Rolapitant Injection

Rolapitant injection is used along with other medications to prevent nausea and vomiting that may occur several days after receiving certain chemotherapy medications. Rolapitant is in a class of medications called antiemetics. It works by blocking the action of neurokinin and substance P, natural substances in the brain that cause nausea and vomiting.

Rolapitant injection comes as a solution (liquid) to be injected intravenously (into a vein) by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. It is usually infused intravenously as a single dose over a period of 30 minutes within 2 hours before the start of chemotherapy.

Rolapitant injection may cause serious reactions during the infusion of the medication, often during the first few minutes. A doctor or nurse will monitor you carefully while you are receiving the medication. If you experience any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor immediately: hives; rash; flushing; itching; difficulty breathing or swallowing; shortness of breath; swelling of the eyes, face, mouth, tongue, or throat; chest pain; stomach pain or cramping; vomiting; dizziness; or fainting.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before receiving rolapitant injection,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to rolapitant; any other medications; soybean oil; legumes such as beans, peanuts, peas, or lentils; or any of the ingredients in rolapitant injection. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.

• tell your doctor if you are taking thioridazine or pimozide (Orap). Your doctor will probably not want you to receive rolapitant injection if you are taking one or more of these medications.

• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: dextromethorphan (Robitussin, others), digoxin (Lanoxin), irinotecan (Camptosar), methotrexate (Otrexup, Rasuvo, Trexall), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, in Rifamate, in Rifater), rosuvastatin (Crestor), and topotecan (Hycamtin). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Many other medications may also interact with rolapitant, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list.

• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease.

• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while receiving rolapitant injection, call your doctor.

• Rolapitant injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • hiccups

  • stomach pain

  • decreased appetite

  • dizziness

  • heartburn

  • mouth sores

• Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

  • fever, chills, sore throat, or other signs of an infection

• Rolapitant injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

• If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.