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aprepitant - oral, Emend

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GENERIC NAME: APREPITANT - ORAL (a-PRE-pi-tant)

BRAND NAME(S): Emend

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: Aprepitant is used with other medications to help prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer drug treatment (chemotherapy). This medication is also used to prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery. Aprepitant works by blocking one of the body's natural substances (substance P/neurokinin 1) that causes vomiting.This medication will not treat nausea or vomiting if you already have it. Contact your doctor for further instructions if you are experiencing nausea or vomiting.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist before you start taking this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.Take this medication by mouth, with or without food. To prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy, you will usually take the first dose 1 hour before treatment. On the following 2 days, you will usually take the dose once daily in the morning or as directed by your doctor. If you are taking this medication to prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery, you will usually take one dose of 40 milligrams before surgery.Dosage is based on your medical condition (depending on whether you are taking this medication before cancer chemotherapy or surgery) and response to treatment. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions for when to take each dose, how long to keep taking it, and the strength (number of milligrams) of each dose. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.Tell your doctor if you develop nausea or vomiting.

SIDE EFFECTS: Tiredness and hiccups may occur. If either of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration   You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.