Emend - supply shortage
Ongoing
aprepitant
Shortage
Human
Shortage information
Emend is an antiemetic, a medicine that prevents nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting. The powder for oral suspension (a liquid to be drunk) is used in children from 6 months to 12 years of age to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy (medicines used to treat cancer). For further information on the use of the medicine please refer to the medicine’s overview page available in all EU languages.
The company that markets Emend is experiencing delays in the manufacturing process related to a change of colourant used to produce the medicine. This has led to a shortage of Emend powder for oral suspension. The shortage is not related to a quality defect of the product or a safety issue. The shortage is expected to last until the end of July 2024.
The shortage affects all EU/EEA Member States where the product is marketed: Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. This information may change. For up-to-date information about the status of a medicine shortage in a particular EU/EEA Member State, consult the national shortage register or contact the national competent authority.
EMA’s SPOC working party is closely monitoring the supply situation of Emend in the EU/EEA and engaging with the marketing authorisation holder and national competent authorities to identify measures to mitigate the impact of the shortage.
The SPOC working party is responsible for monitoring and reporting events that could affect the supply of medicines in the EU.
- The company that markets Emend is experiencing manufacturing delays due to the change of a colourant used to produce the powder for oral suspension. This has led to a shortage of this formulation in all EU/EEA Member States where it is marketed.
- During the shortage, healthcare professionals should refer to national guidance. Intravenous fosaprepitant and magistral preparations may be an alternative.
- For additional information and advice, consult your country’s shortage register or contact your national competent authority.
- The company that markets Emend is experiencing manufacturing delays due to the change of colourant used to produce the powder for oral suspension (a liquid to be drunk). This has led to a shortage of this form of Emend in all EU/EEA Member States where the medicine is marketed.
- Your child’s doctor may prescribe an alternative medicine.
- Please consult your doctor or pharmacist for any questions and for advice on the current availability of Emend.
- For additional information, consult your country’s shortage register or contact your national competent authority
Key facts
- Medicines affected
- Emend
- Supply shortage status
- Ongoing
- International non-proprietary name (INN) or common name
- aprepitant
- Therapeutic area (MESH)
- Vomiting
- Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting
- Cancer
- Neoplasms
- Pharmaceutical forms affected
- Powder for oral suspension
- Strengths affected
- 80 mg
- 125 mg
- Availability of alternatives
- Yes
Key dates
- Expected resolution
- First published
- Last updated