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 is  the most important information I should know about aprepitant? 

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. Before taking aprepitant, tell your doctor if you have liver disease. You may need  a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. 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. 

There are many other medicines 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. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you. 

What  should I discuss with my health care provider before taking aprepitant? 

Do not take  this medication if you are allergic to aprepitant, or if you are taking any of the following drugs: 

• cisapride (Propulsid); or 
• pimozide (Orap). 

The drugs listed above may cause life-threatening interactions when taken together with aprepitant. 

Before taking aprepitant, tell your doctor if you have liver disease. You may need  a dose adjustment or special tests  to safely use this medication. 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. 

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 miss a dose?

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

What happens if I overdose? 

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

Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness and headache. 

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 side effects 

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).