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Emend

Generic Name: aprepitant (Oral route)

ap-RE-pi-tant

Commonly used brand name(s):

In the U.S.

Emend

Available Dosage Forms:

Capsule

Therapeutic Class: Antiemetic

Pharmacologic Class: Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonist

User Reviews & Ratings

As a treatment for...	Avg User Ratings [?]
Nausea/Vomiting, Chemotherapy Induced	3 reviews Rate it!	9.7
Nausea/Vomiting, Postoperative	Be the first to rate it 0 reviews

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Uses For Emend

Aprepitant is used in combination with other antiemetics to prevent acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before Using Emend

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of aprepitant in children with use in other age groups.

Geriatric

This medicine has been studied in the elderly and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults. However, elderly people may be more sensitive to the adverse effects of aprepitant which may require caution.

Pregnancy

	Pregnancy Category	Explanation
All Trimesters	B	Animal studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus, however, there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

Astemizole
Cisapride
Pimozide
Terfenadine

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Clarithromycin
Diltiazem
Etoposide
Everolimus
Fentanyl
Ifosfamide
Imatinib
Irinotecan
Itraconazole
Ketoconazole
Nefazodone
Nelfinavir
Paclitaxel
Ranolazine
Ritonavir
Tolvaptan
Troleandomycin
Vinblastine
Vincristine
Vincristine Liposome
Warfarin

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Alprazolam
Carbamazepine
Dexamethasone
Estradiol Cypionate
Ethinyl Estradiol
Etonogestrel
Levonorgestrel
Medroxyprogesterone
Mestranol
Methylprednisolone
Midazolam
Norethindrone
Norgestrel
Paroxetine
Phenytoin
Rifampin
Tolbutamide
Triazolam

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Proper Use of Emend

Read the patient information provided with your medicine before starting therapy with aprepitant and each time you refill your aprepitant prescription.

Do not start taking aprepitant if you already have nausea and vomiting. Contact your doctor about what to do.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

You may take aprepitant with or without food.

For oral dosage form (capsules):
- For chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting:
  - Adults—125 milligrams (mg) one hour before chemotherapy treatment (Day 1) and 80 mg once a day in the morning on Days 2 and 3.
  - Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Precautions While Using Emend

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.

Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) may not work properly if you take them while you are taking aprepitant. Unplanned pregnancies may occur. You should use a different or additional means os birth control while you are taking aprepitant. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor.

Emend Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Black or tarry stools
chills
cough
fever
lower back or side pain
painful or difficult urination
pale skin
shortness of breath
sore throat
ulcers, sores, or white spots in mouth
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence unknown

Blistering, peeling, loosening of skin
diarrhea
itching
joint or muscle pain
large, hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, sex organs
red irritated eyes
redness of skin
red skin lesions, often with a purple center
skin rash
slow or irregular heartbeat

More common

Acid or sour stomach
belching
confusion
decreased urination
dizziness
dry mouth
fainting
heartburn
hiccups
increase in heart rate
indigestion
lack or loss of strength
lightheadedness
loss of appetite
nausea
rapid breathing
stomach discomfort upset or pain
swelling or inflammation of the mouth
sunken eyes
thirst
weight loss
wrinkled skin

Less common

Burning feeling in chest or stomach
hot flashes
indigestion
pain or discomfort in chest, upper stomach, or throat
tenderness in stomach area

Incidence unknown

Confusion about identity, place, and time

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

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