aprepitant (oral/injection)

What is the most important information I should know about aprepitant?

What is aprepitant?

Aprepitant is used together with other medications to prevent nausea and vomiting that may be caused by chemotherapy.

Aprepitant is given ahead of time and will not treat nausea or vomiting that you already have.

Aprepitant capsules are for use in adults and children who are at least 12 years old. Aprepitant oral suspension (liquid) can be given to adults and children as young as 6 months old.

Aprepitant may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using aprepitant?

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You should not be treated with aprepitant injection if you are pregnant.

Keep using the barrier form of birth control for 1 month after your last dose of aprepitant.

How should I use aprepitant?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Aprepitant oral is taken by mouth.

Aprepitant injection is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Aprepitant is not for long-term use. You will most likely need only 1 to 3 doses.

The first dose of aprepitant is usually given 30 to 60 minutes before treatment with chemotherapy. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Aprepitant oral can be taken with or without food.

Give the oral suspension (liquid) using only the dosing syringe provided.

If you also take warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), you may need extra "INR" or prothrombin time tests after you have used aprepitant.

Throw away any liquid medicine not used within 3 days (72 hours) after you received it. Do not save it for later use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while using aprepitant?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What are the possible side effects of aprepitant?

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• pain or burning when you urinate;
• sores or white patches in your mouth or throat, sore throat;
• low blood cell counts --fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath; or
• dehydration symptoms --feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin.

Common side effects may include:

• stomach pain, indigestion, burping, loss of appetite;
• low blood cell counts;
• diarrhea, constipation;
• hiccups;
• abnormal liver function tests;
• headache, dizziness;
• dehydration;
• pain in your arms or legs;
• pain, hardening, redness, swelling, or itching where the medicine was injected;
• cough; or
• feeling weak or tired.

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.

What other drugs will affect aprepitant?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Many drugs can affect aprepitant, and some drugs should not be used at the same time. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about aprepitant.