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Aprepitant Injection

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.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): APONVIE, CINVANTI

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?

This medication is for injection or infusion into a vein. It is given in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

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?

This does not apply.

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

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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):

  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet
  • 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?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

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.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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