Health Library

Aprepitant (By mouth)

Aprepitant (ap-RE-pi-tant)

Prevents nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy or surgery.

Brand Name(s):

Emend

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

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 foods and 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
  • Blood thinner (including warfarin)
  • Cancer medicines (including ifosfamide, vinblastine, vincristine)
  • Sedative medicine (including alprazolam, midazolam, triazolam)

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease.
• Birth control (including pills, rings, implants and other devices) may not work while you are using this medicine. To keep from getting pregnant, use another form of birth control during treatment and for 1 month after your last dose of this medicine. Other forms of birth control include condoms, a diaphragm, or contraceptive foams or jellies.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

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
• Headache
• 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

Last Updated: 9/6/2024