Aprepitant/Fosaprepitant Dimeglumine and Electrolyte losses

• Generic Name: aprepitant
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Cinvanti, Emend, Emend 3-Day, Emend 2-Day

Prevention of acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of highly emetogenic cancer chemotherapy, including high-dose cisplatin therapy. Used in combination with other antiemetic agents.

Prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of moderately emetogenic cancer chemotherapy. Used in combination with other antiemetic agents.

For prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with highly emetogenic chemotherapy regimens (including an anthracycline plus cyclophosphamide), ASCO recommends a 3-drug antiemetic regimen consisting of an NK1 receptor antagonist (e.g., either oral aprepitant or IV fosaprepitant), a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist (e.g., dolasetron, granisetron, ondansetron, palonosetron), and dexamethasone. ASCO states that fixed-combination netupitant and palonosetron plus dexamethasone is an additional treatment option.

For moderately emetogenic chemotherapy regimens, ASCO recommends a 2-drug antiemetic regimen preferably consisting of palonosetron and dexamethasone. If palonosetron is not available, a first-generation 5-HT3 receptor antagonist (preferably granisetron or ondansetron) may be substituted. Limited evidence suggests that aprepitant may be added to this regimen; in such cases, use of any 5-HT3 receptor antagonist is appropriate.

For chemotherapy regimens with a low emetogenic risk, ASCO recommends administration of a single dose of dexamethasone prior to chemotherapy.

For chemotherapy regimens with minimal emetogenic risk, ASCO states that routine antiemetic administration is not necessary.

Safety and efficacy for chronic use or for treatment of established nausea and vomiting not established.

Prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Safety and efficacy for chronic use or for treatment of established nausea and vomiting not established.