What is Aprepitant?
Aprepitant is a combination of other medications to stop vomiting, which can be caused by chemotherapy.Aprepitant is a medication that can be administered prior to the time of use and does not treat vomiting or nausea, which you already suffer from.Aprepitant capsules can be used for children and adults who are twelve years of age. The oral suspension (liquid) is available to children and adults as young as 6 months old.Aprepitant can also be employed for other purposes that are not covered in this guideline.
Side effects of Aprepitant
See a doctor immediately when you are experiencing symptoms or warning signs of an allergic reaction (hives or itching, trouble breathing, dizziness, difficulty swallowing, rapid heartbeat wheezing, swelling of your throat or face) or an intense skin reaction (fever or sore throat, eye burning, irritation, and red or purple skin itching, blisters, and peeling).
Aprepitant may cause serious side effects. Contact your physician immediately. If you suffer from:
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you're passing out;
- Discomfort or burning sensation after you urinate;
- White patches or sores in your throat or mouth; sore throat; white patches;
- Low blood cell counts, fever chills, tiredness, and mouth sores. Skin sores, easily bruising, abnormal bleeding, pale skin, cold feet and hands, and feeling lightheaded or short of breath
- Dehydration symptoms: feeling very hot and thirsty in a state of not being able to urinate or sweat, heavy sweating, or dry and hot skin.
Common negative effects of aprepitant can include:
- Indigestion, stomachache, vomiting, and loss of appetite
- Low blood cell count;
- Diarrhoea, constipation;
- Hiccups;
- Tests for abnormally high liver functions;
- Headache, dizziness;
- Dehydration;
- Discomfort in your arms or legs;
- Redness, pain, hardening, swelling, or itching at the site of injection;
- Cough
- Feeling tired or weak.
This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Others could happen. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on the effects. You may report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Ondansetron, Lorazepam, Dexamethasone, Zofran, Ativan, Metoclopramide, and Reglan
Warnings
It is not recommended to use aprepitant when you are also using pimozide. A dangerous drug interaction could occur when pimozide is combined with alopepitant.
Before you take this drug
Aprepitant should not be used in the event that you are allergic to it or if you take other medications known as pimozide. Aprepitant may cause undesirable or harmful side effects when taken in conjunction with pimozide.
Inform your doctor if you were ever diagnosed with:
- Liver disease.
Consult a physician if you are breastfeeding or pregnant. It is not recommended to treat with a prepitant injection when you are pregnant.Aprepitant can make hormone-based contraceptives more ineffective, which includes birth control pills, implants, injection patches, and vaginal rings. To avoid pregnancy when using Aprepitant, make use of an alternative form of birth control, such as a condom, diaphragm, or cervical cap, and a contraceptive sponge.Use the barrier form to control your birth for a month following the last dose of Aprepitant.
How to take Aprepitant?
Follow all instructions on the prescription label and review all medication guides and instructions sheets. Make sure you use the medication precisely as directed.Aprepitant oral is a drink that is taken through the mouth.Aprepitant injections are administered as an injection into the vein. The healthcare professional will give the injection.Aprepitant should not be used for long-term usage. It is likely that you will require just one to three doses.The initial dose of aprepitant is typically administered 30 to 60 minutes prior to treatment with chemotherapy. Follow the dosing guidelines of your doctor extremely carefully.Aprepitant oral is a drink that can be taken without or with food.Suck and swallow the capsule in its entirety, but do not crush, chew, break, or even open it.Make an oral suspension (liquid) by using the dosing syringe supplied.If you are also taking warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), you may require additional "INR" or prothrombin time tests after having used the aprepitant.Keep the apricot capsules at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.Keep the already-filled liquid dosing syringe in a refrigerator, but do not freeze it. After you have taken the liquid from the refrigerator, you should use it within 3 hours.Get rid of any liquid medication that you do not use after 3 days (72 hours) following the date you received it. Don't save it for later use.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Contact your doctor for advice. If you do not take your medication within the prescribed time prior to your chemotherapy,
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the Poison Help Line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Follow the instructions of your physician regarding any restrictions on your food, drink, or any activity.
Interaction with other drug
It is sometimes not advisable to take certain medications simultaneously. Certain medications can alter your blood levels from other medications you take, which could create side effects or render the medication less effective.Many medications can impact the aprepitant hormone, and certain medicines should not be used in conjunction. Inform your doctor of your current medications as well as any medications you take or stop taking. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicine, vitamins, and herbal supplements. The interactions between these products are not mentioned here.
