Emend: Understanding Uses, Dosage, Demographic, Side Effects, Interactions, and Generic Options for this Medication Emend (aprepitant) is a prescription medication designed to help prevent and treat nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. This article will discuss the uses, dosage, demographic, side effects, interactions, and generic options for Emend. Uses of Emend Emend is primarily used to prevent nausea and vomiting that accompanies chemotherapy. It is typically given in combination with other medications, including corticosteroids and 5-HT3 receptor antagonists like ondansetron, in order to suppress acute and delayed nausea and vomiting. In addition to chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, Emend has also been used to treat nausea and vomiting caused by surgery and radiation therapy, although the use of Emend in these cases is less well-established. Dosage of Emend The dosage of Emend depends on the patient's weight, the specific chemotherapy drugs being given, and the timing of Emend administration relative to chemotherapy. In general, the recommended dose of Emend for the prevention of acute nausea and vomiting is 125 mg taken by mouth within an hour before chemotherapy, followed by a 80 mg dose on Day 2 and Day 3. For the prevention of delayed nausea and vomiting, a single dose of 80 mg once daily is usually prescribed on Days 2-4 of chemotherapy. Demographic Considerations for Emend Emend is approved for use in adults and children aged 6 months and older. However, there is limited data on the safety and efficacy of Emend in pediatric patients, and it has not been extensively studied in elderly patients or those with liver or kidney impairment. Side Effects of Emend Common side effects of Emend include fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, decreased appetite, and abdominal pain or discomfort. Less common but serious side effects include an allergic reaction characterized by difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, hives, and itching. Interactions with Other Medications Emend can interact with medications that are metabolized by the liver, such as warfarin and certain birth control pills. It can also interact with medications that are CYP3A4 inducers, like rifampin and phenytoin, and CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as ketoconazole and ritonavir. Generic Options for Emend A generic form of Emend (aprepitant) is available on the market. The generic version is typically less expensive than the brand-name medication, but it undergoes the same rigorous quality standards as the brand-name drug. In conclusion, Emend is an effective medication for the prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, as well as some other types of nausea and vomiting. However, it is important to understand and carefully manage the dosage, demographic considerations, side effects, and interactions with other medications, as directed by a licensed healthcare provider.