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Varubi
rolapitant · Tablet
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC Directory| Ingredient | Strength | RxCUI | Monograph |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rolapitant Hydrochloride | 90 mg/1 | 1665503 | — |
Forms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Breast Cancer Resistance Protein Inhibitors [MoA] | MoA | All 44 members |
| Cytochrome P450 2D6 Inhibitors [MoA] | MoA | All 72 members |
| Neurokinin 1 Antagonists [MoA] | MoA | 6 members — no class page |
| P-Glycoprotein Inhibitors [MoA] | MoA | All 105 members |
| Substance P/Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonist [EPC] | EPC | 6 members — no class page |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 206500-001 | VARUBI | TABLET | ROLAPITANT HYDROCHLORIDE | Prescription | — | RLD RS |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookCodes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.
Patents and exclusivity
Source: Orange Book| Patent | Expires | Product | Substance | Use code | Submitted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8404702 | April 4, 2027 | 001 | No | U-1741 | September 25, 2015 |
| 7981905 | April 4, 2027 | 001 | No | U-1741 | September 25, 2015 |
| 7563801 | April 4, 2027 | 001 | No | September 25, 2015 | |
| 8178550 | April 4, 2027 | 001 | Yes | September 25, 2015 | |
| 7049320 | August 19, 2028 | 001 | Yes | U-1741 | September 25, 2015 |
| 8470842 | January 18, 2029 | 001 | No | U-1741 | September 25, 2015 |
| 8361500 | October 9, 2029 | 001 | No | September 25, 2015 |
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supplement | 8 | Labeling | Approved | August 19, 2020 | Standard |
| Supplement | 3 | Labeling | Approved | April 13, 2018 | Standard |
| Supplement | 2 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | April 22, 2016 | Standard |
| Supplement | 1 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | April 4, 2016 | Standard |
| Original application | 1 | Type 1 - New Molecular Entity | Approved | September 1, 2015 | Standard |
Review documents
- 0 · Supplement · August 21, 2020
- 0 · Supplement · August 20, 2020
- 0 · Supplement · April 16, 2018
- 0 · Supplement · April 16, 2018
- 0 · Original application · October 9, 2015
- 0 · Original application · October 9, 2015
- 0 · Original application · September 2, 2015
- 0 · Original application · September 2, 2015
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20260908). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Recent Major Changes
openFDA Drug LabelingDosage and Administration ( 2 ) 8/2020 Contraindications ( 4 ) 8/2020
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug Labeling1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE VARUBI ® is indicated in combination with other antiemetic agents in adults for the prevention of delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of emetogenic cancer chemotherapy, including, but not limited to, highly emetogenic chemotherapy. VARUBI is a substance P/neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor antagonist indicated in combination with other antiemetic agents in adults for the prevention of delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of emetogenic cancer chemotherapy, including, but not limited to, highly emetogenic chemotherapy. ( 1 )
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug Labeling2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The recommended dosage of VARUBI in adults in combination with a 5-HT 3 receptor antagonist and dexamethasone for the prevention of nausea and vomiting with emetogenic cancer chemotherapy is shown in Table 1 . There is no drug interaction between rolapitant and dexamethasone, so no dosage adjustment for dexamethasone is required. Administer a dexamethasone dose of 20 mg on Day 1 [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Administer VARUBI prior to the initiation of each chemotherapy cycle, but at no less than 2 week intervals. Administer VARUBI without regards to meals. Table 1: Recommended Dosing Regimen of VARUBI Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Prevention of Nausea and Vomiting Associated with Cisplatin-Based Highly Emetogenic Cancer Chemotherapy VARUBI 180 mg as a single dose orally within 2 hours prior to initiation of chemotherapy None Dexamethasone 20 mg; 30 min prior to initiation of chemotherapy 8 mg twice daily 8 mg twice daily 8 mg twice daily 5-HT 3 receptor antagonist See the prescribing information for the co-administered 5-HT 3 receptor antagonist for