Aprepitant (ap-RE-pi-tant)

Prevents nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy (cancer medicine) or surgery.

Brand Name(s):

Aponvie, Cinvanti

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• For chemotherapy: This medicine may be injected for at least 2 minutes. It may also be given slowly, so the needle will have to stay in place for at least 30 minutes. It will be given on the first day of your chemotherapy session, along with other medicines, about 30 minutes before the start of treatment.
• For surgery: This medicine may be injected for at least 30 seconds before receiving anesthesia.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• You should not receive this medicine together with pimozide.
• Some medicines can affect how aprepitant works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Carbamazepine, clarithromycin, dexamethasone, diltiazem, itraconazole, ketoconazole, methylprednisolone, nefazodone, nelfinavir, phenytoin, rifampin, ritonavir, troleandomycin
  • Birth control pills, transdermal systems, implants, intrauterine system
  • Blood thinner (including warfarin)
  • Cancer medicines (including ifosfamide, vinblastine, vincristine)
  • Sedative medicine (including alprazolam, midazolam, triazolam)

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Birth control (including pills, rings, implants and other devices) may not work as well to prevent pregnancy when used with this medicine. Use another form of birth control that does not contain hormones (including condoms or spermicide) along with your pills. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine and for 1 month after the last dose.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease or blood clotting problems.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Constipation
• Headache
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed
• Tiredness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088