FDA Label for Aprepitant

1.1 Prevention Of Chemotherapy Induced Nausea And Vomiting (Cinv)

Aprepitant capsules, in combination with other antiemetic agents, are indicated for the prevention of:

• •acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of highly emetogenic cancer chemotherapy (HEC) including high-dose cisplatin.
• •nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of moderately emetogenic cancer chemotherapy (MEC).

Pediatric use information is approved for Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.’s EMEND^® (aprepitant) capsules. However, due to Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information.

1.2 Prevention Of Postoperative Nausea And Vomiting (Ponv)

Aprepitant capsules are indicated in adults for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting.

1.3 Limitations Of Use

• •Aprepitant capsules have not been studied for the treatment of established nausea and vomiting.
• •Chronic continuous administration of aprepitant capsules is not recommended because it has not been studied, and because the drug interaction profile may change during chronic continuous use.

2.1 Prevention Of Chemotherapy Induced Nausea And Vomiting (Cinv)

Adults

The recommended oral dosage of aprepitant capsules, dexamethasone, and a 5-HT₃ antagonist in adults for the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with administration of HEC or MEC is shown in Table 1 or Table 2, respectively.

Pediatric use information is approved for Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.’s EMEND^® (aprepitant) capsules. However, due to Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information.

2.2 Prevention Of Postoperative Nausea And Vomiting (Ponv)

The recommended oral dosage of aprepitant capsules in adults is 40 mg within 3 hours prior to induction of anesthesia.

2.4 Administration Instructions

• •Aprepitant capsules can be administered with or without food.
• •Swallow capsules whole.

3 Dosage Forms And Strengths

Aprepitant Capsules, USP:

• •40 mg: hard gelatin capsules with opaque white cap and opaque white body containing white to off white colored pellets. The cap is imprinted with ‘SZ’ and the body is imprinted with ‘525’ in black ink.
• •80 mg: hard gelatin capsules with opaque white cap and clear transparent body containing white to off white colored pellets. The cap is imprinted with ‘SZ’ and the body is imprinted with ‘528’ in black ink.
• •125 mg: hard gelatin capsules with opaque light blue cap and opaque white body containing white to off white colored pellets. The cap is imprinted with ‘SZ’ and the body is imprinted with ‘529’ in black ink.

4 Contraindications

Aprepitant is contraindicated in patients:

• •who are hypersensitive to any component of the product. Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylactic reactions have been reported [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)].
• •taking pimozide. Inhibition of CYP3A4 by aprepitant could result in elevated plasma concentrations of this drug which is a CYP3A4 substrate, potentially causing serious or life-threatening reactions, such as QT prolongation, a known adverse reaction of pimozide [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

5.1 Clinically Significant Cyp3a4 Drug Interactions

Aprepitant is a substrate, a weak-to-moderate (dose-dependent) inhibitor, and an inducer of CYP3A4.

• •Use of aprepitant with other drugs that are CYP3A4 substrates, may result in increased plasma concentration of the concomitant drug.
  • •Use of pimozide with aprepitant is contraindicated due to the risk of significantly increased plasma concentrations of pimozide, potentially resulting in prolongation of the QT interval, a known adverse reaction of pimozide [see Contraindications (4)].
  • •Use of aprepitant with strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, diltiazem) may increase plasma concentrations of aprepitant and result in an increased risk of adverse reactions related to aprepitant.
  • •Use of aprepitant with strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin) may result in a reduction in aprepitant plasma concentrations and decreased efficacy of aprepitant.

  See Table 10 and Table 11 for a listing of potentially significant drug interactions [see Drug Interactions (7.1, 7.2)].

  
  

5.2 Decrease In Inr With Concomitant Warfarin

Coadministration of aprepitant with warfarin, a CYP2C9 substrate, may result in a clinically significant decrease in International Normalized Ratio (INR) of prothrombin time [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Monitor the INR in patients on chronic warfarin therapy in the 2-week period, particularly at 7 to 10 days, following initiation of the 3-day regimen of aprepitant with each chemotherapy cycle, or following administration of a single 40-mg dose of aprepitant for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].

5.3 Risk Of Reduced Efficacy Of Hormonal Contraceptives

Upon coadministration with aprepitant, the efficacy of hormonal contraceptives may be reduced during administration of and for 28 days following the last dose of aprepitant [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Advise patients to use alternative or back-up methods of contraception during treatment with aprepitant and for 1 month following the last dose of aprepitant [see Drug Interactions (7.1), Use in Specific Populations (8.3)].].

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.

The overall safety of aprepitant was evaluated in approximately 6,800 individuals.

Adverse Reactions in Adults in the Prevention of Nausea and Vomiting Associated with HEC and MEC

In 2 active-controlled, double-blind clinical trials in patients receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC) (Studies 1 and 2), aprepitant in combination with ondansetron and dexamethasone (aprepitant regimen) was compared to ondansetron and dexamethasone alone (standard therapy) [see Clinical Studies (14.1)].

In 2 active-controlled clinical trials in patients receiving moderately emetogenic chemotherapy (MEC) (Studies 3 and 4), aprepitant in combination with ondansetron and dexamethasone (aprepitant regimen) was compared to ondansetron and dexamethasone alone (standard therapy) [see Clinical Studies (14.2)].The most common adverse reaction reported in patients who received MEC in pooled Studies 3 and 4 was dyspepsia (6% versus 4%).

Across these 4 studies there were 1412 patients treated with the aprepitant regimen during Cycle 1 of chemotherapy and 1099 of these patients continued into the Multiple-Cycle extension for up to 6 cycles of chemotherapy. The most common adverse reactions reported in patients who received HEC and MEC in pooled Studies 1, 2, 3 and 4 are listed in Table 5.

Reported in ≥3% of patients treated with the aprepitant regimen and at a greater incidence than standard therapy

In a pooled analysis of the HEC and MEC studies, less common adverse reactions reported in patients treated with the aprepitant regimen are listed in Table 6.

Reported in > 0.5% of patients treated with the aprepitant regimen, at a greater incidence than standard therapy and not previously described in Table 3.

In an additional active-controlled clinical study in 1169 patients receiving aprepitant and HEC, the adverse reactions were generally similar to that seen in the other HEC studies with aprepitant.

In another CINV study, Stevens-Johnson syndrome was reported as a serious adverse reaction in a patient receiving the aprepitant regimen with cancer chemotherapy.

Adverse reactions in the Multiple-Cycle extensions of HEC and MEC studies for up to 6 cycles of chemotherapy were generally similar to that observed in Cycle 1.

Adverse Reactions in Adult Patients in the Prevention of PONV

In 2 active-controlled, double-blind clinical studies in patients receiving general anesthesia (Studies 7 and 8), 40-mg oral aprepitant was compared to 4-mg intravenous ondansetron [see Clinical Studies (14.4)].

There were 564 patients treated with aprepitant and 538 patients treated with ondansetron.

The most common adverse reactions reported in patients treated with aprepitant for PONV in pooled Studies 7 and 8 are listed in Table 8.

•  Table 8 Most Common Adverse Reactions in Aprepitant-Treated Patients in a Pooled Analysis of PONV Studies*
constipation9%8%hypotension6%5%

	Aprepitant 40 mg (N = 564)	Ondansetron (N = 538)

*Reported in ≥3% of patients treated with the Aprepitant 40 mg and at a greater incidence than ondansetron.

In a pooled analysis of PONV studies, less common adverse reactions reported in patients treated with aprepitant are listed in Table 9.

