Aprepitant (By mouth)
ap-RE-pi-tant
Prevents nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy or surgery.
Drug classes
Antiemetic (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Aprepitant capsules and oral suspension are used in combination with other medicines to prevent the nausea and vomiting that may occur during cancer treatment (chemotherapy). Aprepitant capsules are also used to prevent nausea and vomiting that may occur after surgery. Aprepitant works in the nervous system to block the action of a chemical that causes vomiting.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Capsule, Liquid
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Oral liquid:
The oral liquid comes in a prefilled oral dosing dispenser that contains your prescribed dose. Call your doctor right away if you or your child is not able to take the medicine. Throw away the dispenser and cap after each use.For chemotherapy: Take this medicine 1 hour before the start of your chemotherapy session. Aprepitant is normally given once a day for 3 days in a row, beginning on the first day of treatment.
For surgery: Take this medicine within 3 hours before surgery.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the oral liquid in the oral dosing dispenser in the refrigerator for up to 72 hours. You may also keep the medicine at room temperature for up to 3 hours.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Do not use this medicine together with pimozide.
Some medicines can affect how aprepitant works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Carbamazepine, clarithromycin, dexamethasone, diltiazem, itraconazole, ketoconazole, methylprednisolone, nefazodone, nelfinavir, phenytoin, rifampin, ritonavir, troleandomycin Birth control pills Blood thinner (including warfarin) Sedative medicine (including alprazolam, triazolam)When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to aprepitant.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain or upset
Tiredness or weakness
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Emend
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