appropriate dosing information. None Prevention of Nausea and Vomiting Associated with Moderately Emetogenic Cancer Chemotherapy and Combinations of Anthracycline and Cyclophosphamide VARUBI 180 mg as a single dose orally within 2 hours prior to initiation of chemotherapy None Dexamethasone 20 mg; 30 min prior to initiation of chemotherapy None 5-HT 3 receptor antagonist See the prescribing information for the co-administered 5-HT 3 receptor antagonist for appropriate dosing information. See the prescribing information for the co-administered 5-HT 3 receptor antagonist for appropriate dosing information. Administer in combination with dexamethasone and a 5-HT 3 receptor antagonist; see full prescribing information for dosing information. ( 2 ) No dosage adjustment for dexamethasone is required. ( 2 ) The recommended dosage of VARUBI is 180 mg as a single dose orally within 2 hours prior to the initiation of chemotherapy on Day 1. ( 2 ) Administer VARUBI prior to the initiation of each chemotherapy cycle, but at no less than 2 week intervals. ( 2 ) Administer VARUBI without regards to meals. ( 2 )
Dosage Forms and Strengths
openFDA Drug Labeling3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Tablets: 90 mg rolapitant; film-coated, blue capsule shaped, debossed with T0101 on one side and 100 on the other side. Tablets: 90 mg of rolapitant ( 3 )
Contraindications
openFDA Drug Labeling4 CONTRAINDICATIONS VARUBI is contraindicated in patients taking CYP2D6 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index, such as thioridazine and pimozide. VARUBI can significantly increase the plasma concentrations of thioridazine and pimozide, which may result in QT prolongation and Torsades de Pointes [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . VARUBI is contraindicated in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age because of irreversible impairment of sexual development and fertility observed in juvenile rats at clinically relevant dosages [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4) ] . CYP2D6 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index (e.g., thioridazine and pimozide) ( 4 , 5.1 , 7 ) Pediatric patients less than 2 years of age because of irreversible impairment of sexual development and fertility in juvenile rats ( 4 , 8.4 )
Warnings and Cautions
openFDA Drug Labeling5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS CYP2D6 Substrates : Rolapitant is a moderate inhibitor of CYP2D6 and significantly increases the plasma concentrations of CYP2D6 substrates for at least 28 days following single dose administration of VARUBI. Before starting VARUBI, consider if patients require: thioridazine or pimozide; if so, use an alternative antiemetic to VARUBI or an alternative to thioridazine or pimozide that is not metabolized by CYP2D6. other CYP2D6 substrates; if so, consult the prescribing information for the CYP2D6 substrate for additional information about interactions with CYP2D6 inhibitors. ( 4 , 5.1 , 7 ) 5.1 Interaction with CYP2D6 Substrates Rolapitant is a moderate inhibitor of CYP2D6. Exposure to dextromethorphan, a CYP2D6 substrate, following a single dose of rolapitant increased about 3-fold on Days 8 and Day 22. The inhibition of CYP2D6 persisted on Day 28 with a 2.3-fold increase in dextromethorphan (CYP2D6 substrate) concentrations, the last time point measured. The inhibitory effect of rolapitant on CYP2D6 is expected to persist beyond 28 days for an unknown duration following administration of VARUBI [see Drug Interactions (7) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Narrow Therapeutic Index Drugs (Thioridazine and Pimozide) VARUBI is contraindicated in patients taking CYP2D6 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index such as thioridazine and pimozide. Increased plasma concentrations of thioridazine and pimozide are associated with serious and/or life-threatening events of QT prolongation and Torsades de Pointes [see Contraindications (4) ] . Before starting treatment with VARUBI, consider whether patients require treatment with thioridazine or pimozide. If patients require these drugs, use an alternative antiemetic to VARUBI or an alternative to thioridazine or pimozide that is not metabolized by CYP2D6. Other Drugs VARUBI can also increase plasma concentrations of other CYP2D6 substrates for at least 28 days following administration of VARUBI and may result in adverse reactions. Before starting treatment with VARUBI, consult the prescribing information for CYP2D6 substrates to obtain additional information about interactions with CYP2D6 inhibitors.