•  Table 9 Less Common Adverse Reactions in Aprepitant-Treated Patients in a Pooled Analysis of PONV Studies*
Infections and Infestationspostoperative infectionMetabolism and Nutrition Disordershypokalemia, hypovolemiaNervous System Disordersdizziness, hypoesthesia, syncopeCardiac DisordersbradycardiaVascular DisordershematomaRespiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal
Disordersdyspnea, hypoxia, respiratory depressionGastrointestinal Disordersabdominal pain, dry mouth, dyspepsiaSkin and Subcutaneous Tissue DisordersurticariaGeneral Disorders and Administration Site
ConditionshypothermiaInvestigationsblood albumin decreased, bilirubin increased, blood glucose increased, blood potassium decreasedInjury, Poisoning and Procedural
Complicationsoperative hemorrhage, wound dehiscence

*Reported in >0.5% of patients treated with aprepitant and at a greater incidence than ondansetron

In addition, two serious adverse reactions were reported in PONV clinical studies in patients taking a higher than recommended dose of aprepitant: one case of constipation, and one case of sub-ileus.

Other Studies

Angioedema and urticaria were reported as serious adverse reactions in a patient receiving aprepitant in a non-CINV/non-PONV study (aprepitant is only approved in the CINV and PONV populations).

•  Pediatric use information is approved for Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.’s EMEND^® (aprepitant) capsules. However, due to Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of aprepitant. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Pruritus, rash, urticaria, Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Immune system disorders

Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylactic reactions [seeContraindications (4)].

Nervous system disorders

Ifosfamide-induced neurotoxicity reported after aprepitant and ifosfamide coadministration.

7.1 Effect Of Aprepitant On The Pharmacokinetics Of Other Drugs

Aprepitant is a substrate, a weak-to-moderate (dose-dependent) inhibitor, and an inducer of CYP3A4. Aprepitant is also an inducer of CYP2C9 [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Aprepitant acts as a moderate inhibitor of CYP3A4 when administered as a 3-day regimen (125-mg/80-mg/80-mg) and can increase plasma concentrations of concomitant drugs that are substrates for CYP3A4. Aprepitant acts as a weak inhibitor when administered as a single 40-mg dose and has not been shown to alter the plasma concentrations of concomitant drugs that are primarily metabolized through CYP3A4. Some substrates of CYP3A4 are contraindicated with aprepitant [see Contraindications (4)]. Dosage adjustment of some CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 substrates may be warranted, as shown in Table 10.

Table 10 Effects of Aprepitant on the Pharmacokinetics of Other Drugs

7.2 Effect Of Other Drugs On The Pharmacokinetics Of Aprepitant

•  Aprepitant is a CYP3A4 substrate [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Co-administration of aprepitant with drugs that are inhibitors or inducers of CYP3A4 may result in increased or decreased plasma concentrations of aprepitant, respectively, as shown in Table 11.

Table 11 Effects of Other Drugs on Pharmacokinetics of Aprepitant

Clinical ImpactSignificantly increased exposure of aprepitant may increase the risk of adverse reactions associated with aprepitant [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].InterventionAvoid concomitant use of aprepitantExamplesModerate inhibitor:
diltiazem
Strong inhibitors:
ketoconazole, itraconazole, nefazodone, troleandomycin, clarithromycin, ritonavir, nelfinavirStrong CYP3A4 InducersClinical ImpactSubstantially decreased exposure of aprepitant in patients chronically taking a strong CYP3A4 inducer may decrease the efficacy of aprepitant [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].InterventionAvoid concomitant use of aprepitantExamplesrifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin

Moderate to Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors

8.1 Pregnancy

Risk Summary

There are insufficient data on use of aprepitant in pregnant women to inform a drug associated risk. In animal reproduction studies, no adverse developmental effects were observed in rats or rabbits exposed during the period of organogenesis to systemic drug levels (AUC) approximately 1.5 times the adult human exposure at the 125-mg/80-mg/80-mg aprepitant regimen [see Data].

The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.

Data

Animal Data

In embryofetal development studies in rats and rabbits, aprepitant was administered during the period of organogenesis at oral doses up to 1000 mg/kg twice daily in rats and up to the maximum tolerated dose of 25 mg/kg/day in rabbits. No embryofetal lethality or malformations were observed at any dose levels in either species. The exposures (AUC) in pregnant rats at 1000 mg/kg twice daily and in pregnant rabbits at 125 mg/kg/day were approximately 1.5 times the adult exposure at the 125-mg/80‑mg/80-mg aprepitant regimen. Aprepitant crosses the placenta in rats and rabbits.

8.2 Lactation

•  Risk Summary

Lactation studies have not been conducted to assess the presence of aprepitant in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Aprepitant is present in rat milk. The development and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for aprepitant and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from aprepitant or from the underlying maternal condition.

8.3 Females And Males Of Reproductive Potential

Contraception

Upon administration of aprepitant, the efficacy of hormonal contraceptives may be reduced. Advise females of reproductive potential using hormonal contraceptives to use an effective alternative or back-up non-hormonal contraceptive (such as condoms and spermicides) during treatment with aprepitant and for 1 month following the last dose [see Drug Interactions (7.1), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

8.4 Pediatric Use

Prevention of Nausea and Vomiting Associated with HEC or MEC

The safety and effectiveness of aprepitant for the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with HEC or MEC have not been established in patients less than 6 months.

Prevention of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV)

The safety and effectiveness of aprepitant have not been established for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting in pediatric patients.

Juvenile Animal Study

A study was conducted in young rats to evaluate the effects of aprepitant on growth and on neurobehavioral and sexual development. Rats were treated at oral doses up to the maximum feasible dose of 1000 mg/kg twice daily from the early postnatal period (Postnatal Day 10) through Postnatal Day 58. Slight changes in the onset of sexual maturation were observed in female and male rats; however, there were no effects on mating, fertility, embryonic-fetal survival, or histomorphology of the reproductive organs. There were no effects in neurobehavioral tests of sensory function, motor function, and learning and memory.

Pediatric use information is approved for Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.’s EMEND^® (aprepitant) capsules. However, due to Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information.

8.5 Geriatric Use

Of the 544 adult cancer patients treated with aprepitant in CINV clinical studies, 31% were aged 65 and over, while 5% were aged 75 and over. Of the 1120 adult cancer patients treated with aprepitant in PONV clinical studies, 7% were aged 65 and over, while 2% were aged 75 and over. Other reported clinical experience with aprepitant has not identified differences in responses between elderly and younger patients. In general, use caution when dosing elderly patients as they have a greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal or cardiac function and concomitant disease or other drug therapy [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

8.6 Patients With Renal Impairment

The pharmacokinetics of aprepitant in patients with severe renal impairment and those with end stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring hemodialysis were similar to those of healthy subjects with normal renal function. No dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with any degree of renal impairment or for patients with ESRD undergoing hemodialysis.

8.7 Patients With Hepatic Impairment

The pharmacokinetics of aprepitant in patients with mild and moderate hepatic impairment were similar to those of healthy subjects with normal hepatic function. No dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score 5 to 9). There are no clinical or pharmacokinetic data in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score greater than 9). Therefore, additional monitoring for adverse reactions in these patients may be warranted when aprepitant is administered [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

10 Overdosage

No specific information is available on the treatment of overdosage.

Drowsiness and headache were reported in one patient who ingested 1440 mg of aprepitant (approximately 11 times the maximum recommended single dose).

In the event of overdose, aprepitant should be discontinued and general supportive treatment and monitoring should be provided. Because of the antiemetic activity of aprepitant, drug-induced emesis may not be effective in cases of aprepitant overdosage.

Aprepitant is not removed by hemodialysis.

11 Description

Aprepitant capsules, USP contain the active ingredient, aprepitant. Aprepitant is a substance P/neurokinin 1 (NK₁) receptor antagonist, an antiemetic agent, chemically described as 5-[[(2R,3S)-2-[(1R)-1-[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethoxy]-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-morpholinyl]methyl]-1,2-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one.

