You may also be about to start chemotherapy as a cancer treatment. One of the problems that many people have at that time is the nausea and vomiting that come with this treatment. Imagine how difficult it is when such discomforts come with treatment. So, here is a special medicine called `Aprepitant` that is given to control nausea and vomiting. This also comes in the form of a liquid. Let's talk about this medicine in detail today.
What kind of medicine is this `Aprepitant`?
Simply put, `Aprepitant` is a medicine that is given to you to prevent nausea and vomiting that occurs when you are undergoing `(Chemotherapy)` treatment. There are certain substances in our body that can cause nausea and vomiting. This medicine blocks those substances. It belongs to a class of medicines called `(Antiemetics)`. That is, it is a type of medicine that stops vomiting.
Sometimes this medicine can be used for other things, so if you have any questions, it's best to ask your doctor or pharmacist.
A popular brand name for this medication is `Emend`.
What are the things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine?
Before you start using this medicine, you need to be clear about these things with your doctor. These are very important:
- If you have any liver disease .
- If you are allergic to Aprepitant, Fosaprepitant, other medicines, foods, artificial colours, or preservatives .
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
Once the doctor is aware of these facts, it will be easier for him to decide whether this medicine is suitable for you or not, and how to give it.
How do you use this medicine correctly?
This medicine is an oral liquid. You should use it exactly as directed on the prescription label given to you by your doctor.
This is what usually happens:
- You will take your first dose of medicine one hour before your chemotherapy treatment starts.
- Then, after the chemotherapy treatment is over, you should take this medicine once a day in the morning for the next two days .
This medicine can be taken with or without food. However, do not take more than the amount your doctor tells you to take, and do not take it more often than prescribed.
Should this medicine be given to small children?
This medicine can sometimes be given to children as young as 6 months old, under special circumstances. However, there are some things to be careful about. Therefore, if you are giving this medicine to your child, you should talk to your doctor about it carefully and follow his instructions.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, call a poison control center or emergency room immediately . This is very important, because taking too much medicine can be dangerous.
Important note: This medicine is for you only. Do not share your medicine with others. Even if you have the same illness, the same medicine does not work for everyone.
What do you do if you miss a medication appointment?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose . Doing so may result in taking too much medicine.
What other medications may interact with this medicine?
This is a very important point. The drug `Aprepitant` can interact with some other medications. If this happens, it may either decrease the effectiveness of this drug or increase the side effects.
Do not take Aprepitant with the following medications:
- `Cisapride`
- `Flibanserin`
- Lomitapide
- `Pimozide`
Also, Aprepitant may interact with the following medications:
- `Diltiazem`
- Female hormones, such as medications and birth control pills that contain estrogens or progestins
- Medicines for fungal infections (such as `Ketoconazole`, `Itraconazole`)
- Medicines for HIV infection
- Medicines to control seizures (such as `Carbamazepine`, `Phenytoin`)
- Medicines for sleep or anxiety (such as `Alprazolam`, `Diazepam`, `Midazolam`)
- `Nefazodone`
- `Paroxetine`
- `Ranolazine`
- `Rifampin`
- Some chemotherapy drugs (such as Etoposide, Ifosfamide, Vinblastine, Vincristine)
- Some antibiotics (such as Clarithromycin, Erythromycin, Troleandomycin)
- Steroid-type medications (such as Dexamethasone, Methylprednisolone)
- `Tolbutamide`
- `Warfarin`
This list does not include all possible interactions. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you take (prescribed by your doctor or bought at the pharmacy), herbs, vitamins, and dietary supplements you use. Also, be sure to tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs. Some of these things can interact with your medication.
What special things should I be aware of when taking this medicine?
- Do not take this medicine if you already have nausea and vomiting . Ask your doctor what to do if you already have nausea. This medicine is to prevent nausea and vomiting *in advance*.
- Birth control pills and other hormonal birth control methods (such as an intrauterine device (IUD) or a skin patch) may not work as well while taking this medicine. Therefore, you should use an additional form of birth control while taking Aprepitant and for one month after stopping the medicine. Talk to your doctor about this.
- This medicine is not suitable for long-term use .
- See your doctor for regular check-ups . This medicine may cause changes in blood test results that show how well your liver is working.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like all medicines, this one can cause some side effects, but not everyone gets them.
Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately:
These can usually be serious and should be reported to a doctor immediately:
- Allergic reactions : Skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If this happens, it can also cause difficulty breathing, so seek immediate medical attention.
Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to your doctor if they persist or are bothersome:
These are usually not serious, but if they bother you or persist, tell your doctor:
- Feeling dizzy
- Stomach upset (diarrhea)
- Headache (headache)
- Hiccups
- Feeling unusually tired and weak
- Feeling like an upset stomach, indigestion
This list may not include all side effects. If you notice anything unusual that is not on this list, talk to your doctor about it. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How do you store this medicine?
It is very important to store your medicine properly.
- Keep it out of the reach of children.
- After this medicine is mixed into a liquid form at the pharmacy, it should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius (36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit) . Never freeze it.
- Any unused portion of the mixed liquid should be discarded within 72 hours (3 days) .
- Once ready to use, the medicine can be kept at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius, or between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit) for up to 3 hours .
This leaflet is a summary only. It may not contain all the information. If you have any further questions about this medicine, please talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare provider.
Take-Home Message
Okay, so here are the most important things to remember from what we've talked about with the liquid `Aprepitant`:
- This is a medicine given to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.
- Take it exactly as the doctor tells you, at the time he tells you, and in the amount he tells you .
- Tell your doctor about any other medications you take or any illnesses you have .
- If you experience any allergic symptoms, tell your doctor immediately.
- Be especially careful about birth control methods.
- Store the medicine correctly .
- If you have any questions or doubts, don't be afraid to ask your doctor .
Wishing you a speedy recovery!
` Aprepitant, chemotherapy, nausea, vomiting, antiemetic, side effects, drug interactions, nausea, vomiting, cancer treatment
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