What is aprepitant?
Aprepitant blocks the actions of chemicals in the body that trigger nausea and vomiting.
Aprepitant is used together with other medications to prevent nausea and vomiting that may be caused by surgery or cancer chemotherapy.
Aprepitant is given ahead of time and will not treat nausea or vomiting that you already have.
Aprepitant may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about aprepitant?
Do not take aprepitant if you are taking any of the following drugs: cisapride (Propulsid) or pimozide (Orap). These drugs may cause life-threatening interactions when taken together with aprepitant.
If you have liver disease, you may need an aprepitant dose adjustment or special tests.
Aprepitant can make birth control pills less effective, resulting in pregnancy. This effect can last for up to 28 days after your last dose of this medication. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking aprepitant and for at least 1 month after your treatment ends.
There are many other drugs that can interact with aprepitant. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking aprepitant?
You should not use aprepitant if you are allergic to it.
These other drugs can cause serious or life-threatening medical problems if you take them together with aprepitant:
If you have liver disease, you may need an aprepitant dose adjustment or special tests.
FDA pregnancy category B. Aprepitant is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether aprepitant passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.