Its molecular formula is C₂₃H₂₁F₇N₄O₃, and its structural formula is:

Aprepitant is a white to off-white crystalline solid, with a molecular weight of 534.43. It is practically insoluble in water. Aprepitant is sparingly soluble in ethanol and isopropyl acetate and slightly soluble in acetonitrile.

Each aprepitant capsule, USP for oral administration contains either 40 mg, 80 mg or 125 mg of aprepitant and the following inactive ingredients: hydroxypropyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium lauryl sulfate and sucrose.

The aprepitant capsule shell for 40 mg and 80 mg consists of gelatin and titanium dioxide.

The aprepitant capsule shell for 125 mg consists of FD&C Blue # 1, gelatin and titanium dioxide.

The capsule is printed with edible black pharmaceutical ink. The printing ink contains black iron oxide, propylene glycol and shellac.

Dissolution Test 2 is used.

12.1 Mechanism Of Action

Aprepitant is a selective high-affinity antagonist of human substance P/neurokinin 1 (NK₁) receptors. Aprepitant has little or no affinity for serotonin (5-HT₃), dopamine, and corticosteroid receptors, the targets of existing therapies for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).

Aprepitant has been shown in animal models to inhibit emesis induced by cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents, such as cisplatin, via central actions. Animal and human Positron Emission Tomography (PET) studies with aprepitant have shown that it crosses the blood brain barrier and occupies brain NK₁ receptors. Animal and human studies show that aprepitant augments the antiemetic activity of the 5-HT₃-receptor antagonist ondansetron and the corticosteroid dexamethasone and inhibits both the acute and delayed phases of cisplatin-induced emesis.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

NK₁ Receptor Occupancy

In two single-blind, multiple-dose, randomized, and placebo-controlled studies, healthy young men received oral aprepitant doses of 10 mg (N=2), 30 mg (N=3), 100 mg (N=3) or 300 mg (N=5) once daily (0.08, 0.24, 0.8, and 2.4 times the maximum recommended single dose, respectively) for 14 days with 2 or 3 subjects on placebo. Both plasma aprepitant concentration and NK₁ receptor occupancy in the corpus striatum by positron emission tomography were evaluated, at predose and 24 hours after the last dose. At aprepitant plasma concentrations of ~10 ng/mL and ~100 ng/mL, the NK₁ receptor occupancies were ~50% and ~90%, respectively. The oral aprepitant regimen for CINV produced mean trough plasma aprepitant concentrations greater than 500 ng/mL in adults, which would be expected to, based on the fitted curve with the Hill equation, result in greater than 95% brain NK₁ receptor occupancy. However, the receptor occupancy for either CINV or PONV dosing regimen has not been determined. In addition, the relationship between NK₁ receptor occupancy and the clinical efficacy of aprepitant has not been established.

Cardiac Electrophysiology

In a randomized, double-blind, positive-controlled, thorough QTc study, a single 200-mg dose of fosaprepitant had no effect on the QTc interval. Maximum aprepitant concentrations after a single 200-mg dose of fosaprepitant were 4- and 9-fold higher than that achieved with oral aprepitant 125 mg and 40 mg, respectively. QT prolongation with the oral aprepitant dosing regimens for CINV and PONV is not expected.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Following oral administration of a single 40-mg dose of aprepitant in the fasted state, mean area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC_0-∞) was 7.8 mcg•hr/mL and mean peak plasma concentration (C_max) was 0.7 mcg/mL, occurring at approximately 3 hours postdose (T_max). The absolute bioavailability at the 40-mg dose has not been determined.

Following oral administration of a single 125-mg dose of aprepitant on Day 1 and 80 mg once daily on Days 2 and 3, the AUC_0-24hr was approximately 19.6 mcg•hr/mL and 21.2 mcg•hr/mL on Day 1 and Day 3, respectively. The C_max of 1.6 mcg/mL and 1.4 mcg/mL were reached in approximately 4 hours (T_max) on Day 1 and Day 3, respectively. At the dose range of 80 to 125 mg, the mean absolute oral bioavailability of aprepitant is approximately 60 to 65%. Oral administration of the capsule with a standard high-fat breakfast had no clinically meaningful effect on the bioavailability of aprepitant.

The pharmacokinetics of aprepitant were non-linear across the clinical dose range. In healthy young adults, the increase in AUC₀-_∞ was 26% greater than dose proportional between 80-mg and 125-mg single doses administered in the fed state.

Distribution

Aprepitant is greater than 95% bound to plasma proteins. The mean apparent volume of distribution at steady state (Vd_ss) was approximately 70 L in humans.

Aprepitant crosses the blood brain barrier in humans [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1)].

Elimination

Metabolism

Aprepitant undergoes extensive metabolism. In vitro studies using human liver microsomes indicate that aprepitant is metabolized primarily by CYP3A4 with minor metabolism by CYP1A2 and CYP2C19. Metabolism is largely via oxidation at the morpholine ring and its side chains. No metabolism by CYP2D6, CYP2C9, or CYP2E1 was detected. In healthy young adults, aprepitant accounts for approximately 24% of the radioactivity in plasma over 72 hours following a single oral 300-mg dose of [¹⁴C]-aprepitant (2.4 times the maximum recommended dose), indicating a substantial presence of metabolites in the plasma. Seven metabolites of aprepitant, which are only weakly active, have been identified in human plasma.

Excretion

Following administration of a single intravenous 100-mg dose of [¹⁴C]-aprepitant prodrug to healthy subjects, 57% of the radioactivity was recovered in urine and 45% in feces. A study was not conducted with radiolabeled capsule formulation. The results after oral administration may differ.

Aprepitant is eliminated primarily by metabolism; aprepitant is not renally excreted. The apparent plasma clearance of aprepitant ranged from approximately 62 to 90 mL/min. The apparent terminal half-life ranged from approximately 9 to 13 hours.

Specific Populations

Age: Geriatric Population

Following oral administration of a single 125-mg dose of aprepitant on Day 1 and 80 mg once daily on Days 2 through 5 (2 additional days of dosing compared to the recommended duration), the AUC_0-24hr of aprepitant was 21% higher on Day 1 and 36% higher on Day 5 in elderly (65 years and older) relative to younger adults. The C_max was 10% higher on Day 1 and 24% higher on Day 5 in elderly relative to younger adults. These differences are not considered clinically meaningful [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5)].

Sex

Following oral administration of a single dose of aprepitant ranging from 40 mg to 375 mg (3 times the maximum recommended dose), the AUC_0-24hr and C_max are 9% and 17% higher in females as compared with males. The half-life of aprepitant is 25% lower in females as compared with males and T_max occurs at approximately the same time. These differences are not considered clinically meaningful.

Race/Ethnicity

Following oral administration of a single dose of aprepitant ranging from 40 mg to 375 mg (3 times the maximum recommended dose), the AUC_0-24hr and C_max are approximately 27% and 19% higher in Hispanics as compared with Caucasians. The AUC_0-24hr and C_max were 74% and 47% higher in Asians as compared to Caucasians. There was no difference in AUC_0-24hr or C_max between Caucasians and Blacks. These differences are not considered clinically meaningful.

Renal Impairment

A single 240-mg dose of aprepitant (approximately 1.9 times the maximum recommended dose) was administered to patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m² as measured by 24-hour urinary creatinine clearance) and to patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring hemodialysis.

In patients with severe renal impairment, the AUC_0-∞ of total aprepitant (unbound and protein bound) decreased by 21% and C_max decreased by 32%, relative to healthy subjects (creatinine clearance greater than 80 mL/min estimated by Cockcroft-Gault method). In patients with ESRD undergoing hemodialysis, the AUC_0-∞ of total aprepitant decreased by 42% and C_max decreased by 32%. Due to modest decreases in protein binding of aprepitant in patients with renal disease, the AUC of pharmacologically active unbound drug was not significantly affected in patients with renal impairment compared with healthy subjects. Hemodialysis conducted 4 or 48 hours after dosing had no significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of aprepitant; less than 0.2% of the dose was recovered in the dialysate [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].

