Aprepitant

The generic name for Emend^®, aprepitant is an antinausea drug used to help prevent acute and delayed nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy. Aprepitant is given along with other antinausea drugs and works by blocking the NK1 receptor in the brain. Blocking this receptor prevents the stimulation of the vomiting-center and chemotherapy-receptor trigger zone.

Aprepitant was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2003. It is administered as an oral medication. When used to prevent nausea and vomiting, it is always used in conjunction with other medicines.

Aprepitant is only used to prevent the onset of nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy. It does not get rid of these symptoms after they have started. Aprepitant is also used by itself to prevent nausea and vomiting after cancer surgery.

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), your dedicated care team will work with you to help mitigate chemotherapy and surgery side effects as much as possible. To learn more about our innovative, whole-patient approach to cancer treatment, chat now with an Oncology Information Specialist.

Because aprepitant may interact with other medications, including other prescribed medications, as well as over-the-counter medicines and herbal products, it is important that you discuss with your doctor any medications you may be taking.

Possible side effects of aprepitant can include:

• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite

Side effects of aprepitant other than those listed here may occur, including a rare but serious allergic reaction characterized by hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue; and closing of the throat. If you experience this reaction, stop taking aprepitant and seek immediate medical attention.

Because aprepitant is used either by itself to prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery or in conjunction with other medications to prevent nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy, it may be part of a treatment plan for many different types of cancer.

Chat now with an Oncology Information Specialist to learn more about how our unique approach to cancer treatment helps to reduce side effects and improve quality of life.