Aprepitant Suspension

What is this medication?

APREPITANT (ap RE pi tant) prevents nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy. It works by blocking substances in your body that may cause nausea and vomiting. It belongs to a class of medications called antiemetics.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Emend

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Liver disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to aprepitant, fosaprepitant, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Usually, you will take your first dose one hour before your chemotherapy begins, and then once daily in the morning for the next 2 days after your chemotherapy treatment. This medication may be taken with or without food. Do not take more often than directed.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 6 months for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of these:

• Cisapride
• Flibanserin
• Lomitapide
• Pimozide

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Diltiazem
• Female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills
• Medications for fungal infections like ketoconazole and itraconazole
• Medications for HIV
• Medications for seizures or to control epilepsy like carbamazepine or phenytoin
• Medications used for sleep or anxiety disorders like alprazolam, diazepam, or midazolam
• Nefazodone
• Paroxetine
• Ranolazine
• Rifampin
• Some chemotherapy medications like etoposide, ifosfamide, vinblastine, vincristine
• Some antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, troleandomycin
• Steroid medications like dexamethasone or methylprednisolone
• Tolbutamide
• Warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Do not take this medication if you already have nausea and vomiting. Ask your care team what to do if you already have nausea.

Birth control pills and other methods of hormonal contraception (for example, IUD or patch) may not work properly while you are taking this medication. Use an extra method of birth control during treatment and for 1 month after your last dose of aprepitant.

This medication should not be used continuously for a long time.

Visit your care team for regular check-ups. This medication may change your liver function blood test results.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Hiccups
• Unusual weakness or fatigue
• Upset stomach

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

After this medication is mixed by your pharmacist, store it in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medication after 72 hours. When ready to use, medication can be kept at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F) for up to 3 hours.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.