Hepatic Impairment

Following administration of a single 125-mg dose of aprepitant on Day 1 and 80 mg once daily on Days 2 and 3 to patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score 5 to 6), the AUC_0-24hr of aprepitant was 11 % lower on Day 1 and 36% lower on Day 3, as compared with healthy subjects given the same regimen. In patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score 7 to 9), the AUC_0-24hr of aprepitant was 10% higher on Day 1 and 18% higher on Day 3, as compared with healthy subjects given the same regimen. These differences in AUC_0-24hr are not considered clinically meaningful .There are no clinical or pharmacokinetic data in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score greater than 9) [see Use in Specific Populations(8.7)].

Body Mass Index (BMI)

For every 5 kg/m² increase in BMI, AUC_0-24hr and C_max of aprepitant decrease by 9% and 10%. BMI of subjects in the analysis ranged from 18 kg/m² to 36 kg/m² . This change is not considered clinically meaningful.

Pediatric use information is approved for Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.’s EMEND^® (aprepitant) capsules. However, due to Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information.

Drug Interactions Studies

Aprepitant is a substrate, a weak-to-moderate (dose-dependent) inhibitor, and an inducer of CYP3A4. Aprepitant is also an inducer of CYP2C9. Aprepitant is unlikely to interact with drugs that are substrates for the P-glycoprotein transporter.

Effects of Aprepitant on the Pharmacokinetics of Other Drugs

CYP3A4 substrates (i.e., midazolam)

Interactions between aprepitant and coadministered midazolam are listed in Table 12 (increase is indicated as “↑”, decrease as “↓”, no change as “↔”).

Table 12 Pharmacokinetic Interaction Data for Aprepitant and Coadministered Midazolam

A difference of less than 2-fold increase of midazolam AUC is not considered clinically important.

Corticosteroids

Dexamethasone

Aprepitant, when given as a regimen of 125 mg on Day 1 and 80 mg/day on Days 2 through 5, coadministered with 20-mg dexamethasone on Day 1 and 8-mg dexamethasone on Days 2 through 5, increased the AUC of dexamethasone by 2.2-fold on Days 1 and 5 [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)]. A single dose of aprepitant (40 mg) when coadministered with a single dose of dexamethasone 20 mg, increased the AUC of dexamethasone by 1.45-fold, which is not considered clinically significant.

Methylprednisolone

Aprepitant, when given as a regimen of 125 mg on Day 1 and 80 mg/day on Days 2 and 3, increased the AUC of methylprednisolone by 1.34-fold on Day 1 and by 2.5-fold on Day 3, when methylprednisolone was coadministered intravenously as 125 mg on Day 1 and orally as 40 mg on Days 2 and 3. Although the concomitant administration of methylprednisolone with the single 40-mg dose of aprepitant has not been studied, a single 40-mg dose of aprepitant produces a weak inhibition of CYP3A4 (based on midazolam interaction study) and it is not expected to alter the plasma concentrations of methylprednisolone to a clinically significant degree.

Chemotherapeutic agents

Docetaxel

In a pharmacokinetic study, aprepitant (125-mg/80-mg regimen) did not influence the pharmacokinetics of docetaxel.

Vinorelbine

In a pharmacokinetic study, aprepitant (125-mg/80-mg regimen) did not influence the pharmacokinetics of vinorelbine to a clinically significant degree.

Oral contraceptives

When aprepitant was administered as a 3-day regimen (125-mg/80-mg/80-mg) with ondansetron and dexamethasone, and coadministered with an oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone, the trough concentrations of both ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone were reduced by as much as 64% for 3 weeks post-treatment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

When a daily dosage of an oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate was administered on Days 1 through 21, and aprepitant 40 mg was given on Day 8, the AUC of ethinyl estradiol decreased by 4% and by 29% on Day 8 and Day 12, respectively, while the AUC of norelgestromin increased by 18% on Day 8 and decreased by 10% on Day 12. In addition, the trough concentrations of ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin on Days 8 through 21 were generally lower following coadministration of the oral contraceptive with aprepitant 40 mg on Day 8 compared to the trough levels following administration of the oral contraceptive alone [see Drug Interactions(7.1)].

CYP2C9 substrates (e.g., warfarin)

A single 125-mg dose of aprepitant was administered on Day 1 and 80 mg/day on Days 2 and 3 to healthy subjects who were stabilized on chronic warfarin therapy. Although there was no effect of aprepitant on the plasma AUC of R(+) or S(-) warfarin determined on Day 3, there was a 34% decrease in S(-) warfarin trough concentration accompanied by a 14% decrease in the prothrombin time (reported as International Normalized Ratio or INR) 5 days after completion of dosing with aprepitant [see Drug Interactions(7.1)].

Tolbutamide

Aprepitant, when given as 125 mg on Day 1 and 80 mg/day on Days 2 and 3, decreased the AUC of tolbutamide by 23% on Day 4, 28% on Day 8, and 15% on Day 15, when a single dose of tolbutamide 500 mg was administered prior to the administration of the 3-day regimen of aprepitant and on Days 4, 8, and 15. This effect was not considered clinically important.

Aprepitant, when given as a 40-mg single dose on Day 1, decreased the AUC of tolbutamide by 8% on Day 2, 16% on Day 4, 15% on Day 8, and 10% on Day 15, when a single dose of tolbutamide 500 mg was administered prior to the administration of aprepitant 40 mg and on Days 2, 4, 8, and 15. This effect was not considered significant.

P-glycoprotein substrates

Aprepitant is unlikely to interact with drugs that are substrates for the P‑glycoprotein transporter, as demonstrated by the lack of interaction of aprepitant with digoxin in a clinical drug interaction study.

5-HT₃ antagonists

In clinical drug interaction studies, aprepitant did not have clinically important effects on the pharmacokinetics of ondansetron, granisetron, or hydrodolasetron (the active metabolite of dolasetron).

Effect of Other Drugs on the Pharmacokinetics of Aprepitant

Ketoconazole

When a single 125-mg dose of aprepitant was administered on Day 5 of a 10-day regimen of 400 mg/day of ketoconazole, a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, the AUC of aprepitant increased approximately 5-fold and the mean terminal half-life of aprepitant increased approximately 3-fold [see Drug Interactions (7.2)].

Rifampin

When a single 375-mg dose of aprepitant (3 times the maximum recommended dose) was administered on Day 9 of a 14-day regimen of 600 mg/day of rifampin, a strong CYP3A4 inducer, the AUC of aprepitant decreased approximately 11-fold and the mean terminal half-life decreased approximately 3-fold [see Drug Interactions (7.2)].

Diltiazem

In patients with mild to moderate hypertension, administration of aprepitant once daily, as a tablet formulation comparable to 230 mg of the capsule formulation (approximately 1.8 times the recommended dose), with diltiazem 120 mg 3 times daily for 5 days, resulted in a 2-fold increase of aprepitant AUC and a simultaneous 1.7-fold increase of diltiazem AUC. These pharmacokinetic effects did not result in clinically meaningful changes in ECG, heart rate or blood pressure beyond those changes induced by diltiazem alone [see Drug Interactions (7.2)].

Paroxetine

Coadministration of once daily doses of aprepitant, as a tablet formulation comparable to 85 mg or 170 mg of the capsule formulation (approximately 0.7 and 1.4 times the maximum recommended dose), with paroxetine 20 mg once daily, resulted in a decrease in AUC by approximately 25% and C_max by approximately 20% of both aprepitant and paroxetine. This effect was not considered clinically important.

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility

Carcinogenesis

Carcinogenicity studies were conducted in Sprague-Dawley rats and in CD-1 mice for 2 years. In the rat carcinogenicity studies, animals were treated with oral doses ranging from 0.05 to 1000 mg/kg twice daily. The highest dose produced a systemic exposure to aprepitant (AUC) of 0.7 to 1.6 times the adult human exposure at the 125-mg/80-mg/80-mg aprepitant regimen. Treatment with aprepitant at doses of 5 to 1000 mg/kg twice daily caused an increase in the incidences of thyroid follicular cell adenomas and carcinomas in male rats. In female rats, it produced hepatocellular adenomas at 5 to 1000 mg/kg twice daily and hepatocellular carcinomas and thyroid follicular cell adenomas at 125 to 1000 mg/kg twice daily. In the mouse carcinogenicity studies, the animals were treated with oral doses ranging from 2.5 to 2000 mg/kg/day. The highest dose produced a systemic exposure of about 2.8 to 3.6 times the adult human exposure at the 125-mg/80-mg/80-mg aprepitant regimen. Treatment with aprepitant produced skin fibrosarcomas at 125 and 500 mg/kg/day doses in male mice.

Mutagenesis

Aprepitant was not genotoxic in the Ames test, the human lymphoblastoid cell (TK6) mutagenesis test, the rat hepatocyte DNA strand break test, the Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell chromosome aberration test and the mouse micronucleus test.

Impairment of Fertility

Aprepitant did not affect the fertility or general reproductive performance of male or female rats at doses up to the maximum feasible dose of 1000 mg/kg twice daily (providing exposure in male rats lower than the exposure at the recommended adult human dose and exposure in female rats at about 1.6 times the adult human exposure at the 125-mg/80-mg/80-mg aprepitant regimen).

14.1 Prevention Of Nausea And Vomiting Associated With Hec In Adults

Oral administration of aprepitant in combination with ondansetron and dexamethasone (aprepitant regimen) has been shown to prevent acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with HEC including high-dose cisplatin, and nausea and vomiting associated with MEC.

In Studies 1 and 2, both multicenter, randomized, parallel, double-blind, controlled clinical studies in adults, aprepitant in combination with ondansetron and dexamethasone was compared with standard therapy (ondansetron and dexamethasone alone) in patients receiving a chemotherapy regimen that included cisplatin greater than 50 mg/m² (mean cisplatin dose = 80.2 mg/m²). See Table 13.

In these studies, 95% of the patients in the aprepitant group received a concomitant chemotherapeutic agent in addition to protocol-mandated cisplatin. The most common chemotherapeutic agents and the number of aprepitant patients exposed follows: etoposide (106), fluorouracil (100), gemcitabine (89), vinorelbine (82), paclitaxel (52), cyclophosphamide (50), doxorubicin (38), docetaxel (11).

Of the 550 patients who were randomized to receive the aprepitant regimen, 42% were women, 58% men, 59% White, 3% Asian, 5% Black, 12% Hispanic American, and 21% Multi-Racial. The aprepitant-treated patients in these clinical studies ranged from 14 to 84 years of age, with a mean age of 56 years. A total of 170 patients were 65 years or older, with 29 patients being 75 years or older.

Table 13 HEC Treatment Regimens – Studies 1 and 2**

Aprepitant was administered 1 hour prior to chemotherapy treatment on Day 1 and in the morning on Days 2 and 3.

Dexamethasone was administered 30 minutes prior to chemotherapy treatment on Day 1 and in the morning on Days 2 through 4. The 12 mg dose of dexamethasone on Day 1 reflects a dosage adjustment to account for a drug interaction with the aprepitant regimen [seeClinical Pharmacology(12.3)].

The antiemetic activity of aprepitant was evaluated during the acute phase (0 to 24 hours post-cisplatin treatment), the delayed phase (25 to 120 hours post-cisplatin treatment) and overall (0 to 120 hours post-cisplatin treatment) in Cycle 1. Efficacy was based on evaluation of the following endpoints in which emetic episodes included vomiting, retching, or dry heaves:

Primary endpoint

• •complete response (defined as no emetic episodes and no use of rescue therapy as recorded in patient diaries)

Other prespecified endpoints

• •complete protection (defined as no emetic episodes, no use of rescue therapy, and a maximum nausea visual analogue scale [VAS] score less than 25 mm on a 0 to 100 mm scale)
• •no emesis (defined as no emetic episodes regardless of use of rescue therapy)
• •no nausea (maximum VAS less than 5 mm on a 0 to 100 mm scale)
• •no significant nausea (maximum VAS less than 25 mm on a 0 to 100 mm scale)

A summary of the key study results from each individual study analysis is shown in Table 14. In both studies, a statistically significantly higher proportion of patients receiving the aprepitant regimen in Cycle 1 had a complete response in the overall phase (primary endpoint), compared with patients receiving standard therapy. A statistically significant difference in complete response in favor of the aprepitant regimen was also observed when the acute phase and the delayed phase were analyzed separately.

Table 14 Percent of Patients Receiving HEC Responding by Treatment Group and Phase — Cycle 1

Study 1Study 2ENDPOINTS%p-Value%%Complete ResponseOverall

Overall: 0 to 120 hours post-cisplatin treatment.

7352<0.0016343<0.001OTHER PRESPECIFIED ENDPOINTSComplete ResponseAcute phase

Acute phase: 0 to 24 hours post-cisplatin treatment.

Delayed phase

Delayed phase: 25 to 120 hours post-cisplatin treatment.

89
7578
56<0.001
<0.00183
6868
47<0.001
<0.001Complete ProtectionOverall
Acute phase
Delayed phase63
85
6649
75
520.001
NS

Not statistically significant when adjusted for multiple comparisons.

<0.00156
80
6141
65
44<0.001
<0.001
<0.001No EmesisOverall
Acute phase
Delayed phase78
90
8155
79
59<0.001
0.001
<0.00166
84
7244
69
48<0.001
<0.001
<0.001No NauseaOverall
Delayed phase48
5144
48NS

Not statistically significant.

NS49
5339
40NS
NSNo Significant NauseaOverall
Delayed phase73
7566
69NS
NS71
7364
65NS
NS

Aprepitant Regimen (N=260) N: Number of patients (older than 18 years of age) who received cisplatin, study drug, and had at least one post‑treatment efficacy evaluation. %	Standard Therapy (N=261)
Aprepitant Regimen (N=261)
Standard Therapy (N=263)
p-Value
PRIMARY ENDPOINT
Visual analogue scale (VAS) score range: 0 mm=no nausea; 100 mm=nausea as bad as it could be.

In both studies, the estimated time to first emesis after initiation of cisplatin treatment was longer with the aprepitant regimen, and the incidence of first emesis was reduced in the aprepitant regimen group compared with standard therapy group as depicted in the Kaplan-Meier curves in Figure 1.

Figure 1 Percent of Patients Receiving HEC Who Remain Emesis Free Over Time – Cycle 1

Additional Patient-Reported Outcomes

The impact of nausea and vomiting on patients’ daily lives was assessed in Cycle 1 of both studies using the Functional Living Index–Emesis (FLIE), a validated nausea- and vomiting-specific patient-reported outcome measure. Minimal or no impact of nausea and vomiting on patients’ daily lives is defined as a FLIE total score greater than 108. In each of the 2 studies, a higher proportion of patients receiving the aprepitant regimen reported minimal or no impact of nausea and vomiting on daily life (Study 1: 74% versus 64%; Study 2: 75% versus 64%).

Multiple-Cycle Extension

In the same 2 clinical studies, patients continued into the Multiple-Cycle extension for up to 5 additional cycles of chemotherapy. The proportion of patients with no emesis and no significant nausea by treatment group at each cycle is depicted in Figure 2. Antiemetic effectiveness for the patients receiving the aprepitant regimen was maintained throughout repeat cycles for those patients continuing in each of the multiple cycles.

•  Figure 2 Proportion of Patients Receiving HEC with No Emesis and No Significant Nausea by Treatment Group and Cycle

14.2 Prevention Of Nausea And Vomiting Associated With Mec In Adults

Aprepitant was studied in two randomized, double-blind, parallel-group studies (Studies 3 and 4) in adult patients receiving MEC.

In Study 3, in breast cancer patients, aprepitant in combination with ondansetron and dexamethasone was compared with standard therapy (ondansetron and dexamethasone) in patients receiving a MEC regimen that included cyclophosphamide 750 to 1500 mg/m²; or cyclophosphamide 500 to 1500 mg/m² and doxorubicin (less than or equal to 60 mg/m²) or epirubicin (less than or equal to 100 mg/m²). See Table 15.

In this study, the most common combinations were cyclophosphamide + doxorubicin (61%); and cyclophosphamide + epirubicin + fluorouracil (22%).

Of the 438 patients who were randomized to receive the aprepitant regimen, 99.5% were women. Of these, approximately 80% were White, 8% Black, 8% Asian, 4% Hispanic, and less than 1% Other. The aprepitant-treated patients in this clinical study ranged from 25 to 78 years of age, with a mean age of 53 years; 70 patients were 65 years or older, with 12 patients being over 74 years.

Table 15 MEC Treatment Regimens – Studies 3 and 4**

Aprepitant was administered 1 hour prior to chemotherapy treatment on Day 1 and in the mornings on Days 2 and 3.

The antiemetic activity of aprepitant was evaluated based on the following endpoints in which emetic episodes included vomiting, retching, or dry heaves:

Primary endpoint

• •complete response (defined as no emetic episodes and no use of rescue therapy as recorded in patient diaries) in the overall phase (0 to 120 hours post-chemotherapy)

Other prespecified endpoints

• •no emesis (defined as no emetic episodes regardless of use of rescue therapy)
• •no nausea (maximum VAS less than 5 mm on a 0 to 100 mm scale)
• •no significant nausea (maximum VAS less than 25 mm on a 0 to 100 mm scale)
• •complete protection (defined as no emetic episodes, no use of rescue therapy, and a maximum nausea visual analogue scale [VAS] score less than 25 mm on a 0 to 100 mm scale)
• •complete response during the acute and delayed phases.

A summary of the key results from Study 3 is shown in Table 16. In Study 3, a statistically significantly (p=0.015) higher proportion of patients receiving the aprepitant regimen (51%) in Cycle 1 had a complete response (primary endpoint) during the overall phase compared with patients receiving standard therapy (42%). The difference between treatment groups was primarily driven by the “No Emesis Endpoint”, a principal component of this composite primary endpoint. In addition, a higher proportion of patients receiving the aprepitant regimen in Cycle 1 had a complete response during the acute (0-24 hours) and delayed (25 to 120 hours) phases compared with patients receiving standard therapy; however, the treatment group differences failed to reach statistical significance, after multiplicity adjustments.

•  Table 16 Percent of Patients Receiving MEC Responding by Treatment Group and Phase — Cycle 1 of Study 3

ENDPOINTS	Aprepitant Regimen (N=433) N: Number of patients included in the primary analysis of complete response. %	Standard Therapy (N=424) %	p-Value
PRIMARY ENDPOINT Overall: 0 to 120 hours post-chemotherapy treatment.
Complete Response	51	42	0.015
OTHER PRESPECIFIED ENDPOINTS
No Emesis	76	59	NS NS when adjusted for prespecified multiple comparisons rule; unadjusted p-value <0.001.
No Nausea	33	33	NS
No Significant Nausea	61	56	NS
No Rescue Therapy	59	56	NS
Complete Protection	43	37	NS

Additional Patient-Reported Outcomes

In Study 3, in patients receiving MEC, the impact of nausea and vomiting on patients’ daily lives was assessed in Cycle 1 using the FLIE. A higher proportion of patients receiving the aprepitant regimen reported minimal or no impact on daily life (64% versus 56%). This difference between treatment groups was primarily driven by the “No Vomiting Domain” of this composite endpoint.

Multiple-Cycle Extension

In Study 3, patients receiving MEC were permitted to continue into the Multiple-Cycle extension of the study for up to 3 additional cycles of chemotherapy. The antiemetic effect for patients receiving the aprepitant regimen was maintained during all cycles.

In Study 4, aprepitant in combination with ondansetron and dexamethasone was compared with a standard therapy (ondansetron and dexamethasone alone) in patients receiving a MEC regimen that included any intravenous dose of oxaliplatin, carboplatin, epirubicin, idarubicin, ifosfamide, irinotecan, daunorubicin, doxorubicin; cyclophosphamide intravenous (less than 1500 mg/m²); or cytarabine intravenous (greater than 1 g/m²). See Table 15. Patients receiving the aprepitant regimen were receiving chemotherapy for a variety of tumor types including 50% with breast cancer, 21% with gastrointestinal cancers including colorectal cancer, 13% with lung cancer and 6% with gynecological cancers.

Of the 430 patients who were randomized to receive the aprepitant regimen, 76% were women and 24% were men. The distribution by race was 67% White, 6% Black or African American, 11% Asian, and 12% multiracial. Classified by ethnicity, 36% were Hispanic and 64% were non-Hispanic. The aprepitant-treated patients in this clinical study ranged from 22 to 85 years of age, with a mean age of 57 years; approximately 59% of the patients were 55 years or older with 32 patients being over 74 years.

The antiemetic activity of aprepitant was evaluated based on no vomiting (with or without rescue therapy) in the overall period (0 to 120 hours post-chemotherapy) and complete response (defined as no vomiting and no use of rescue therapy) in the overall period.

A summary of the key results from Study 4 is shown in Table 17. In Study 4, a statistically significantly higher proportion of patients receiving the aprepitant regimen (76%) in Cycle 1 had no vomiting during the overall phase compared with patients receiving standard therapy (62%). In addition, a higher proportion of patients receiving the aprepitant regimen (69%) in Cycle 1 had a complete response in the overall phase (0-120 hours) compared with patients receiving standard therapy (56%). In the acute phase (0 to 24 hours following initiation of chemotherapy), a higher proportion of patients receiving aprepitant compared to patients receiving standard therapy were observed to have no vomiting (92% and 84%, respectively) and complete response (89% and 80%, respectively). In the delayed phase (25 to 120 hours following initiation of chemotherapy), a higher proportion of patients receiving aprepitant compared to patients receiving standard therapy were observed to have no vomiting (78% and 67%, respectively) and complete response (71% and 61%, respectively).

In a subgroup analysis by tumor type, a numerically higher proportion of patients receiving aprepitant were observed to have no vomiting and complete response compared to patients receiving standard therapy. For sex, the difference in complete response rates between the aprepitant and standard regimen groups was 14% in females (64.5% and 50.3%, respectively) and 4% in males (82.2% and 78.2%, respectively) during the overall phase. A similar difference for sex was observed for the no vomiting endpoint.

Table 17 Percent of Patients Receiving MEC Responding by Treatment Group — Cycle 1 of Study 4

ENDPOINTSAprepitant Regimen
(N=430)*
%Standard Therapy
(N=418)*
%p-ValueNo Vomiting Overall7662<0.0001Complete Response Overall69560.0003*N = Number of patients who received chemotherapy treatment, study drug, and had at least one post-treatment efficacy evaluation.

Pediatric use information is approved for Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.’s EMEND^® (aprepitant) capsules. However, due to Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information.

