Aprepitant Medication Profile

Summary or Key Points

Aprepitant is a medication primarily used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. This drug works by blocking signals to the brain that trigger nausea and vomiting. It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions while using aprepitant and be open about any side effects you may experience. Remember, our telemedicine providers are always available for consultation on your treatment regimen.

Names of Medication

US Brand Name: Emend (Aprepitant)

The term ‘generic name’ refers to the official medical name of the active ingredient in the medication, in this case, ‘Aprepitant.’ The generic name is usually listed in parentheses next to the brand name, which is the name given by the pharmaceutical company.

Pharmacologic Category

Aprepitant belongs to a category of medications known as Neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor antagonists. Other medications in this category include fosaprepitant and rolapitant.

Dosing

Aprepitant is indicated for the prevention of Nausea and Vomiting caused by Chemotherapy. The typical dose is 125 mg orally one hour prior to chemotherapy treatment on Day 1, followed by 80 mg orally once daily in the morning on Days 2 and 3. Please consult your healthcare provider for your specific dosing regimen. Remember, our telemedicine services are available if you have any questions or concerns about your medication.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

• Aprepitant capsules: 40 mg, 80 mg, 125 mg
• Aprepitant oral suspension: 125 mg/5 mL

Administration Instructions

Aprepitant should be taken orally with or without food. It is important to take this medication at the same time each day as directed by your healthcare provider. Remember to consult with our telemedicine providers if you have any concerns or questions about how to take this medication.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

Aprepitant may cause side effects such as:

• Fatigue: A feeling of tiredness or lack of energy (common)
• Diarrhea: Loose or watery stools (common)
• Hiccups: Involuntary spasms of the diaphragm that can occur repetitively (common)
• Lack of Appetite: A decreased desire to eat (less common)

While most of these side effects are manageable, please inform your healthcare provider if you experience any discomfort. You can always reach out to one of our telemedicine providers for immediate assistance.

Contraindications

A contraindication is a condition or factor that serves as a reason to withhold a certain medical treatment due to the harm that it would cause to the patient. Aprepitant is contraindicated in the following situations:

• Allergy: If you’re allergic to Aprepitant or any of its ingredients, you shouldn’t take this medication as it could cause a serious allergic reaction.
• Pimozide Use: Aprepitant can interact with pimozide, a medication used to treat certain mental/mood disorders, leading to potentially serious side effects.

Always inform your healthcare provider about your medical history. Our telemedicine providers are available for immediate consultation if you’re unsure.

Drug to Drug Interactions

Some known medications that interact with Aprepitant (Emend) include:

• Rifampin (Rifadin)
• St. John’s Wort
• Warfarin (Coumadin)

Aprepitant in Pregnancy

The safety of Aprepitant during pregnancy has not been definitively established. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consult with your healthcare provider about the potential risks and benefits. Our telemedicine providers are available to answer any questions and provide guidance.

Aprepitant while Breastfeeding

It’s not known whether Aprepitant passes into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, discuss the potential risks with your healthcare provider before taking this medication. Our telemedicine team is readily available for consultation.

Estimated Cost of Medication

Without insurance, a 30-day supply of Aprepitant (Emend) can cost around $200 to $300 using a GoodRX coupon. Prices may vary depending on the pharmacy and location.

Possible Alternatives

For Nausea and Vomiting caused by chemotherapy, alternatives to Aprepitant may include other antiemetic medications such as ondansetron (Zofran) or granisetron (Kytril). Lifestyle changes, like eating smaller, more frequent meals or avoiding certain smells and foods, may also help manage these symptoms. Always discuss potential alternatives with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan. Our telemedicine providers are ready to help discuss these alternatives with you.

Recent Updates on Aprepitant Research

Recent research into Aprepitant has shown its potential use beyond chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Some studies suggest it might be beneficial in treating postoperative nausea and vomiting, as well as in controlling nausea and vomiting in palliative care. As with all new research, these potential uses need further study. Our telemedicine providers can offer the latest insights based on your specific needs.

Brief Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.