Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Aprepitant is an antiemetic medication that is administered alongside other drugs to prevent nausea and vomiting in individuals undergoing cancer chemotherapy. It is also used with other drugs to prevent delayed nausea and vomiting that may occur days after receiving specific chemotherapy medications. Aprepitant is not intended for treating nausea and vomiting that is already present. This medication functions by inhibiting the action of neurokinin, a natural substance in the brain that triggers nausea and vomiting.
Uses and Dosage
Aprepitant is available in capsule and oral suspension form, both taken orally. When used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy, it is taken once daily during the first few days of treatment, with or without food. Take aprepitant one hour before chemotherapy on days 1, 2, and 3 of treatment. If chemotherapy is not administered on days 2 and 3, the medication should be taken in the morning on those days. Do not take more or less of aprepitant or take it more frequently than prescribed by your doctor.
Aprepitant capsules are available in two different strengths, and your doctor may prescribe both strengths for use at different times. Take the appropriate strength as directed by your doctor, and swallow the capsule whole without crushing, splitting, or chewing it.
Your healthcare provider will prepare the oral suspension, which comes with an oral dispenser. Store the dispenser in the refrigerator until it’s time for your dose. Remove the dispenser cap and place it in your mouth to slowly release the medication when ready to use.
Aprepitant only prevents nausea and vomiting and does not treat them if you already have these symptoms. Consult your doctor if you have these symptoms and have not started taking aprepitant.
Aprepitant is typically used for only the first three days of chemotherapy treatment cycles to prevent nausea and vomiting. Do not continue taking aprepitant longer than instructed by your doctor.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- weakness
- tiredness
- dizziness
- diarrhea
- constipation
- gas
- stomach pain
- heartburn
- nausea
- hiccups
- loss of appetite
- headache
- fever
- hair loss
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- hives
- rash
- itching
- skin peeling or blisters
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
Caution
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to aprepitant or fosaprepitant, or if you have any other allergies before taking this medication. Inactive ingredients in the product may cause allergic reactions or other complications.
Before using aprepitant, inform your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, especially if you have liver disease.
When pregnant, only use this medication when it’s necessary and after discussing the benefits and risks with your doctor.
It’s unclear whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Form and Strength
Emend is available in the following forms and strengths:
-
Emend capsule:
- 80mg
- 125mg
FAQ
Should Emend be taken before or after food?
It does not matter if you take Emend before, with or after food.
How often can you take Emend?
Emend is taken as 3 doses over 3 days – starting on the day you have chemotherapy, and for the following 2 days.
Resources
- https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/consumers/cmi/e/emend.pdf
- https://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/e/emend/emend_ppi.pdf
- https://www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/emend
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a604003.html
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-75035/emend-oral/details
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/aprepitant-oral-route/description/drg-20066897
- https://www.drugs.com/emend.html
