Cancer Resources
Featured Centers
- Eating Out? Cut Calories, Heartburn
- 5 Good Ways to Save Money on Medicine
- 8 Ways to Treat Your Allergies
Nausea and vomiting are symptoms of an underlying illness and not a specific disease. Nausea is the sensation that the stomach wants to empty itself, while vomiting (emesis) or throwing up, is the act of forcible emptying of the stomach. The term "dry heaves" refers to an episode of vomiting where there is no food in the stomach to vomit, and only clear secretions are vomited.
Vomiting is a violent act in which the stomach almost...
|
|
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
APREPITANT - ORAL
(a-PRE-pi-tant)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Emend
USES: Aprepitant is used with other medications to help prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer drug treatment (chemotherapy). This medication is also used to prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery. Aprepitant works by blocking one of the body's natural substances (substance P/neurokinin 1) that causes vomiting.
This medication will not treat nausea or vomiting if you already have it. Contact your doctor for further instructions if you are experiencing nausea or vomiting.
HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist before you start taking this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth, with or without food. To prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy, you will usually take the first dose 1 hour before treatment. On the following 2 days, you will usually take the dose once daily in the morning or as directed by your doctor. If you are taking this medication to prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery, you will usually take one dose of 40 milligrams before surgery.
Dosage is based on your medical condition (depending on whether you are taking this medication before cancer chemotherapy or surgery) and response to treatment. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions for when to take each dose, how long to keep taking it, and the strength (number of milligrams) of each dose. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Tell your doctor if you develop nausea or vomiting.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Get the latest treatment options.