Emend for Injection

Aprepitant blocks the actions of chemicals in the body that trigger nausea and vomiting.

Aprepitant is used in adults and children to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy. Aprepitant is also used (only in adults) to prevent nausea and vomiting that may be caused by surgery.

Aprepitant is given ahead of time and will not treat nausea or vomiting that you already have.

Aprepitant capsules are for use in adults and children who are at least 12 years old. Aprepitant oral suspension (liquid) can be given to adults and children as young as 6 months old.

Aprepitant may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not take aprepitant if you also take pimozide. A serious drug interaction can occur when pimozide is used together with aprepitant.

You should not use aprepitant if you are allergic to it, or if you take another medicine called pimozide (Orap). Aprepitant can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with pimozide.

To make sure aprepitant is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• liver disease.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Aprepitant can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormonal birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are taking aprepitant, and for 1 month after your last dose. Non-hormonal birth control includes barrier forms such as a condom or diaphragm with spermicide.

It is not known whether aprepitant passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, skin sores, skin peeling; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• low blood cell counts--fever, chills, flu-like symptoms, swollen gums, mouth sores, skin sores, rapid heart rate, pale skin, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, feeling light-headed;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; or
• dehydration symptoms--feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin.

Common side effects may include:

• stomach pain, indigestion, loss of appetite;
• diarrhea, constipation;
• hiccups;
• abnormal liver function tests;
• headache, dizziness;
• cough; or
• feeling weak or tired.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Since this medication is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.