Health
FDA Approves First New Motion Sickness Pill in Decades
Health Points
- The FDA has approved tradipitant (Nereus), a new motion sickness medication and the first of its kind in 40 years.
- Clinical trials show it prevents vomiting for most users and has fewer side effects than older drugs.
- Research continues on tradipitant’s potential to reduce nausea from other causes, including certain diabetes treatments.
Travelers prone to motion sickness now have access to a new solution after the FDA approved Nereus, offering relief with fewer unwanted effects compared to traditional remedies.
Motion sickness affects one-third of people globally, causing symptoms from nausea to dizziness, especially during travel.
How Nereus Works
The medication blocks pathways in the brain that trigger vomiting, using a mechanism distinct from older drugs.
“For instance, while on a boat, your inner ear senses the rolling motion, but if you’re inside looking at a stationary surface, your eyes signal that you’re not moving,” says Mihael H. Polymeropoulos, MD, CEO of Vanda Pharmaceuticals.
Nereus is taken as a single capsule either 85 mg or 170 mg, one hour before travel, to prevent motion sickness symptoms.
Safety and Ongoing Research
Studies show fewer than 20% of users vomited while taking the drug, versus more than 44% of those on placebo.
The most common side effects were mild, such as slight sleepiness and fatigue, and occurred less frequently than with older treatments.
Dr. Adrian Priesol notes that Nereus offers a useful alternative for those not benefiting from traditional medications, though comparisons with existing treatments are still needed.
“That’s unknown at this time, as there are no head-to-head comparison data I am aware of,” says Dr. Priesol.
Tradipitant is also being studied for reducing nausea related to diabetes medications, with early trials suggesting promise.
This innovative pill could improve comfort and confidence for travelers seeking a modern approach to motion sickness relief. Talk with your healthcare provider to see if Nereus may be right for you before your next journey.
