Analyzing the adverse events of NK-1 receptor antagonists: a pharmacovigilance study from the FAERS database

Hong Pan1, Xiang Shi2, Yiguo Jiang3

  • 1Department of Pharmacy, Wuxi No. 5 People's Hospital, Wuxi, 214007, China.

Scientific Reports
|December 29, 2024
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study analyzed real-world adverse events for NK-1 receptor antagonists (NK-1RAs), finding variable safety profiles and identifying new risks like encephalopathy and endocrine disorders. Clinicians should monitor these NK-1RA side effects closely.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacovigilance
  • Clinical Pharmacology
  • Oncology Supportive Care

Background:

  • Neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists (NK-1RAs) effectively prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV).
  • Real-world safety data for NK-1RAs remains incompletely characterized.
  • This study aimed to systematically analyze adverse events (AEs) associated with NK-1RAs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate and compare adverse event profiles of different NK-1 receptor antagonists.
  • To identify potential safety signals and previously unrecognized adverse events associated with NK-1RA use.
  • To provide real-world safety insights for clinicians managing patients on NK-1RAs.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the FAERS database (Q1 2009 - Q4 2023) for adverse event data.
  • Employed disproportionality analyses including ROR, PRR, BCPNN, and MGPS.
  • Analyzed 5434 AE reports where NK-1RAs were the primary suspected drugs.

Main Results:

  • Identified significant safety signals across various System Organ Classes (SOCs).
  • Frequent AEs included general disorders and injection site reactions (aprepitant, fosaprepitant).
  • Detected toxic encephalopathy and new signals in endocrine disorders (e.g., SIADH, adrenal insufficiency, hyponatremia).

Conclusions:

  • NK-1RA safety profiles exhibit variability, with injection site reactions a concern for IV formulations.
  • Close monitoring for encephalopathy, especially with aprepitant and ifosfamide, is crucial.
  • Clinicians must be vigilant for newly identified high-risk AEs like inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, adrenal insufficiency, and hyponatremia.

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