Emend Side Effects

Generic name: aprepitant

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 6, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Emend Side Effects associated with aprepitant. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Emend.

Applies to aprepitant: oral capsule, oral powder for suspension.

Other dosage forms:

• intravenous emulsion

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress while you are using this medicine to make sure it is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.

Do not use this medicine if you are also using pimozide (Orap®). Using these medicines together may cause serious unwanted side effects.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have itching, hives, rash, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are using this medicine.

Birth control pills may not work as well while you are using aprepitant (the active ingredient contained in Emend) To keep from getting pregnant, use another form of birth control together with your pills while you are using the medicine and for 1 month after your last dose. Other forms of birth control include condoms, diaphragms, or contraceptive foams or jellies.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Common side effects of Emend

Some side effects of aprepitant may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Serious side effects of Emend

Along with its needed effects, aprepitant may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking aprepitant:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to aprepitant: intravenous emulsion, oral capsule, oral powder for reconstitution.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects included headache, fatigue, neutropenia, constipation, and pruritus.^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Fatigue (up to 15%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia, extremity pain, pyrexia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Malaise
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Tinnitus
• Frequency not reported: Hypothermia, pain^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very common (10% or more): Neutropenia (up to 13%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Anemia, hemoglobin decreased, leukopenia, white blood cell count decreased
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Febrile neutropenia, thrombocytopenia
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Neutrophil count decreased
• Frequency not reported: Blood albumin decreased^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Diarrhea (up to 13%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain, constipation, dyspepsia, eructation, flatulence, nausea, vomiting
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dry mouth, gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, oral candidiasis
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Abdominal distention, duodenal ulcer perforation, feces hard, neutropenic colitis, stomatitis
• Frequency not reported: Abdominal pain upper, acid reflux, bowel sounds abnormal, epigastric discomfort, obstipation, stomach discomfort, subileus^[Ref]

Local

• Common (1% to 10%): Infusion-site erythema, infusion-site induration, infusion-site pain, infusion-site pruritus, infusion-site thrombophlebitis
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): injection-site pain, vessel puncture-site pain^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Bradycardia, flushing, hypertension, hypotension
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Edema peripheral, flushing, hot flush, palpitations
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Cardiovascular disorder, chest discomfort, edema
• Frequency not reported: Blood pressure decreased, hematoma, operative hemorrhage^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, headache, peripheral neuropathy
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dysgeusia, somnolence
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Cognitive disorder, gait disturbance, lethargy
• Frequency not reported: Hypoesthesia, sensory disturbance, syncope
• Postmarketing reports: Ifosfamide-induced neurotoxicity^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Common (1% to 10%): ALT increased, AST increased
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Blood alkaline phosphatase increased
• Frequency not reported: Blood bilirubin increased/bilirubin increased^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Cough, hiccups
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dyspnea, oropharyngeal pain, pharyngitis
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Postnasal drip, sneezing, throat irritation
• Frequency not reported: Hypoxia, respiratory depression, wheezing^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Decreased appetite, dehydration
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Blood potassium decreased/hypokalemia
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Blood sodium decreased/hyponatremia, polydipsia, weight decreased
• Frequency not reported: Blood glucose increased/hyperglycemia, hypovolemia, thirst, weight gain^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Acne, alopecia, hyperhidrosis, rash
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Photosensitivity reaction, rash pruritic, seborrhea, skin lesion, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis
• Frequency not reported: Oily skin, urticaria^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anxiety
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Abnormal behavior, agitation, behavior changes, disorientation, euphoria/euphoric mood
• Frequency not reported: Dream abnormality^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dysuria, proteinuria
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Pollakiuria, red blood cells urine positive, urine output increased
• Frequency not reported: Microscopic hematuria, polyuria^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Musculoskeletal pain
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Muscular weakness, muscle spasms
• Frequency not reported: Dysarthria, muscle cramp, myalgia^[Ref]

Renal

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Blood urea increased
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Glucose urine present^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Candidiasis, staphylococcal infection
• Frequency not reported: Postoperative infection, wound dehiscence^[Ref]

Ocular

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Conjunctivitis
• Frequency not reported: Miosis, visual acuity reduced^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Anaphylactic reactions, angioedema, hypersensitivity reactions
• Postmarketing reports: Anaphylactic shock, anaphylaxis^[Ref]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• What is the difference between Cinvanti and Emend?

Further information

Emend side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer