Emend Side Effects

Generic name: aprepitant

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 27, 2024.

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

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:

More common side effects

• acid or sour stomach
• belching
• confusion
• decreased urination
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• fainting
• heartburn
• hiccups
• increase in heart rate
• indigestion
• lack or loss of strength
• lightheadedness
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• rapid breathing
• stomach discomfort upset or pain
• sunken eyes
• swelling or inflammation of the mouth
• thirst
• weight loss
• wrinkled skin

Less common side effects

• burning feeling in the chest or stomach
• hot flashes
• indigestion
• pain or discomfort in the chest, upper stomach, or throat
• tenderness in the stomach area

Serious side effects of Emend

Along with its needed effects, aprepitant (the active ingredient contained in Emend) 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:

Less common side effects

• black or tarry stools
• chills
• cough
• fever
• lower back or side pain
• painful or difficult urination
• pale skin
• shortness of breath
• sore throat
• ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

• blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• confusion about identity, place, and time
• diarrhea
• itching or skin rash
• joint or muscle pain
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• redness of the skin
• red, irritated eyes
• red skin lesions, often with a purple center
• slow or irregular heartbeat

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]

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