What is Emend?
Emend blocks the action of body chemicals that cause nausea and vomiting.Emend can be used in conjunction with other drugs to help prevent vomiting and nausea that can be caused by chemotherapy.Emend can be given in advance and will do nothing to relieve the nausea or vomiting you already experience.Emend capsules are intended for use by children and adults who are twelve years of age. Oral suspension of Emend (liquid) is available to children and adults as young as 6 months old.
Side effects of Emend
See a doctor immediately when you notice symptoms or warnings of an allergy reaction. Emend: (hives, itching or burning sensations, difficulty breathing, dizziness, difficulty swallowing, rapid heartbeat, swelling, wheezing in your throat or face) or a severe reaction to your skin (fever or sore throat, burnt eyes, irritation; the skin may be red or purple and blister and peel).
See your doctor right away. If you are suffering from:
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you're about to pass out.
- Discomfort or burning sensation during urination;
- White patches or sores in your throat or mouth; sore throat; white patches;
- Low blood cells (fever, chills, tiredness, skin sores and mouth sores, easy bleeding, unusual bleeding, pale skin and feet, cold hands, and being lightheaded or short of breath)
- Symptoms of dehydration Feeling very hot or thirsty, or feeling in a state of not being able to urinate. Sweating, and hot or dried skin.
Common Emend's side effects could include:
- Stomach discomfort, indigestion, burping nausea, and stomach pain;
- Low blood cell count;
- Diarrhea, constipation;
- Hiccups;
- Abnormal tests of liver function;
- Headache, dizziness;
- Dehydration;
- The pain in your arms and legs;
- Redness, pain, hardening, swelling, pain, or itching, depending on the area where the medicine was injected
- Cough
- Feeling tired or weak.
This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects, and other side effects could occur. Contact your doctor for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
You shouldn't take Emend when you are also using pimozide. A dangerous drug interaction could occur when using pimozide with the drug aprepitant.If you suffer from a liver problem, you might require a dose adjustment or other tests.Emend could make birth medication less effective, leading to the birth of a baby. The effects can last as long as 28 days after the last dose of the medication. Consult your physician about the non-hormone methods of contraception (such as condoms, diaphragm, or spermicide) to stop pregnancy when using aprepitant for at least one month after the treatment has ended.There are other medications that can interfere with EmendInform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking. This includes prescriptions, over-the-counter vitamins, and herbal products. Do not begin any new medication without consulting your physician. Keep a record of all the medications you take and present it to any health professional who cares for you.
Before you take this drug
It is not recommended to use Emend when you have an allergy to aprepitant or you take another medication such as pimozide. Aprepitant could cause unwanted or harmful side effects if taken in conjunction with pimozide.To ensure this medication is suitable for you, inform your physician if you've previously had:
- Liver disease.
Inform your doctor if you are nursing or pregnant. There is no need to treat with an Emend injection when you are pregnant.Emend may reduce hormonal birth control efficiency with methods such as birth control pills, injections, implants, skin patches, and vaginal rings. To ensure that you do not become pregnant while using Emend, it is recommended to use a barrier type of birth control, such as a diaphragm, condom, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge.Use the method of birth control for a month following your previous dose, Emend.
How to take Emend?
Use Emend exactly as directed by your physician. Follow the directions on the prescription label and review all medication guides and instructions sheets.Emend oral is administered through the mouth. The injection is administered as an infusion into the vein. Your healthcare professional will offer the injection.Emend is not recommended for long-term usage. It is likely that you will require just one to three doses.The first doses are typically administered between 30 and 60 minutes prior to treatment with chemotherapy. Follow the dosing guidelines of your doctor with care.Emend oral is a great option to take in combination with, or even without,Take and swallow the capsule in its entirety, but do not crush, chew, break, or even open it.Does an oral suspension (liquid) by using the dosing syringe supplied.If you're also taking warfarin (coumadin, Jantoven), you may require additional "INR" or prothrombin time tests following your use of Aprepitant.Keep Emend capsules at room temperature, away from heat and humidity.Keep the already-filled liquid dosing syringe in a refrigerator, but do not freeze it. Once you have taken the liquid from the refrigerator, you are required to make use of it within three hours.Dispose of any liquid medicine that you do not use after 3 days (72 hours) following the date you received it. Do not put this off until later. Now is the time!