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug Labeling6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Interaction with CYP2D6 Substrates [see Contraindications (4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Most common adverse reactions (≥3%) are: Cisplatin Based Highly Emetogenic Chemotherapy: neutropenia, hiccups and abdominal pain. ( 6.1 ) Moderately Emetogenic Chemotherapy and Combinations of Anthracycline and Cyclophosphamide: decreased appetite, neutropenia, dizziness, dyspepsia, urinary tract infection, stomatitis and anemia. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Luria Therapeutics LLC at 1-844-334-4035 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 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. In 4 controlled clinical trials in patients receiving emetogenic cancer chemotherapy, VARUBI was given in combination with a 5-HT 3 receptor antagonist and dexamethasone. On Day 1 of Cycle 1 of chemotherapy, 1567 patients were treated with VARUBI and 1198 of these patients continued into the optional multiple cycle extension for up to 6 cycles of chemotherapy. The median number of cycles administered 180 mg of VARUBI was four. VARUBI 180 mg was administered to 1294 patients. In Cycle 1 adverse reactions were reported in approximately 7% of patients treated with VARUBI compared with approximately 6% of patients treated with control therapy. The most common adverse reactions reported with an incidence of ≥3% and greater than control are listed in Table 2 and Table 3 . Table 2: Most Common Adverse Reactions in Patients Receiving Cisplatin-Based Highly Emetogenic Chemotherapy (Cycle 1)* * all reactions occurring at ≥3% in the VARUBI group and for which the rate for VARUBI exceeds the rate for control VARUBI Regimen (VARUBI, Dexamethasone, and 5-HT 3 Receptor Antagonist) N = 624 Control (Placebo, Dexamethasone, and 5-HT 3 Receptor Antagonist) N = 627 Neutropenia 9% 8% Hiccups 5% 4% Abdominal Pain 3% 2% Table 3: Most Common Adverse Reactions in Patients Receiving Moderately Emetogenic Chemotherapy and Combinations of Anthracycline and Cyclophosphamide (Cycle 1)* *all reactions occurring at ≥3% in the VARUBI group and for which the rate for VARUBI exceeds the rate for control. VARUBI Regimen (VARUBI, Dexamethasone, and 5-HT 3 Receptor Antagonist) N = 670 Control (Placebo, Dexamethasone, and 5-HT 3 Receptor Antagonist) N = 674 Decreased appetite 9% 7% Neutropenia 7% 6% Dizziness 6% 4% Dyspepsia 4% 2% Urinary tract infection 4% 3% Stomatitis 4% 2% Anemia 3% 2% Adverse reactions in the multiple-cycle extensions of highly and moderately emetogenic chemotherapy studies for up to 6 cycles of chemotherapy were generally similar to that observed in Cycle 1.
Drug Interactions
openFDA Drug Labeling7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Rolapitant is a moderate CYP2D6 inhibitor. The inhibition of CYP2D6 persisted on Day 28 with a 2.3-fold increase in dextromethorphan concentrations, the last time point measured. The inhibitory effect of rolapitant on CYP2D6 is expected to persist beyond 28 days for an unknown duration following administration of VARUBI [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Oral rolapitant is an inhibitor of Breast-Cancer-Resistance Protein (BCRP) and p-glycoprotein (P-gp). Rolapitant, given as a single oral dose, is not an inhibitor or inducer of CYP3A4 [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Therefore, no dosage adjustment for dexamethasone (CYP3A4 substrate) is needed when co-administered with VARUBI [see Dosage and Administration (2) ] . Table 4 and Table 5 include drugs with clinically important drug interactions when administered concomitantly with VARUBI and instructions for preventing or managing them. Table 4: Clinically Relevant Interactions Affecting Drugs Co-Administered with VARUBI CYP2D6 Substrates Narrow Therapeutic Index Drugs (Thioridazine and Pimozide) Clinical Impact: Increased plasma concentrations of thioridazine and pimozide are associated with serious and/or life-threatening events of QT prolongation and Torsades de Pointes. Intervention: VARUBI is contraindicated in patients taking CYP2D6 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index such as thioridazine and pimozide. If patients require these drugs, use an alternative antiemetic to VARUBI or an alternative to thioridazine or pimozide that is not metabolized by CYP2D6 [see Contraindications (4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Other CYP2D6 Substrates Clinical Impact: VARUBI can increase plasma concentrations of other