New antiemetic gets FDA nod

Orally available Emend (aprepitant) from Merck has received FDA approval for use with other antiemetics for the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeated courses of moderately and highly emetogenic chemotherapy. The drug was tested in 866 breast cancer patients who had never before undergone emetogenic chemotherapy and was used in combination with ondansetron and dexamethasone. The new drug is available in 80- and 125-mg capsules with a recommended dose of 125-mg one hour prior to chemotherapy on day one, followed by 80-mg daily on days two and three of the treatment cycle.