Emend

Generic name: Aprepitant

What is Emend?

Emend is indicated to prevent nausea and vomiting in adult patients undergoing chemotherapy or surgery.

What is the most important information I should know about Emend?

Emend is used only to help prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy or surgery. It does not help after nausea and vomiting has already started.

It is important to notify your doctor or pharmacist of all the medications you are taking due to high potential of drug interactions.

Who should not take Emend?

Do not take Emend if you have an allergy to Emend or its formulation. Do not take Emend if you are taking any of the following medications: pimozide, terfenadine, astemizole or cisapride.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Emend?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Emend. Also, talk to your doctor about you complete medical history, especially if you have any liver problems or are taking birth control medicine. In addition, talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Prevention of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting

Adults: Take 125 mg capsules orally 1 hour prior to chemotherapy treatment the first day. Take 80 mg capsules once daily in the morning on the second and third days.

Your doctor may substitute Emend (fosaprepitant dimeglumine) for Injection (115 mg) for Emend (aprepitant) capsules (125 mg) 30 minutes prior to your chemotherapy treatment on Day 1 only. You still need to take one 80-mg capsule (white) of Emend by mouth each morning for the 2 days following your chemotherapy treatment.

Prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting

Adults: Your doctor will give you one 40-mg capsule within 3 hours prior to surgery.

How should I take Emend?

Take exactly as directed and swallow capsules with a glass of water

Emend may be taken with or without food. Follow your doctor's instructions about eating before surgery. Do not start taking Emend if you already have nausea and vomiting. Ask your doctor what to do.

What should I avoid while taking Emend?

Avoid concomitant administration with pimozide, terfenadine, astemizole, or cisapride.

Women who use birth control medicines during treatment with Emend and for up to 1 month after using Emend should also use a back-up method of contraception to avoid pregnancy.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Emend?

If Emend is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Emend with the following: astemizole, carbamezepine, cisapride, dexamethasone, diltiazem, hormonal contraceptives (oral), ketoconazole, methylprednisolone, midazolam, paroxetine, phenytoin, pimozide, rifampin, terfenadine, tolbutamide, and warfarin.

What are the possible side effects of Emend?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: tiredness, nausea, hiccups, constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, headache, hair loss, itch, fever, low blood pressure

Can I receive Emend if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Emend during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding .

What should I do if I miss a dose of Emend?

If you miss your scheduled dose of Emend 1 hour before chemotherapy, notify your doctor. Your doctor may substitute an injection of Emend 30 minutes prior to starting chemotherapy. If you miss your dose on either day 2 or day 3 after chemotherapy, take it as soon as you remember to avoid nausea or vomiting. Do not double your dose. If you miss your dose before surgery, notify your doctor right away.

How should I store Emend?

Store at room temperature and away from children. Keep in its original bottle.