Emend (Aprepitant)

What is Emend?

Emend is an antiemetic agent.

What is Emend used for?

Emend is used, with other medicines, to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer drug treatment (chemotherapy) or after surgery. However, the medication will not treat vomiting or nausea if you already have it.

How does Emend work?

Emend works by blocking the action of a natural substance called neurokinin 1 or substance P, which causes vomiting.

How to use Emend

Take Emend the way it was prescribed by the doctor. Do not consume it for more than the recommended duration or quantity.

Emend is taken by mouth and can be taken with or without food. While taking it for the treatment of nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, take the first dose an hour before the treatment. For the next two days, take Emend once every day, in the morning.

While taking it for the prevention of nausea or vomiting after surgery, take one dose (40 mg) three hours before surgery.

Emend warnings and precautions

Do not take Emend if you are allergic to aprepitant. Inform your doctor, prior to taking the medication, if you have liver disease. You may need an adjustment in the dosage.

Strictly adhere to the diet schedule given to you by your doctor.

Although the medication is not likely to cause harm to a fetus, pregnant females should consult their doctors before taking Emend. Lactating mothers should seek prior permission from their doctors on whether to consume the medicine or not as it is not known if it could pass into breast milk or could harm a nursing infant.

What do I do if I have missed a Emend dose?

If you have missed an Emend dose before surgery or chemotherapy session, you should contact your doctor for instructions.

What do I do if I have taken a Emend overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Emend, contact your doctor right away.

Emend interactions

Emend, when taken along with pimozide (Orap) or cisapride (propulsid) can cause life threatening symptoms in the patient. Hence, these drugs must be avoided with Emend.

There are a few medicines that can interact when used in tandem with Emend. You must tell your doctor if you are using medicines like midazolam, Valium, Tranxene, Xanax, tolbutamide, blood thinners (for example warfarin), antidepressants (for example, paroxetine, nefazodone), antibiotics (for example, rifampin, clarithromycin), antifungal medications (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole), cancer medications, HIV medicines, seizure medications, or steroid medicines.

It is advisable that you tell your doctor about all prescription and non prescription dosages that you are on, including some herbal medicines, mineral or vitamin supplements that you may be taking. Also, do not start taking any new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Emend side effects

Emend side effects include increased thirst, heavy sweating, dry and hot skin, difficulty while urinating, fever, chills, sores in mouth and throat, body ache, feeling that you might lose consciousness, or some allergic reactions like hives, breathing trouble, swelling, etc. If you experience any of these symptoms after taking Emend, contact your doctor immediately.

Appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, heartburn, constipation or diarrhea, hiccups, headache, hair loss, dizziness, mild skin rash, tiredness, sleep related troubles (like lack of sleep/ insomnia) are some less serious side effects of Emend.