Fosaprepitant is an antiemetic agent that belongs to the class of Neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor antagonists. FDA approved it on January 25, 2008, for its medical use. 

Fosaprepitant is an intravenously administered antiemetic drug. Fosaprepitant is indicated in adult and pediatric patients ≥ 6 months of age, in combination with other antiemetic agents, for the prevention of acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of highly emetogenic cancer chemotherapy, including high-dose cisplatin. It is also indicated for treating delayed nausea and vomiting with initial and repeat courses of moderately emetogenic cancer chemotherapy. Fosaprepitant for injection is not used to treat nausea and vomiting that you already have.

The drug should be administered only by physicians experienced with cancer chemotherapy. Your physician will determine the dose and frequency of administration based on the type of cancer and severity of the disease. Generally, the drug is administered in a single-dose regimen of 150 mg for adults. Do not self-administer the medicine.

The common side effects include tiredness, diarrhea, low white blood cell and red blood cell counts, weakness, feeling weak or numb in your arms and legs painful, difficulty or changes in your digestion, urinary tract infection, and pain in your arms and legs. Other serious side effects include infusion reactions. Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you have hives, rash, itching, flushing or redness of your face or skin, trouble breathing or swallowing, dizziness, a rapid or weak heartbeat, or you feel faint during or soon after you receive fosaprepitant.   

The drug is intended to cause serious drug interactions. You must inform your doctor about the prescribed, over-the-counter medications, vitamin supplements, and herbal medicines you take. With the use of fosaprepitant, severe hypersensitivity reactions like flushing, skin redness, dizziness, low blood pressure, and shock have been reported. Notify your healthcare professional if you face any symptoms during or after the administration of the drug. 

Inform your physician if you have heart disease, gastrointestinal disease, kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease, blood/bleeding problems, or infection. Inform your physician if you are allergic to the medicine or its ingredients. If you are planning for any surgery, including dental procedures, inform your doctor that you are taking fosaprepitant. This drug may decrease the effectiveness of birth control hormonal pills. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning for pregnancy, it is advisable to discuss it with your physician. Your healthcare professional may advise you to take certain blood tests to monitor the effectiveness and side effects of the therapy. 

Store the unopened vials at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Do not freeze. Inform your physician if you have liver problems.

1. HIGHLIGHTS of PRESCRIBING INFORMATION These Highlights Do Not Include All the Information Needed to Use EMEND for INJECTION Safely and Effectively. See Full Prescribing Information for EMEND for INJECTION. Accessed on 22 December 2022 https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/022023s017lbl.pdf
2. Fosaprepitant Uses, Side Effects & Warnings. Drugs.com. Accessed December 24, 2022. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/fosaprepitant.html
3. Mary Julia Mycek, Harvey RA, Champe PC. Lippincott’s Illustrated Reviews: Pharmacology. 6th ed. Lippincott-Raven; 2000:408-410. Accessed December 24, 2022. https://lww.com/pages/default.aspx
4. Fosaprepitant. go.drugbank.com. (Updated on December 22, 2022). Accessed December 24, 2022. https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB06717

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.