What is Aprepitant?

Aprepitant blocks the actions of chemicals in the body that trigger nausea and vomiting.

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.

What are the possible side effects of Aprepitant?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• feeling light-headed, fainting
• slow heart rate
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding; or
• pain or burning when you urinate

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, heartburn, stomach pain
• diarrhea or constipation
• loss of appetite
• hiccups
• increased thirst or hot, dry skin
• weakness, dizziness, tired feeling
• headache
• ringing in your ears
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms; or
• sleep problems (insomnia)

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Aprepitant Interactions

What other drugs affect Aprepitant?

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. Talk to your doctor about the use of a non-hormonal back-up form of birth control (such as condoms, a diaphragm, or spermicides) during treatment with aprepitant and for at least 1 month after your treatment ends.

Before taking aprepitant, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• diltiazem (Cardizem, Cartia, Tiazac)
• 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 (Nizoral)
• certain cancer medicines such as docetaxel (Taxotere), etoposide (VePesid), irinotecan (Camptosar), ifosfamide (Ifex), imatinib (Gleevec), paclitaxel (Onxol, Taxol), 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)

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with aprepitant. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Aprepitant?

Follow your doctor’s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using aprepitant.

Aprepitant Dosage

How should I take Aprepitant?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow your doctor’s instructions.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

Aprepitant can be taken with or without food.

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 aprepitant at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I overdose on Aprepitant?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness and headache.

What happens if I miss a dose of Aprepitant?

Call your doctor for instructions if you forget to take your medicine within the prescribed length of time before your chemotherapy or surgery.

Edited from everydayhealth.com