APREPITANT
Background and Date of Approval
The U.S. FDA approved aprepitant on 26 March 2003 for the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy.
Uses
Aprepitant is used to prevent nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy in adults and children of twelve years and older.
How is it administered?
Swallow the Aprepitant capsule as a whole with water. Do not crush or chew the capsules. These capsules can be taken with or without food. Do not take more than recommended. If this medicine is prescribed, your physician will choose the dosage based on your medical condition because it differs for each person. Only stop taking Aprepitant if your doctor advises you to stop.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of Aprepitant are tiredness, increased liver enzyme, indigestion, constipation, loss of appetite, hiccups, and headaches. Serious side effects while taking Aprepitant is allergic reactions such as rash, itching, difficulty breathing, or swallowing.
Warnings
Before taking this capsule, inform your doctor if you have liver disorders because the liver is crucial in breaking down medicine. The doctor may therefore have to monitor the condition of the liver. Certain medications, such as Pimpzide, Terfenadine, and Cisapride may interact with Aprepitant and reduce effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects. This medicine is not recommended to use with children under the age of 12.
Precautions
Before starting the treatment, your doctor may monitor your liver function. Inform your physician if you experience allergic reactions to Aprepitant. Before starting the treatment, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby because your physician shall prescribe Aprepitant only if it is essential. Consult your doctor for more information.
Word of Advice
Store at room temperature between 20°C and 25°C. Keep out of sight and reach of children. Store in the original package to protect from moisture. Do not take a double dose if you miss a scheduled dose. Contact your doctor immediately if you have taken a double dose or have any other concerns.
References
KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Antiemetic, Prokinetic and Digestant Drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 669-670. Goodman & Gilmanâs, The Pharmacological Basics of Therapeutics, Treatment of disorders of bowel motility and water flux, 12th edition, 2011, 1345. Ethypharm, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Oct 2022]; [Accessed on 19th April 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.14650.pdf Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised date April 2015], [Accessed on 19th April 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2015/021549s025lbl.pdf
Frequently Asked Questions
Can aprepitant be taken with other medications?
Aprepitant can be taken with other antiemetic drugs to provide more comprehensive prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
Can aprepitant be used to treat other conditions?
Aprepitant is primarily used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy or surgery, but it may also be used to treat other conditions, such as migraine headaches.
Why patients with liver conditions should not consume Aprepitant?
Because the Aprepitant is initially gets metabolized in the liver. Hence patients with liver disorders will feel difficult to metabolize this medicine which may lead in increase the risk of side effects.
What should I inform my doctor before starting with Aprepitant?
You need to inform if you have any underlying liver conditions if you are allergic to Aprepitant and if you are intolerant to sucrose or any other sugar.
Is aprepitant safe for use during pregnancy?
Aprepitant should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks to the fetus.