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Nausea/Vomiting—Chemotherapy Induced:
MODERATELY TO HIGHLY EMETOGENIC CANCER CHEMOTHERAPY (HEC/MEC):
Oral Capsules:
Day 1: Take 125 mg taken orally at least 1 hour prior to chemotherapy.
Days 2, 3, and 4:80 mg taken orally every day, one hour prior to chemotherapy or early in the day (if chemotherapy has not been prescribed on days 2 and 3).
Duration of therapy: 3 days/cycle
Oral Suspension:
Day 1: 3 mg/kg once orally, 1 hour prior to chemotherapy
Maximum dose: 125 mg/dose
Days 2 and 3. 2 mg/kg taken orally daily, one hour prior to chemotherapy or at the beginning of each day (if chemotherapy has not been administered on days 2 or 3).
Maximum dose: 80 mg/dose
The duration of therapy is 3 days per cycle.
Comments:
The dose recommended for dexamethasone is 12 mg taken orally on Day 1 and thirty minutes before chemotherapy. 8 mg taken orally at the beginning of each day on days 2 through 4 (HEC) or days 2 to 3 (MEC).
The 5-HT3 antagonist is taken on day 1 only. Check the insert in the package for dosing instructions for the 5-HT3 antagonist prior to starting treatment.
This drug can be taken in conjunction with or without food.
Uses:
In combination with other antiemetic medications to help prevent severe and prolonged nausea or vomiting that are associated with the first and repeated sessions of HEC, including high-dose Cisplatin
In conjunction with other antiemetic drugs to prevent nausea and vomiting, in connection with repeat and initial courses of MEC
Usual Pediatric Dose for Nausea/Vomiting—Chemotherapy Induced:
MEC/HEC:
From 6 to 12 years old
A LOT MORE THAN 6 KG:
Oral Suspension:
Day 1: 3 mg/kg, orally, once an hour prior to chemotherapy
Maximum dose: 125 mg/day
Days 2 through 3. 2 mg/kg taken orally daily, one hour prior to chemotherapy or at the beginning of each day (if chemotherapy has not been prescribed on days 2, 3, and 4).
Maximum dose: 80 mg/day
The duration of therapy is 3 days per cycle.
Age 12 and over:
Oral Capsules:
Day 1: 125 mg taken orally one hour prior to chemotherapy
Days 2, 3, and 4:80 mg taken orally daily, 1 hour prior to chemotherapy or early in the day (if chemotherapy was not administered on Days 2 or 3).
Duration of therapy: 3 days/cycle
Oral Suspension:
Day 1: 3 mg/kg, orally once an hour prior to chemotherapy
Maximum dose: 125 mg/dose
Days 2 through 3. 2 mg/kg taken orally daily, one hour prior to chemotherapy, or early in the day (if chemotherapy was not administered on days 2, 3, and 4).
Maximum dose: 80 mg/dose
The duration of therapy is 3 days per cycle.
Comments:
If the corticosteroid (e.g., dexamethasone) is administered in conjunction with other medications, patients must receive 50 percent of the recommended pediatric dose on days 1 through 4. Check the insert of the package to determine the dose of corticosteroid prior to starting treatment.
The 5-HT3 antagonist will be given on day 1 only. Check the insert in the package to determine the dose of the 5-HT3 antagonist prior to the beginning of treatment.
This medication can be taken either with or without food.
Uses:
In combination with other antiemetic medications to help prevent nausea, both delayed and acute, and vomiting that is associated with repeated and initial sessions of HEC, including high-dose Cisplatin
In combination with other antiemetic drugs to help prevent nausea and vomiting that are associated with repeated and initial courses of MEC
What happens if I miss the dose?
Contact your doctor for advice in case you fail to take your medication at the prescribed time prior to the chemotherapy.
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Follow the instructions of your physician regarding any limitations on foods, drinks, or any activity.
Interaction with other drug
There are times when it's not recommended to take certain medications in combination. Certain drugs may affect the blood levels of other medications you take, which could cause more side effects or make the drugs less effective.A variety of drugs may interfere with aprepitant, and certain drugs shouldn't be used simultaneously. Discuss with your doctor all the medicines you are currently taking and all medicines you begin or stop taking. This includes over-the-counter and prescription medicine, vitamins, and herbs. The interactions between these products are not mentioned here.
