Varubi (rolapitant) is an antiemetic medication that belongs to the drug class called neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor antagonists. It's used for adults to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by certain anticancer medications (chemotherapy). Varubi (rolapitant) is used with two other medications, dexamethasone and a serotonin receptor antagonist. Varubi (rolapitant) is typically given only on day 1 of your chemotherapy cycle. Side effects include low appetite and dizziness.
Prevention of nausea and vomiting caused by certain chemotherapy when used together with dexamethasone and a serotonin receptor antagonist
Varubi (rolapitant) is a neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor antagonist. It blocks a chemical called substance P from attaching to NK-1 receptors in the brain that control nausea and vomiting. This helps prevent nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy.
Source: DailyMed
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Good option for preventing nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy
Only need to take once per chemotherapy cycle
Can take with or without food
Only used to prevent nausea and vomiting, not treat it
Can interact with many medications (e.g., dextromethorphan (Delsym), methotrexate)
Might not be a good option for people with severe liver problems
Make sure you understand when you should take Varubi (rolapitant). You should take Varubi (rolapitant) within 2 hours before your chemotherapy on day 1 of your chemotherapy cycle. This timing helps you get the most benefit from the medication to prevent nausea and vomiting from your chemotherapy.
Swallow Varubi (rolapitant) whole. Don't crush or chew the tablets. Talk to your provider if you're having trouble swallowing the tablets whole.
Don't take Varubi (rolapitant) any more often than once every 2 weeks. Ask your provider about other options if you're still feeling nauseous even after taking Varubi (rolapitant).
Varubi (rolapitant) can interact with many medications, such as digoxin (Lanoxin), dextromethorphan (Delsym), and methotrexate. Tell your provider about all the medications you take before you start Varubi (rolapitant). Also, don't start any new medications while you're taking Varubi (rolapitant) without talking to your provider first. Your provider can check that all your medications are safe for you to take.
Varubi (rolapitant) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Varubi (rolapitant) interacts with many medications. It can change the level of other medications in your blood. This can lead to serious side effects. Some medications, like pimozide (Orap) and thioridazine, can't be used at all with Varubi (rolapitant). Other medications will need to have their dose adjusted; you'll also need to watch more closely for side effects if you have to take them with Varubi (rolapitant).
Make sure to tell your provider about all the medications you're taking before you take Varubi (rolapitant). Don't start any new medications while you're taking Varubi (rolapitant) without talking to your provider or pharmacist first.
Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
---|---|---|---|
90mg | 2 tablets | $658.69 | $329.35 |
The typical dose is 180 mg by mouth within 2 hours before starting chemotherapy on day 1 of each chemotherapy cycle. Varubi (rolapitant) shouldn't be taken any sooner than every 2 weeks.
Take pimozide (Orap) or thioridazine
Children younger than 2 years old
Prevention of nausea and vomiting caused by certain chemotherapy when used together with dexamethasone and a serotonin receptor antagonist
Prevention of nausea and vomiting caused by certain chemotherapy; taken along with dexamethasone and a serotonin antagonist (e.g., ondansetron (Zofran))
Prevention of acute and delayed nausea and vomiting caused by certain chemotherapy when used together with dexamethasone
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Ibrahim, M. A., et al. (2022). Antiemetic neurokinin-1 receptor blockers. StatPearls.
National Cancer Institute. (2023). Nausea and vomiting related to cancer treatment (PDQ®)–Health professional version.
TerSera Therapeutics LLC. (2020). Varubi- rolapitant tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.
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