CYP2D6 substrates for at least 28 days following administration of VARUBI and may result in adverse reactions. Before starting treatment with VARUBI consult the prescribing information of CYP2D6 substrates to obtain further information about interactions with CYP2D6 inhibitors [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Intervention: Before starting treatment with VARUBI consult the prescribing information of CYP2D6 substrates to obtain further information about interactions with CYP2D6 inhibitors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. BCRP Substrates with a Narrow Therapeutic Index (e.g., methotrexate, topotecan, or irinotecan) Clinical Impact: Increased plasma concentrations of BCRP substrates (e.g., methotrexate, topotecan, or irinotecan) may result in potential adverse reactions [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Intervention: Monitor for adverse reactions related to the concomitant drug if use of VARUBI cannot be avoided. Use the lowest effective dose of rosuvastatin (see prescribing information for additional information on recommended dosing). P-gp Substrates with a Narrow Therapeutic Index (e.g. digoxin) Clinical Impact: Increased plasma concentrations of P-gp substrates (e.g., digoxin) may result in potential adverse reactions [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Intervention: Monitor digoxin concentrations with concomitant use of VARUBI and adjust the dosage as needed to maintain therapeutic concentrations. Monitor for adverse reactions if concomitant use of VARUBI with other P-gp substrates with a narrow therapeutic index cannot be avoided. Warfarin Clinical Impact: Although co-administration of intravenous rolapitant (VARBI is not approved for intravenous use), which has a higher C max than oral VARUBI, with warfarin did not substantially increase the systemic exposure to S-warfarin, the active enantiomer, the effects on INR and prothrombin time were not studied [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Intervention: Monitor INR and prothrombin time and adjust the dosage of warfarin, as needed with concomitant use of VARUBI, to maintain the target INR range. Table 5: Clinically Relevant Interactions Affecting Rolapitant When Co-Administered with Other Drugs Strong CYP3A4 Inducers (e.g. rifampin) Clinical Impact: Co-administration of VAR …
Use in Specific Populations
openFDA Drug Labeling8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary The limited data with VARUBI use in pregnant women are insufficient to inform a drug associated risk of adverse developmental outcomes. In animal reproduction studies, there were no adverse developmental effects observed with oral administration of rolapitant in rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis at doses up to 1.2 times and 2.9-times, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) (see Data ) . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. 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 The potential embryo-fetal toxicity of rolapitant was assessed in pregnant rats administered oral doses up to 22.5 mg/kg per day throughout the period of organogenesis. Rats administered doses of 13.5 or 22.5 mg/kg per day rolapitant exhibited evidence of maternal toxicity including decreased body weight gain and/or body weight loss and a concomitant decrease in food consumption during the first week of dosing. No adverse embryo-fetal developmental effects were observed at doses up to 22.5 mg/kg per day rolapitant (approximately 1.2 times the recommended human dose on a body surface area basis). In rabbits administered rolapitant throughout the period of organogenesis, oral doses up to 27 mg/kg per day (approximately 2.9 times the recommended human dose on a body surface area basis) were without effects on the developing fetus. The pre- and postnatal developmental effects of rolapitant were assessed in rats administered oral doses of 2.25, 9 or 22.5 mg/kg per day during the periods of organogenesis and lactation. Maternal toxicity was evident based on mortality/moribund condition, decreased body weight and food consumption, total litter loss, prolonged parturition, decreased length of gestation, and increased number of unaccounted for implantation sites at a dose of 22.5 mg/kg per day (approximately 1.2 times the recommended human dose on a body surface area basis). Effects on offspring at this dose included decreased postnatal survival, and decreased body weights and body weight gain, and may be related to the maternal toxicity observed. At a maternal dose of 9 mg/kg per day rolapitant (approximately 0.5 times the recommended human dose on a body surface area basis), there was a decrease in memory in female pups in a maze test and a decrease in pup body weight. