FDA Approves Varubi for Chemotherapy Side Effects

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Earlier this month, the FDA announced that Tesaro Inc.’s Varubi, a treatment designed to prevent delayed nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy, has been approved. While it is currently only approved for adult use alongside other drugs that perform similar functions, research has shown that it is more effective during the delayed phase than placebo therapy, according to Medical News Today.

What is delayed nausea and vomiting?

Nausea and vomiting are very common side effects of chemotherapy, potentially lasting several days after undergoing treatment. By definition, “delayed nausea and vomiting” is when these effects are felt from 24 to 120 hours after chemotherapy has begun. As this can lead to serious health issues (according to the FDA), it seems only fitting that a drug to combat the effects be approved.

What is Varubi and how does it work?

The FDA also explains that Varubi is a “substance P/neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor antagonist.” Since the activation of NK-1 receptors are typical triggers of nausea and vomiting caused by some chemotherapy treatments, Varubi works against them to keep these side effects at bay. However, since Varubi may get in the way of enzymes known as CYP2D6 and their ability to break down particular drugs, it has been said that Varubi should not be administered to those individuals that are also taking drugs that this enzyme works with. Additionally, like all other drugs, Varubi comes with side effects of its own, including a low blood cell count, hiccups, dizziness and potential decreased appetite.

To learn more about Varubi, check out the FDA’s press announcement here.

In addition to Varubi, we would also like to point out that the FDA recently approved Merck’s Emend for pediatric patients. Similar to Varubi, Emend is a drug designed to help with nausea and vomiting that results from cancer treatment. As per the approval, it can now be taken in children 12 years old or younger, so long as they weigh at least 30 kg, to combat delayed nausea and vomiting following chemotherapy. According to the PharmaTimes, this is the “first and only NK-1 receptor antagonist cleared for this indication and patient group.” However, it is important to note that in this instance, it must be taken with other antiemetics.

As one of Connecticut’s leading pharmacy benefit consulting and auditing firms, we at PBIRx are on top of all the latest FDA drug approvals. For more information about Varubi and Emend and how their approval may impact your pharmacy benefit plan, please give us a call at (888) 797-2479.