One of the biggest challenges for someone undergoing cancer treatment, or chemotherapy as we call it, is nausea and vomiting. Because of this, many people experience feeling weak and unable to eat or drink properly. So, doctors use various medications to control this condition. Well, today we are talking about a special injection that is given to prevent nausea and vomiting. That is the Aprepitant injection.
Simply put, what is Aprepitant?
Aprepitant is a drug given before chemotherapy to prevent nausea and vomiting that may occur. It belongs to a class of drugs called antiemetics. Simply put, these drugs control the sensations that cause vomiting and nausea.
This drug works by blocking certain chemicals in our brain that send messages that cause nausea. Therefore, it can greatly reduce the discomfort that occurs after chemotherapy treatments.
The most important thing: This is not a medicine to stop nausea and vomiting when you already have it. It is a medicine to prevent it from happening, to treat it before it happens.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you are given this Aprepitant injection, your doctor will need to know your complete medical history. This is because some medical conditions require special care when using this medicine. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
| Situation to be concerned about | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Liver disease | Many drugs that enter our bodies are broken down and eliminated by the liver. If there is a liver disease, this drug can stay in the body for a longer time. Therefore, the doctor needs to be aware of this. |
| Allergies | If you have ever had an allergy to Aprepitant, Fosaprepitant (another form of this), or any other medicine, food, or dye, you should definitely tell us. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant | If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor. Your doctor will decide whether this medicine will be effective. |
| Breastfeeding | If you are a breastfeeding mother, talk to your doctor about whether this medicine passes to your baby through breast milk. |
How do you use this medicine?
Aprepitant is not a medicine you can take home. It is an injection that is given to you by medical staff in a hospital or clinic .
It is usually given through a cannula placed in a vein. This means it is given as an injection, like saline, or as a short-term infusion. It is given about half an hour before your cancer treatment begins.
If this medicine is given to children, special care is required. Your doctor will decide on this.
What to do if you overdose?
Since this is given in a hospital, the chance of missing a dose is very low. However, if you feel like you have taken too much, tell a doctor or nurse immediately. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. You can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at our National Hospital for advice.
Interactions with other medications
This is a very important part. Aprepitant is a drug that can interact with many other medications. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (medicines for other conditions, vitamins, traditional medicines, herbs).
| Do not take Aprepitant with this medicine! | |
|---|---|
| - Cisapride | - Pimozide |
| - Flibanserin | - Lomitapide |
| This medicine may also cause side effects (tell your doctor). | |
| - Birth control pills and hormonal methods | - Medicines that prevent blood clotting, such as Warfarin |
| - Medicines for seizures (e.g. Carbamazepine, Phenytoin) | - Antifungal medications (e.g. Ketoconazole) |
| - Some antibiotics (e.g. Clarithromycin) | - Medicines for HIV |
| - Steroid medications (e.g. Dexamethasone) | - Medications for anxiety or sleep (e.g. Diazepam) |
| - Medicines for heart disease such as Diltiazem, Ranolazine | - Rifampin (a medicine for tuberculosis) |
Special awareness about birth control methods!
This is very important. If you are using birth control pills or other hormonal birth control methods (e.g., patch, IUD), the effectiveness of that method may be reduced while you are taking Aprepitant and for one month after your last dose . Therefore, it is important to use an additional form of birth control (e.g., condoms) during this time. Be sure to talk to your doctor about this.
Side effects that may occur when taking this medicine
Like all medicines, Aprepitant can cause some side effects. Although not everybody gets them, some are minor and you should tell your doctor right away.
Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately:
- Severe allergic reactions: Skin rash, itching, redness, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If this happens, it is an emergency.
Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome:
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Stomach ache, upset stomach
- Feeling unusually tired or weak
- Tingling, pain, or numbness in the limbs
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned on this list, don't be afraid to tell your doctor about them as well.
Take-Home Message
- Aprepitant is a medicine used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer treatment, not to treat existing nausea.
- This vaccine is given by medical staff in a hospital or clinic.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (including birth control pills).
- Use an additional form of birth control during treatment and for one month afterward, as this medicine may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills.
- If severe allergic symptoms (skin redness, swelling) occur, seek medical advice immediately.
- Talk openly with your medical team about any side effects or concerns you may have. They are always ready to help you.
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