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of rolapitant in human milk, the effects of rolapitant in the breastfed infant, or the effects of rolapitant on milk production. Rolapitant administered orally to lactating female rats was present in milk (see Data ) . The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for VARUBI and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from VARUBI or from the underlying maternal condition or the use of concomitant chemotherapy. Data Radioactivity from labeled [ 14 C] rolapitant was transferred into milk of lactating rats following a single oral dose of 22.5 mg/kg, and the maximum radioactivity in milk was observed at 12 hours post-dose. The mean milk/plasma radioactivity concentration ratios in dams at 1 to 48 hours post-dose ranged from 1.24 to 3.25. Based on average daily consumption of milk (2 mL/day) and the maximum milk radioactivity determined, pup exposure is expected to be 0.3% of the orally administered dose. 8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Infertility Females In animal fertility studies, rolapitant impaired the fertility in females in a reversible fashion [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1) ] . 8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of VARUBI have not bee …
Mechanism of Action
openFDA Drug Labeling12.1 Mechanism of Action Rolapitant is a selective and competitive antagonist of human substance P/NK1 receptors. Rolapitant does not have significant affinity for the NK2 or NK3 receptors or for a battery of other receptors, transporters, enzymes and ion channels. Rolapitant is also active in animal models of chemotherapy-induced emesis.
Description
openFDA Drug Labeling11 DESCRIPTION VARUBI contains rolapitant, a substance P/neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor antagonist. Rolapitant hydrochloride is chemically described as (5S,8S)-8- { [(1R)-1-[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethoxy]methyl]}-8-phenyl-1,7-diazaspiro[4.5]decan-2-one hydrochloride. Its empirical formula is C 25 H 26 F 6 N 2 O 2 . HCl.H 2 O, and its structural formula is: rolapitant hydrochloride Rolapitant hydrochloride is a white to off-white powder, with a molecular weight of 554.95. Solubility of rolapitant hydrochloride in aqueous solution is pH-dependent and is more soluble at lower pH. Rolapitant has good solubility in common pharmaceutical solvents such as ethanol, propylene glycol and 40% hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin. Each tablet contains 90 mg rolapitant (equivalent to 100 mg rolapitant hydrochloride) and the following inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, and pregelatinized starch. The tablets are coated in non-functional blue and clear coats. The tablet coating comprises the following inactive ingredients: FD&C Blue No. 2-Indigo Carmine Lake, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, polyvinyl alcohol, talc, and titanium dioxide. Figure
Overdosage
openFDA Drug Labeling10 OVERDOSAGE There are no data on overdose with VARUBI. There is no antidote for VARUBI overdose. Discontinue VARUBI in the event of overdose, and institute general supportive measures and close observation.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug Labeling16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING VARUBI is available as film-coated, capsule shaped, blue tablets, debossed with T0101 on one side and 100 on the other side. Each tablet contains 90 mg rolapitant. VARUBI is packaged in an Aclar blister shell with aluminum foil backing and supplied as follows: NDC 87628-101-02 A single dose child-resistant wallet (2 tablets as one set of twinned blisters) Store at 20oC to 25oC (68oF to 77oF); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: ROLAPITANT HYDROCHLORIDE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 87628-101-02 | 87628-101 | Luria Therapeutics LLC | 2 TABLET in 1 BLISTER PACK (87628-101-02) | September 8, 2026 |
| 70720-101-02 | 70720-101 | TerSera Therapeutics LLC | 2 TABLET in 1 BLISTER PACK (70720-101-02) | August 6, 2019 |
| 87628-101 | 87628-101 | Luria Therapeutics LLC | — | August 20, 2026 |
| 70720-101 | 70720-101 | TerSera Therapeutics LLC | — | October 7, 2015 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Orange Book | FDA | Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 12 sections on this page.