron. Estimated odds ratio: Aprepitant 40mg versus Ondansetron. * Not statistically significant after pre-specified multiplicity adjustment. |
||||
Last updated on RxList: 8/7/2009
EMEND®
(EE mend)
(aprepitant) Capsules
Read the Patient Information that comes with EMEND before you take it and each time you refill your prescription. The information may have changed. This leaflet provides only a summary of certain information about EMEND. Your doctor or pharmacist can give you an additional leaflet that is written for health professionals that contains more complete information. This leaflet does not take the place of careful discussions with your doctor. You and your doctor should discuss EMEND when you start taking your medicine.
What is EMEND?
EMEND is a prescription medicine used in adults to prevent nausea and vomiting:
EMEND is not used to treat nausea and vomiting that you already have.
Who should not take EMEND?
Do not take EMEND if you:
Taking EMEND with any of these medicines could cause serious or life-threatening problems.
What should I tell my doctor before and during treatment with EMEND?
Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, including if you:
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking or plan to take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. EMEND may cause serious life-threatening reactions if used with certain medicines (See the section “Who should not take EMEND?”).
Some medicines can affect EMEND. EMEND may also affect some medicines, including chemotherapy, causing them to work differently in your body.
Your doctor may check to make sure your other medicines are working correctly, while you are taking EMEND. People who take warfarin (COUMADIN®, JANTOVEN®) may need to have blood tests after taking EMEND to check their blood clotting.
How should I take EMEND?
If you are receiving cancer chemotherapy, EMEND is taken as 3 doses over 3 days- starting on the day you have chemotherapy, and the two days after chemotherapy. There are two ways that your doctor may prescribe EMEND for you:
1. Capsules of EMEND by mouth for all 3 doses:
Or
2. Intravenous (IV) injection in a vein the first day, then capsules by mouth on the two days after chemotherapy:
If you are receiving chemotherapy, EMEND may be taken with or without food.
If you are having surgery:
Your doctor will prescribe a 40-mg capsule of EMEND for you before surgery. You take EMEND within three hours before surgery.
Follow your doctor's instructions about restrictions on eating and drinking before surgery.
What are the possible side effects of EMEND?
EMEND may cause serious side effects, including
In people taking EMEND to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, the most common side effects are:
In people taking EMEND to prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery, the most common side effects are:
Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all of the possible side effects of EMEND. For more information ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA1088.
How should I store EMEND?
General information about the use of EMEND
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not mentioned in patient information leaflets. Do not use EMEND for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give EMEND to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them. Keep EMEND and all medicines out of the reach of children.
This leaflet summarizes the most important information about EMEND. If you would like to know more information, talk with your doctor. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for information about EMEND that is written for health professionals. For more information about EMEND call 1-800-622-4477 or go to www.emend.com.
What are the ingredients in EMEND?
Active ingredient: aprepitant
Inactive ingredients: sucrose, microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose and sodium lauryl sulfate. The capsule shell excipients are gelatin, titanium dioxide, and may contain sodium lauryl sulfate and silicon dioxide. The 125-mg capsule shell also contains red ferric oxide and yellow ferric oxide. The 40-mg capsule shell also contains yellow ferric oxide.
Last updated on RxList: 8/7/2009
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your health care professional. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your health care professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you.
APREPITANT - ORAL
(a-PREP-ih-tant)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Emend
USES: Aprepitant is used with other medications to help prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer drug treatment (chemotherapy). This medication is also used to prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery. Aprepitant works by blocking one of the body's natural substances (substance P/neurokinin 1) that causes vomiting.
This medication will not treat nausea or vomiting if you already have it. Contact your doctor for further instructions if you are experiencing nausea or vomiting.
HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist before you start taking this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth, with or without food. To prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy, you will usually take the first dose 1 hour before treatment. On the following 2 days, you will usually take the dose once daily in the morning or as directed by your doctor. If you are taking this medication to prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery, you will usually take one dose of 40 milligrams before surgery.
Dosage is based on your medical condition (depending on whether you are taking this medication before cancer chemotherapy or surgery) and response to treatment. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions for when to take each dose, how long to keep taking it, and the strength (number of milligrams) of each dose. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Tell your doctor if you develop nausea or vomiting.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the tongue/lips/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using aprepitant, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver problems.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious (possibly fatal) interactions may occur: cisapride, pimozide.
If you are currently using either of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting aprepitant.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: drugs affecting liver enzymes that remove aprepitant from your body (such as azole antifungals including itraconazole, macrolide antibiotics including erythromycin, cimetidine, rifamycins including rifabutin, St. John's wort, certain anti-seizure medicines including carbamazepine/phenytoin, certain cancer chemotherapy drugs including ifosfamide/vinblastine/vincristine).
Aprepitant can both speed up and slow down the removal of other drugs from your body, thereby affecting how they work. These affected drugs include (not a complete list): benzodiazepines (e.g., alprazolam, midazolam, triazolam), simvastatin, drugs to treat male sexual function problems (e.g., sildenafil).
If you take warfarin, this drug may affect how well warfarin works in your body. Therefore, your doctor should test your blood during the 2 weeks after your aprepitant treatment to measure how well warfarin is working.
This medication may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal birth control (e.g., pill, patch, ring). This effect can result in pregnancy. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for details. Discuss whether you should use additional reliable birth control methods during treatment with aprepitant and for 1 month after the last dose of aprepitant.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.
MISSED DOSE: It is important that you take each dose according to the prescribed schedule. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Information last revised July 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.
Here is a collection of user reviews for the medication Emend Capsules sorted by most helpful. 
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Get the latest treatment options.
 |
RxList does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.
Updated & New