Aprepitant

Generic name: aprepitant (oral/injection) [ a-PREP-i-tant ]
Brand names: Aponvie, Cinvanti, Emend, Emend 3-Day, Emend 2-Day
Dosage forms: intravenous emulsion (130 mg/18 mL; 32 mg/4.4 mL), oral capsule (125 mg; 125 mg-80 mg; 40 mg; 80 mg), ... show all 3 dosage forms oral powder for reconstitution (125 mg)
Drug class: NK1 receptor antagonists

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Sep 25, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is aprepitant?

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

Aprepitant may also be used in adults to prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery.

Aprepitant is not used to treat nausea and 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.

Aprepitant side effects

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

Some side effects may occur during the injection. Tell your medical caregiver if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, itchy, sweaty, or have a headache, chest tightness, back pain, trouble breathing, or swelling in your face.

Aprepitant may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• worsening of your skin condition, skin peeling or sores;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; or

• fast or slow heart rate.

Common side effects of aprepitant may include:

• stomach pain or discomfort, burping, loss of appetite;

• low blood pressure, headache, dizziness;

• low blood cell counts;

• diarrhea, constipation;

• hiccups, cough;

• abnormal liver function tests;

• dehydration;

• urinary tract infection;

• pain, weakness, or numbness in your arms or legs; 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.

Warnings

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines. Some drugs should not be used with aprepitant.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use aprepitant if you are allergic to it.

Some drugs should not be used with aprepitant. Your treatment plan may change if you also use pimozide.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• to use a blood thinner (or a medicine called warfarin) and you have routine "INR" or prothrombin time tests; or

• severe liver disease.

Aprepitant may harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using aprepitant.

Aprepitant can make hormonal birth control less effective, including birth control pills, injections, implants, skin patches, and vaginal rings. Use barrier birth control to prevent pregnancy: condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, spermicide, or contraceptive sponge.

Ask your doctor about the best form of birth control while you are using aprepitant.

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 injection is injected into a vein by a healthcare provider.

Aprepitant is not for long-term use. Do not use this medicine more often than prescribed.

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

Aprepitant oral is taken by mouth with or without food.

Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.

The oral suspension (liquid) will be prepared by a healthcare provider and provided in a prefilled dosing syringe.

Your blood may need to be tested after receiving aprepitant if you also take a blood thinner called warfarin.

Store aprepitant capsules at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Store the oral suspension (liquid) in the refrigerator and use it within 72 hours. Do not freeze. The oral suspension (liquid) must be used within 3 hours if you keep it at room temperature.

Related/similar drugs

hydroxyzine, ondansetron, lorazepam, olanzapine, meclizine, dexamethasone, Zofran, promethazine, metoclopramide, Ativan

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of aprepitant oral.

In a medical setting you are not likely to miss a dose of aprepitant injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

In a medical setting an overdose would be treated quickly.

What should I avoid while using aprepitant?

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

What other drugs will affect aprepitant?

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

Many drugs can affect aprepitant. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the difference between Cinvanti and Emend?

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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