5 mins read

Overview: Varubi is an antiemetic that is used to prevent nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy. It comes as a tablet that you swallow. Common side effects may include hiccups, stomach pain, and decreased appetite. Varubi can interact with many other medicines. Make sure to tell your health care provider about all the medicines you take. 

Uses

What is Varubi used for?

Varubi (rolapitant) is commonly used to prevent nausea and vomiting that is caused by certain cancer treatments (chemotherapy).

Varubi may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Varubi work (mechanism of action)?

Varubi is an antiemetic (anti-nausea medicine). Specifically, it is a substance P/neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor antagonist. It works by preventing a substance in the brain from binding to NK-1 receptors, which helps suppress the vomiting reflex. 

How is Varubi supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Varubi

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 90 mg oral tablets

How should I store Varubi?

Varubi should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when you’re transporting it. Store it in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Varubi?

The most common side effects of Varubi are listed below. These side effects may vary, depending on the cancer treatment you are receiving. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Blood disorders, including low neutrophil levels (neutropenia) and low red blood cell levels (anemia)
  • Hiccups
  • Stomach pain
  • Decreased appetite
  • Dizziness
  • Upset stomach
  • Kidney or bladder infection
  • Mouth sores

There may be other side effects of Varubi that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Varubi?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Varubi are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Varubi may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Varubi and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Varubi?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Varubi.

  • Rolapitant
  • Varubi
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Varubi.

Drug Interactions. Varubi should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking Varubi, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Children Under 2 Years Old. Varubi should not be taken by children who are less than 2 years old. Talk with your health care provider if you have any concerns. 

What should I know about Varubi before using it?

Do not take Varubi unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Varubi with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Varubi out of the reach of children.

Your health care provider will tell you exactly how to take Varubi. Usually, you will take the medicine within two hours before you receive your cancer chemotherapy. Follow your health care provider’s instructions.

Varubi may make it hard for you to get pregnant. If you have concerns, talk to your health care provider.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Varubi?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Varubi is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Liver Problems. Tell your health care provider if you have any liver problems. If there is a concern about the health of your liver, your health care provider may do tests to see if it is working well enough for you to take this medicine.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Varubi could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Varubi passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take Varubi while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Varubi?

For more information about Varubi, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.varubirx.com or call them at 844-334-4035.

Interactions

Does Varubi interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Varubi and foods or drinks.

 It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Varubi.

Does Varubi interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

 In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Varubi.

  • Thioridazine, which is an antipsychotic medicine used to treat schizophrenia
  • Pimozide, which is a medicine used to manage tics caused by Tourette’s syndrome
  • Dextromethorphan, which is a cough medicine in many OTC cough and cold products
  • Methotrexate (Trexall and others), which is a medicine commonly used for rheumatoid arthritis or certain types of cancer
  • Any medicine used to treat cancer, such as irinotecan or topotecan
  • Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat an irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure
  • Rifampin (Rifadin), which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
  • Warfarin, which is a blood thinner
  • Rosuvastatin (Crestor), which is a medicine to lower cholesterol

Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of Varubi, and vice versa. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Varubi. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Varubi?

If you or someone else has used too much Varubi, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Varubi?

You will usually take your dose of Varubi before receiving your cancer treatment. Tell your health care provider right away if you forgot to take your dose before you start receiving your cancer treatment.