Emend

Generic name: Fosaprepitant [ fos-a-PRE-pi-tant ]
Brand name: Emend
Drug class: NK1 receptor antagonists

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 30, 2024.

Uses of Emend:

• It is used to prevent upset stomach and throwing up from chemo.
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Emend?

• If you have an allergy to fosaprepitant, aprepitant, polysorbate 80, or any other part of Emend (fosaprepitant).
• If you are allergic to Emend (fosaprepitant); any part of Emend (fosaprepitant); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you are taking pimozide.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Emend (fosaprepitant).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Emend (fosaprepitant) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Emend?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Emend (fosaprepitant). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• This medicine interacts with many other drugs. The chance of side effects may be raised or how well Emend (fosaprepitant) works may be lowered. Check with your doctor and pharmacist to make sure that it is safe for you to take Emend (fosaprepitant) with all of your other drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins).
• Allergic reactions have happened with Emend (fosaprepitant). You will be watched closely while you receive Emend (fosaprepitant) and for some time after your dose. Talk with your doctor.
• Birth control pills and other hormone-based birth control may not work as well to prevent pregnancy. Use some other kind of birth control also, like a condom, when taking Emend (fosaprepitant) and for 1 month after the last dose.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

How is this medicine (Emend) best taken?

Use Emend (fosaprepitant) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• It is given as an infusion into a vein over a period of time.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Call your doctor to find out what to do.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI) like blood in the urine, burning or pain when passing urine, feeling the need to pass urine often or right away, fever, lower stomach pain, or pelvic pain.
• Flushing.
• Dizziness or passing out.
• Fast or abnormal heartbeat.
• A burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal.
• This medicine may cause tissue damage if the drug leaks from the vein. Tell your nurse if you have any redness, burning, pain, swelling, blisters, skin sores, or leaking of fluid where the drug is going into your body.
• Low blood cell counts have happened with Emend (fosaprepitant). If blood cell counts get very low, this can lead to bleeding problems, infections, or anemia. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection like fever, chills, or sore throat; any unexplained bruising or bleeding; or if you feel very tired or weak.

What are some other side effects of Emend?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Feeling tired or weak.
• Stomach pain or diarrhea.
• Heartburn.
• Pain in arms or legs.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Emend?

• If you need to store Emend (fosaprepitant) at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Emend (fosaprepitant), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the difference between Cinvanti and Emend?

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer