Emend

Indicated For

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV)

About This Medication

# Merck Patient Assistance Program Patient Guide: How to Get Emend (aprepitant) at Low or No Cost Emend (aprepitant) is a prescription medication used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, surgery, or other treatments. The **Merck Patient Assistance Program** provides this medicine **free of charge** to eligible uninsured or underinsured U.S. patients who meet income and other criteria[1][3][5]. ## About Emend (aprepitant) **Emend** helps block substances in your body that trigger nausea and vomiting, making cancer treatments and surgeries more tolerable. It comes in forms like capsules, oral suspension, and injection, prescribed by your doctor based on your needs[1][2][5]. This guide focuses on accessing it through Merck's program if cost is a barrier. ## Who Qualifies? To qualify for free Emend, you must meet **all three** key conditions[1][3][8]: - Be a **U.S. resident** (including Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands) with a prescription from a **U.S.-licensed healthcare provider**. - **Lack prescription coverage**: No private insurance, HMO, Medicaid, Medicare, state programs, veterans' aid, or other social services covering the medicine[1][2]. - **Cannot afford the medicine** due to low household income (details below). **Exceptions for special circumstances**: If you have insurance but face financial/medical hardship, you may request an exception if income qualifies[1][2][5]. Patients with insurance/employers tied to alternative funding programs requiring PAP application are ineligible[1][9]. ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Eligibility is based on **household income** at or below specific limits, typically **400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)** or stated thresholds. Exact figures vary slightly by source and year; use the latest from merckhelps.com[1][5]. Here's a general table for a household of 2023-2026 estimates (confirm current limits when applying): | Household Size | Max Annual Income | |---------------|-------------------| | 1 (Individual) | $62,600[1] / $55,850[5] | | 2 (Couple) | $75,650[5] | | 4 | $115,250[5] | *Notes*: Add ~$20,000-$25,000 per additional family member. Income includes all household sources. Special hardship cases may qualify above limits[1][2]. ## Insurance Requirements **No insurance coverage** for Emend is required[1][3]. Examples of disqualifying coverage: Medicare Part D, Medicaid, VA benefits, or employer plans[1][2]. If insured but denied coverage and hardship applies, request exception[1][5]. Programs are **not insurance** and free—no fees from third parties[2]. ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Check eligibility**: Visit merckhelps.com, search for **Emend**, and review criteria[1][4][9]. 2. **Download form**: Get the Emend enrollment form from merckhelps.com/EMEND FOR INJECTION or merckhelps.com[1][2][4]. 3. **Complete patient section**: Fill personal info, income, household size, and attest to no coverage/hardship. Sign and date[1][4]. 4. **Doctor completes**: Take to your **physician/prescriber**. They fill diagnosis, prescription (Section 4), sign, and date[1][4][7]. 5. **Gather docs**: Proof of income/residency if requested (e.g., tax returns, pay stubs—not always required)[1]. Checklist available online[1][9]. 6. **Submit**: Mail to **Merck Patient Assistance Program, PO Box 1206, Wilkes Barre, PA 18703-1206**; fax 1-800-419-8371; or call 800-727-5400 for guidance[1][4]. Multiple methods available[1]. Video tutorial on merckhelps.com[1]. 7. **Call for help**: 800-727-5400 (8AM-8PM ET, Mon-Fri) or Merck Access 855-257-3932[1][5][9]. **Tip**: Complete **all sections**—incomplete forms delay processing[1][4]. ## Timeline and Delivery Processing takes **2-4 weeks** typically, but call for status[1][9]. Approved patients get **up to 1 year supply** free, shipped to doctor's office or pharmacy[1][7]. Refills via reapplication[1]. Delivery to patient or provider[1]. ## Alternatives if Denied - **Appeal**: Contact 800-727-5400 for hardship review[1]. - **Merck Access Program**: For insured patients—co-pay help or referrals (855-257-3932)[3][5][8]. - **Other PAPs**: RxAssist.org or RxHope.com for Emend[6][7]. - **State programs**, NeedyMeds, or PAN Foundation. - **Generic aprepitant** if available (check fosaprepitant alternatives). - **Doctor samples** or hospital charity. ## Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes based on publicly available data as of 2026[1][2]. Programs change—verify at merckhelps.com or call. Not medical/financial advice. Consult your doctor. Merck may alter/discontinue anytime[9]. Word count: ~950.

Program information last verified: March 25, 2026