Examples
Emend is available as capsules you can swallow. The capsules come in multiple strengths. It may also be given intravenously.
How It Works
Aprepitant prevents and controls nausea
and vomiting by blocking the effects of a chemical in the brain. That chemical
is called P/neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor antagonist.
Why It Is Used
Aprepitant is used to prevent and
control nausea and vomiting caused by
chemotherapy. It is always used in combination with
serotonin antagonists (such as ondansetron) and dexamethasone.
Aprepitant is most often used when the other drugs used to treat nausea and
vomiting have not worked well enough.
How Well It Works
Aprepitant, when combined with
ondansetron and dexamethasone as part of a 3-day regimen, prevents both acute
and delayed nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.
Side Effects
Side effects can occur with aprepitant and
may include:
- Dehydration.
- Dizziness.
- Diarrhea.
- Hiccups.
- Weakness
and fatigue.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug
Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Aprepitant should be used only
under the supervision of a
medical oncologist or
hematologist. It is approved for use only in
combination with ondansetron and dexamethasone for the treatment of nausea and
vomiting caused by chemotherapy. It also may do a better job than other drugs
at controlling nausea and vomiting that occurs more than 1 day after
treatment.
Aprepitant interacts with many other drugs. Be sure
that your doctor knows all the prescription and
over-the-counter drugs you are taking.
Blood-thinning drugs, such as warfarin, may not work as well when you
take aprepitant. If you are taking a blood thinner, you will need frequent
blood tests to make sure that your dose is high enough.
Aprepitant
decreases the effectiveness of birth control pills. If you are taking birth
control pills, your doctor will help you choose another method of birth
control.
Aprepitant has been approved for use by adults older than
18. The safety of this drug for use in children has not been tested.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
Credits
|
By
|
Healthwise Staff |
|
Primary Medical Reviewer
|
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
|
Specialist Medical Reviewer
|
Brian Leber, MDCM, FRCPC - Hematology |
|
Last Revised
|
December 17, 2010 |