14.4 Prevention Of Ponv In Adults

In two multicenter, randomized, double-blind, active comparator-controlled, parallel-group clinical studies (Studies 7 and 8), aprepitant was compared with ondansetron for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting in 1,658 patients undergoing open abdominal surgery. These two studies were of similar design; however, they differed in terms of study hypothesis, efficacy analyses and geographic location. Study 7 was a multinational study including the U.S., whereas, Study 8 was conducted entirely in the U.S.

In the two studies, patients were randomized to receive 40-mg aprepitant, 125-mg aprepitant, or 4-mg ondansetron as a single dose. Aprepitant was given orally with 50 mL of water 1 to 3 hours before anesthesia. Ondansetron was given intravenously immediately before induction of anesthesia. A comparison between the aprepitant 125-mg dose did not demonstrate any additional clinical benefit over the 40-mg dose and is not a recommended dosage regimen [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

Of the 564 patients who received 40-mg aprepitant, 92% were women and 8% were men; of these, 58% were White, 13% Hispanic American, 7% Multi-Racial, 14% Black, 6% Asian, and 2% Other. The age of patients treated with 40-mg aprepitant ranged from 19 to 84 years, with a mean age of 46.1 years. 46 patients were 65 years or older, with 13 patients being 75 years or older.

The antiemetic activity of aprepitant was evaluated during the 0 to 48 hour period following the end of surgery.

Efficacy measures in Study 7 included

• •no emesis (defined as no emetic episodes regardless of use of rescue therapy) in the 0 to 24 hours following the end of surgery (primary)
• •complete response (defined as no emetic episodes and no use of rescue therapy) in the 0 to 24 hours following the end of surgery (primary)
• •no emesis (defined as no emetic episodes regardless of use of rescue therapy) in the 0 to 48 hours following the end of surgery (secondary)
• •time to first use of rescue medication in the 0 to 24 hours following the end of surgery (exploratory)
• •time to first emesis in the 0 to 48 hours following the end of surgery (exploratory).

A closed testing procedure was applied to control the type I error for the primary endpoints.

The results of the primary and secondary endpoints for 40-mg aprepitant and 4-mg ondansetron are described in Table 20:

Table 20 Response Rates for Select Efficacy Endpoints (Modified-Intention-to-Treat Population) – Study 7

TreatmentAprepitant vs OndansetronOdds ratio

Estimated odds ratio for aprepitant versus Ondansetron. A value of >1 favors aprepitant over Ondansetron.

AnalysisPRIMARY ENDPOINTSNo Vomiting 0 to 24 hours (Superiority)
(no emetic episodes)Aprepitant 40 mg246/293 (84)Ondansetron200/280 (71.4)Complete Response (Non-inferiority: If LB^‡ >0.65)
(no emesis and no rescue therapy, 0 to 24 hours)Aprepitant 40 mg187/293 (63.8)LB=1.02Ondansetron154/280 (55)Complete Response (Superiority: If LB >1)
(no emesis and no rescue therapy, 0 to 24 hours)Aprepitant 40 mg187/293 (63.8)Ondansetron154/280 (55)Secondary EndpointNo Vomiting 0 to 48 hours (Superiority)
(no emetic episodes)Aprepitant 40 mg238/292 (81.5)Ondansetron185/279 (66.3)n/m = Number of responders/number of patients in analysis.Δ Difference (%): Aprepitant 40 mg minus Ondansetron.

n/m (%)
		Δ
12.6%	2.1	P<0.001 P-value of two-sided test < 0.05.
8.8%	1.4
8.8%	1.4	LB=1.02 LB = lower bound of 1-sided 97.5% confidence interval for the odds ratio.
15.2%	2.3	P<0.001 Based on the prespecified fixed sequence multiplicity strategy, aprepitant 40 mg was not superior to Ondansetron.

In Study 7, the use of aprepitant did not affect the time to first use of rescue medication when compared to ondansetron. However, compared to the ondansetron group, use of aprepitant delayed the time to first vomiting, as depicted in Figure 3.

•  Figure 3 Percent of Patients Who Remain Emesis Free During the 48 Hours Following End of Surgery – Study 7

Efficacy measures in Study 8 included:

• •complete response (defined as no emetic episodes and no use of rescue therapy) in the 0 to 24 hours following the end of surgery (primary)
• •no emesis (defined as no emetic episodes regardless of use of rescue therapy) in the 0 to 24 hours following the end of surgery (secondary)
• •no use of rescue therapy in the 0 to 24 hours following the end of surgery (secondary)
• •no emesis (defined as no emetic episodes regardless of use of rescue therapy) in the 0 to 48 hours following the end of surgery (secondary).

Study 8 failed to satisfy its primary hypothesis that aprepitant is superior to ondansetron in the prevention of PONV as measured by the proportion of patients with complete response in the 24 hours following end of surgery.

The study demonstrated that 40-mg aprepitant had a clinically meaningful effect with respect to the secondary endpoint "no vomiting" during the first 24 hours after surgery and was associated with a 16% improvement over ondansetron for the no vomiting endpoint.

•  Table 21 Response Rates for Select Efficacy Endpoints (Modified-Intention-to-Treat Population) – Study 8
TreatmentAprepitant vs OndansetronOdds ratio

Estimated odds ratio: Aprepitant 40 mg versus Ondansetron.

PRIMARY ENDPOINTComplete Response
(no emesis and no rescue therapy, 0 to 24 hours)Aprepitant 40 mgOndansetronSecondary EndpointsNo Vomiting
(no emetic episodes, 0 to 24 hours)Aprepitant 40 mgOndansetronNo Use of Rescue Medication
(for established emesis or nausea, 0 to 24 hours)Aprepitant 40 mgOndansetronNo Vomiting 0 to 48 hours (Superiority)
(no emetic episodes, 0 to 48 hours)Aprepitant 40 mgOndansetronn/m = Number of responders/number of patients in analysis.
^Δ Difference (%): Aprepitant 40 mg minus Ondansetron.

n/m (%)
		Δ
Analysis
111/248 (44.8)	2.5%	1.1	0.61
104/246 (42.3)
223/248 (89.9)	16.3%	3.2	<0.001 Not statistically significant after pre-specified multiplicity adjustment.
181/246 (73.6)
112/248 (45.2)	-0.7%	1	0.83
113/246 (45.9)
209/247 (84.6)	17.7%	2.7	<0.001
164/245 (66.9)

16 How Supplied/Storage And Handling

Aprepitant capsules, USP 40 mg, are hard gelatin capsules with opaque white cap and opaque white body containing white to off white colored pellets. The cap is imprinted with ‘SZ’ and the body is imprinted with ‘525’ in black ink

•  NDC 0781-2321-06, unit-dose package of 1
•  NDC 0781-2321-51, unit-dose package of 5

Aprepitant capsules, USP 80 mg, are hard gelatin capsules with opaque white cap and clear transparent body containing white to off white colored pellets. The cap is imprinted with ‘SZ’ and the body is imprinted with ‘528’ in black ink.

•  NDC 0781-2322-68, unit-dose package of 6
•  NDC 0781-2322-46, unit of use bi-fold package of 2

Aprepitant capsules, USP 125 mg, are hard gelatin capsules with opaque light blue cap and opaque white body containing white to off white colored pellets. The cap is imprinted with ‘SZ’ and the body is imprinted with ‘529’ in black ink.

•  NDC 0781-2323-68, unit-dose package of 6
•  NDC 0781-4063-36, unit of use tri-fold pack containing one 125 mg capsule and two 80 mg capsules.

Storage

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

17 Patient Counseling Information

Advise the patient to read the FDA-Approved patient labeling (Patient Information).

