Emend (aprepitant) blocks the actions of chemicals in the body that trigger nausea and vomiting.
Emend is used together with other medications to prevent nausea and vomiting that may be caused by surgery or cancer chemotherapy. It is given ahead of time and will not treat nausea or vomiting that you already have.
Emend may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Do not take Emend 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 Emend.
If you have liver disease, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests.
Emend 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. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking Emend and for at least 1 month after your treatment ends.
There are many other drugs that can interact with Emend. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Emend if you are allergic to aprepitant.
These other drugs can cause serious or life-threatening medical problems if you take them together with Emend:
If you have liver disease, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests.
FDA pregnancy category B. Emend is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
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 Emend?
Take Emend exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Emend can be taken with or without food. If you take this medicine before surgery, follow your doctor"s instructions about any restrictions on food or beverages.
The first dose 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 Emend to further help prevent nausea and vomiting.
Emend 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 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 or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness and headache.
What should I avoid?
Follow your doctor"s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Emend side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Emend: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
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feeling like you might pass out;
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feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin; or
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fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, sores in your mouth and throat.
Less serious Emend side effects may include:
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nausea, vomiting, heartburn, stomach pain;
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diarrhea or constipation;
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loss of appetite;
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hiccups;
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hair loss;
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headache;
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dizziness;
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tired feeling;
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mild skin rash;
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ringing in your ears; or
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sleep problems (insomnia).
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Emend?
Emend 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. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking Emend and for at least 1 month after your treatment ends.
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:
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tolbutamide (Orinase);
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a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);
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midazolam (Versed) or similar medicines such as Valium, Xanax, or Tranxene;
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an antidepressant such as nefazodone (Serzone) or paroxetine (Paxil);
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an antibiotic such as clarithromycin (Biaxin) or rifampin (Rifater, Rifamate);
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an antifungal medication such as itraconazole (Sporanox) or ketoconazole (Extina, Ketozole, Nizoral, Xolegal);
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certain cancer medicines such as ifosfamide (Ifex), vinblastine (Velban), or vincristine (Oncovin, Vincasar);
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HIV medicines such as nelfinavir (Viracept), lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra), or ritonavir (Norvir);
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seizure medication such as carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol) or phenytoin (Dilantin); or
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steroid medicine such as dexamethasone (Decadron, Hexadrol) or methylprednisolone (Medapred, Solu-Medrol).
There are many other drugs that may interact with Emend. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.
