Aprepitant is used together with other medications to prevent nausea and vomiting that may be caused by surgery or cancer chemotherapy.
Aprepitant is given ahead of time and will not treat nausea or vomiting that you already have.
Aprepitant may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Do not take aprepitant if you are taking any of the following drugs: cisapride (Propulsid) or pimozide (Orap). These drugs may cause life-threatening interactions when taken together with aprepitant.
If you have liver disease, you may need an aprepitant dose adjustment or special tests.
Aprepitant can make birth control pills less effective, resulting in pregnancy. This effect can last for up to 28 days after your last dose of this medication. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking aprepitant and for at least 1 month after your treatment ends.
There are many other drugs that can interact with aprepitant. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.
You should not use aprepitant if you are allergic to it.
These other drugs can cause serious or life-threatening medical problems if you take them together with aprepitant:
- cisapride (Propulsid); or
- pimozide (Orap).
FDA pregnancy category B. Aprepitant is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether aprepitant passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Aprepitant Side Effects
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
- feeling like you might pass out;
- feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin; or
- fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, sores in your mouth and throat.
- nausea, vomiting, heartburn, stomach pain;
- diarrhea or constipation;
- loss of appetite;
- hiccups;
- hair loss;
- headache;
- dizziness;
- tired feeling;
- mild skin rash;
- ringing in your ears; or
- sleep problems (insomnia).
Aprepitant Interactions
Aprepitant can make birth control pills less effective, resulting in pregnancy. This effect can last for up to 28 days after your last dose of this medication. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking aprepitant and for at least 1 month after your treatment ends.
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:
- tolbutamide (Orinase);
- a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);
- midazolam (Versed) or similar medicines such as Valium, Xanax, or Tranxene;
- an antidepressant such as nefazodone (Serzone) or paroxetine (Paxil);
- an antibiotic such as clarithromycin (Biaxin) or rifampin (Rifater, Rifamate);
- an antifungal medication such as itraconazole (Sporanox) or ketoconazole (Extina, Ketozole, Nizoral, Xolegal);
- certain cancer medicines such as ifosfamide (Ifex), vinblastine (Velban), or vincristine (Oncovin, Vincasar);
- HIV medicines such as nelfinavir (Viracept), lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra), or ritonavir (Norvir);
- seizure medication such as carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol) or phenytoin (Dilantin); or
- steroid medicine such as dexamethasone (Decadron, Hexadrol) or methylprednisolone (Medapred, Solu-Medrol).
Aprepitant Dosage
Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in
larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the
directions on your prescription label.
Aprepitant can be taken with or without food. If you take aprepitant before surgery, follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food or beverages.
The first dose of aprepitant is usually taken 1 hour before treatment with chemotherapy, or 3 hours before a surgery. You may also need additional doses for a couple days after your chemotherapy treatment. Follow your doctor's instructions.
You may also be given other medicines with aprepitant to further help prevent nausea and vomiting.
Aprepitant is not for long-term use.
This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness and headache.
Call your doctor for instructions if you forget to take your medicine within the prescribed length of time before your chemotherapy or surgery.
Aprepitant can be taken with or without food. If you take aprepitant before surgery, follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food or beverages.
The first dose of aprepitant is usually taken 1 hour before treatment with chemotherapy, or 3 hours before a surgery. You may also need additional doses for a couple days after your chemotherapy treatment. Follow your doctor's instructions.
You may also be given other medicines with aprepitant to further help prevent nausea and vomiting.
Aprepitant is not for long-term use.
This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness and headache.
Call your doctor for instructions if you forget to take your medicine within the prescribed length of time before your chemotherapy or surgery.