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Advise patients that hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported in patients taking aprepitant. Advise patients to stop taking aprepitant and seek immediate medical attention if they experience signs or symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction, such as hives, rash and itching, skin peeling or sores, or difficulty in breathing or swallowing.

Drug Interactions

Advise patients to discuss all medications they are taking, including other prescription, non‑prescription medication or herbal products [see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Warfarin

Instruct patients on chronic warfarin therapy to follow instructions from their healthcare provider regarding blood draws to monitor their INR during the 2-week period, particularly at 7 to 10 days, following initiation of the 3-day regimen of aprepitant with each chemotherapy cycle, or following administration of a single 40-mg dose of aprepitant for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Hormonal Contraceptives

Advise patients that administration of aprepitant may reduce the efficacy of hormonal contraceptives. Instruct patients to use effective alternative or back-up methods of contraception (such as condoms and spermicides) during treatment with aprepitant and for 1 month following the last dose of aprepitant [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3), Use in Specific Populations (8.3)].

The brands listed are the registered trademarks of their respective owners and are not trademarks of Sandoz Inc.

Finished Drug Product Manufactured by

Lek Pharmaceuticals d.d.,

SI-1526 Ljubljana, Slovenia for

Sandoz Inc., Princeton, NJ 08540

Product of India

Rev.: June 2017

Patient Information

Aprepitant Capsules

(a-PRE-pi-tant)

Read this Patient Information before you start taking aprepitant and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or treatment.

What are aprepitant capsules?

•  Aprepitant capsules are a prescription medicine used:
• •In adults to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by certain anti-cancer (chemotherapy) medicines. When used for this purpose, aprepitant capsules are always used with other medicines that treat nausea and vomiting.
• •In adults to prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery.

Aprepitant is not used to treat nausea and vomiting that you already have. Aprepitant should not be used continuously for a long time (chronic use).

Who should not take aprepitant capsules?

Do not take aprepitant capsules if you:

• •are allergic to aprepitant capsules or any of the ingredients in aprepitant capsules. See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of ingredients in aprepitant capsules.
• •are taking pimozide (ORAP®)
•  What should I tell my doctor before taking aprepitant capsules?
•  Before you take aprepitant capsules, tell your doctor if you:
• •have liver problems
• •are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if aprepitant capsules can harm your unborn baby.
  • oWomen who use birth control medicines containing hormones to prevent pregnancy (birth control pills, skin patches, implants, and certain IUDs) should also use a back-up method of birth control during treatment with aprepitant capsules and for 1 month after your last dose of aprepitant capsules.
  • •are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if aprepitant passes into your breast milk. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby if you take aprepitant capsules.
  •  Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

  Aprepitant capsules may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how aprepitant works causing serious side effects.

  •  Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your doctor or pharmacist when you get a new medicine.
  •  How should I take aprepitant capsules?
  • •Take aprepitant capsules exactly as prescribed.
  • •Swallow aprepitant capsules whole.
  • •If you are receiving chemotherapy, aprepitant capsules may be taken with or without food.
  • •If you take too many aprepitant capsules, call your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
  • •If you are receiving cancer chemotherapy, aprepitant capsules is taken as 3 doses over 3 days - starting on the day you have chemotherapy, and for the following 2 days.
  • •In adults who are receiving chemotherapy, there are 2 ways that your doctor may prescribe aprepitant capsules for you:
  • 1.Capsules of aprepitant by mouth for all 3 doses:
  • •You should get a package that has three capsules of aprepitant.
  • •Day 1 (Day of chemotherapy): Take one 125 mg capsule of aprepitant (opaque light blue and opaque white) by mouth 1 hour before you start your chemotherapy treatment.
  • •Day 2 and Day 3: Take one 80 mg capsule of aprepitant (opaque white/clear transparent) by mouth1 hour before you start your chemotherapy treatment. If no chemotherapy treatment is given on Days 2 and 3, aprepitant capsules should be taken in the morning.
  • 2.Intravenous (IV) injection into a vein on day 1 of chemotherapy, then capsules by mouth on the two days after chemotherapy:
  • •Day 1 (Day of chemotherapy): Aprepitant will be given to you by intravenous (IV) injection in your vein 30 minutes before you start your chemotherapy treatment.
  • •You should get a package that has two capsules of aprepitant.
  • •Day 2 and Day 3: Take one 80 mg capsule of aprepitant (opaque white/clear transparent) by mouth1 hour before you start your chemotherapy treatment. If no chemotherapy treatment is given on Days 2 and 3, aprepitant capsules should be taken in the morning.
  • •If you are an adult and are having surgery:
    • oYour doctor will prescribe a 40 mg capsule of aprepitant for you before surgery. Take aprepitant capsule within three hours before surgery.
    • oFollow your doctor's instructions about restrictions on eating and drinking before surgery.
    • •If you take the blood thinner medicine warfarin sodium (COUMADIN^®, JANTOVEN^®), your doctor may do blood tests after you take aprepitant to check your blood clotting.
    •  What are the possible side effects of aprepitant capsules?
    • •In adults taking aprepitant to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, the most common side effects of include tiredness, diarrhea, weakness, indigestion, stomach (abdominal) pain, hiccups, decrease in white blood cell count, dehydration, changes in liver function tests.
    • •In adults taking aprepitant to prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery, the most common side effect include constipation, low blood pressure (hypotension).

    Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all of the possible side effects of aprepitant capsules. For more information ask your doctor or pharmacist.

    Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Sandoz Inc., at 1-800-525-8747 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

    •  How should I store aprepitant capsules?
    • •Store at room temperature, between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).

    Keep aprepitant capsules and all medicines out of the reach of children.

    General information about the safe and effective use of aprepitant capsules

    Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in Patient Information leaflets. Do not use aprepitant capsules for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give aprepitant capsules to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for information about aprepitant capsules that is written for health professionals. For more information about aprepitant capsules call Sandoz Inc., at 1-800-525-8747.

    What are the ingredients in aprepitant capsules?

    Active ingredient: aprepitant

    Inactive ingredients: hydroxypropyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium lauryl sulfate and sucrose.

    The capsule shell for 40 mg and 80 mg contains gelatin and titanium dioxide. The capsule shell for 125 mg contains FD&C Blue # 1, gelatin and titanium dioxide. The capsule is printed with edible black pharmaceutical ink. The printing ink contains black iron oxide, propylene glycol and shellac.

    Pediatric use information is approved for Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.’s EMEND^® (aprepitant) capsules. However, due to Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information.

    The brands listed are the registered trademarks of their respective owners and are not trademarks of Sandoz Inc.

    Finished Drug Product Manufactured by

    Lek Pharmaceuticals d.d.,

    Sl-1526 Ljubljana, Slovenia for

    Sandoz Inc., Princeton, NJ 08540

    Product of India

    Rev.: June 2017

    
    

Principal Display Panel

NDC 0781-2321-51

Aprepitant Capsules, USP

40 mg

Rx only

5 Capsules

WARNING: Do not use if blisters are torn, broken or missing.

This unit-dose package is not child-resistant.

(For institutional use only)

SANDOZ

NDC 0781-2322-68

Aprepitant Capsules, USP

80 mg

Rx only

6 Capsules

WARNING: Do not use if blisters are torn, broken or missing.

This unit-dose package is not child-resistant.

(For institutional use only)

SANDOZ

NDC 0781-2323-68

Aprepitant Capsules, USP

125 mg

Rx only

6 Capsules

WARNING: Do not use if blisters are torn, broken or missing.

This unit-dose package is not child-resistant.

(For institutional use only)

SANDOZ

NDC 0781-4063-36

Aprepitant Capsules, USP

125 mg

and

Aprepitant Capsules, USP

80 mg

Rx only

3 Capsules

One 125 mg capsule contains 125 mg aprepitant

Two 80 mg capsules each containing 80 mg aprepitant

SANDOZ