GENERIC NAME: APREPITANT - ORAL (a-PREP-ih-tant)

BRAND NAME(S): Emend

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

USES: Aprepitant is used in combination with other drugs to help prevent nausea and vomiting due to cancer drug treatment (chemotherapy). This medication works by blocking one of the body's chemicals (substance P/neurokinin 1) that causes vomiting.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, with or without food. The first dose is usually taken 1 hour before cancer chemotherapy treatment. On the following days, the dose is taken usually once daily in the morning; or use as directed by your doctor. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions for the timing of each dose and for the length of treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not take this medication if you are already experiencing nausea and vomiting. Contact your doctor for further instructions. This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine.

SIDE EFFECTS: Tiredness, weakness, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, upset stomach, dizziness, headache and hiccups may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: severe liver problems, any allergies. This drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. This medication may decrease the effectiveness of combination-type birth control pills. You may need to use an additional form of reliable birth control while using this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Due to the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug.

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.