Starting Chemotherapy? Here Is How Aprepitant Liquid Stops Nausea Before It Starts

If you are getting ready to start chemotherapy treatments soon, you might feel worried about stomach upset. Many people worry about the nausea and vomiting that often come with these strong medicines. Dealing with those tough feelings can make an already hard time even harder.

Fortunately, special medicines exist to help keep your stomach calm and comfortable. One common medicine used for this exact problem is called aprepitant. It often comes as a liquid that is easy to swallow and helps block those sick feelings before they start.

Let us walk through everything you need to know about aprepitant liquid. We will cover how it works, how to take it safely, and what side effects you might notice along the way.

What Kind of Medicine Is Aprepitant?

Simply put, aprepitant is a prescription medicine given to prevent nausea and vomiting when you receive chemotherapy. Our bodies naturally release certain chemical substances that trigger the vomiting center in the brain. This medicine works by blocking those specific chemical signals.

Doctors classify aprepitant as an antiemetic, which is the medical term for a medicine that stops vomiting. Sometimes, doctors may also prescribe this medicine for other medical reasons. If you have questions about why you are taking it, always ask your doctor or pharmacist.

A well-known brand name for this medicine is Emend. No matter which brand or generic version you receive, the active goal remains the same: keeping your stomach steady.

Things to Tell Your Doctor Before Taking This Medicine.

Before you take aprepitant for the first time, you must share your complete medical history with your doctor. Giving your care team the full picture keeps you safe and helps them tailor your care.

Be sure to tell your doctor right away if you experience any of the following situations:

• You have any kind of liver disease or problems with how your liver functions.
• You have an allergy to aprepitant, fosaprepitant, or any other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
• You are currently pregnant, planning to become pregnant soon, or trying to start a family.
• You are breastfeeding a baby or planning to breastfeed during your treatment.

Once your doctor knows these important details, they can decide if aprepitant is the best choice for you. They can also adjust your dosing plan to match your unique health needs safely.

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How to Use This Medicine Correctly.

Aprepitant is a liquid medicine that you swallow by mouth. Always follow the directions printed on your prescription label exactly as your care team instructs.

A typical dosing schedule looks like this:

• You take your first dose about one hour before your chemotherapy session starts.
• After your chemotherapy session ends, you take one dose each morning for the next two days.

You can take this liquid medicine with food or on an empty stomach. Never take more of it than your doctor prescribes, and do not take it more often than directed.

What if You Are Giving This Medicine to a Young Child?

Doctors sometimes prescribe aprepitant liquid for young children, even babies as young as six months old, under specific medical supervision. However, treating children requires extreme care with exact measurements based on body weight.

If you are giving this medicine to your child, follow your pediatrician's instructions very carefully. Never guess a dose, and always use the special oral dosing syringe provided by your pharmacist.

What Should You Do If You Take Too Much?

If you think you or someone else took too much aprepitant, act quickly. Contact your local poison control center or head straight to the nearest emergency room.

Taking too much medicine can lead to dangerous side effects and medical complications. Quick action can prevent serious harm.

Important Note: This medicine is prescribed for you alone. Never share your prescription medicine with other people, even if they have the exact same symptoms you do.

What Should You Do If You Miss a Dose?

If you accidentally miss a scheduled dose of aprepitant, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose entirely.

Just return to your normal dosing schedule at the next regular time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one, as taking extra medicine can cause unwanted problems.

Other Medicines That Can Interact With Aprepitant.

Drug interactions are a very important safety concern with aprepitant. This medicine can interact with many other drugs, which can either weaken its effects or increase your risk of severe side effects.

You must never take aprepitant with these specific medicines:

• Cisapride .
• Flibanserin .
• Lomitapide .
• Pimozide .

In addition, aprepitant can interact with many other common medical drugs, including:

• Diltiazem .
• Hormone medicines, such as estrogens or progestins found in birth control pills .
• Fungal infection treatments like ketoconazole or itraconazole .
• Medicines used to treat HIV infections .
• Seizure and epilepsy medicines like carbamazepine or phenytoin .
• Anxiety or sleep medicines such as alprazolam, diazepam, or midazolam .
• Nefazodone .
• Paroxetine .
• Ranolazine .
• Rifampin .
• Certain chemotherapy drugs like etoposide, ifosfamide, vinblastine, and vincristine .
• Antibiotics such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, or troleandomycin .
• Steroid medicines like dexamethasone or methylprednisolone .
• Tolbutamide .
• Warfarin .

This list does not cover every possible drug interaction. To keep yourself safe, give your doctor a complete list of every single product you take. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins, and dietary supplements.

Be sure to tell your doctor if you smoke tobacco, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs, as these substances can also interact with your medical treatments.

Special Things to Watch Out For While Taking This Medicine.

To get the best results from your treatment, keep a few practical safety tips in mind:

• Do not use this medicine if you already feel nauseous or sick. Talk to your doctor about what to do if nausea has already started. Aprepitant works best when taken *before* nausea begins.
• Hormonal birth control pills and other hormonal methods, such as certain IUDs or patches, may not work properly while you take this medicine. Use an extra, non-hormonal backup method of birth control while taking aprepitant and for one month after your last dose.
• Do not use this medicine for long periods or on a continuous daily basis. It is meant for short-term prevention around chemotherapy cycles.
• Keep in touch with your doctor for regular check-ups and follow-up lab tests. This medicine can sometimes alter liver function blood test results.

Possible Side Effects of Aprepitant Liquid.

Like all medicines, aprepitant can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. Knowing what to look for helps you stay calm and seek help quickly if needed.

Side Effects That Need Immediate Medical Attention.

Some side effects are serious and require you to contact your doctor or get emergency medical help right away:

• Allergic reactions: Watch for skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, or sudden trouble breathing. Get emergency help right away if these occur.

Common Side Effects to Report If They Continue.

Other side effects are usually mild, but you should still mention them to your doctor if they do not go away or become very bothersome:

• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded .
• Loose stools or mild diarrhea .
• Headaches .
• Frequent hiccups .
• Unusual tiredness or physical weakness .
• Mild upset stomach or indigestion .

This list does not include every possible side effect. If you notice other strange symptoms, speak with your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.

How to Store Aprepitant Liquid Properly.

Storing your medicine correctly ensures it stays safe and effective throughout your treatment.

• Keep this medicine safely out of the reach of children and pets.
• Once your pharmacist mixes the liquid medicine for you, store it in the refrigerator at a temperature between 2°C and 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Never allow the liquid to freeze.
• Throw away any unused mixed liquid after 72 hours (3 days). Do not keep or use medicine past this limit.
• When taking a dose, you can let the medicine warm up to room temperature (between 20°C and 25°C, or 68°F to 77°F) for up to 3 hours before taking it.

Comparison of Key Safety Rules for Aprepitant.