Aprepitant
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Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
WHO Essential Medicine
YES
Known Teratogen
NO
Pharmaceutical Class
Substance P/Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonist
Controlled Drug Substance
No
Aprepitant
Summary
Aprepitant is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, which is a treatment for cancer that uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells.
Aprepitant works by blocking signals in the brain that trigger nausea and vomiting. It does this by acting as a neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonist, which means it prevents certain brain signals from causing these symptoms.
Aprepitant is usually taken as a pill. The typical dose for adults is 125 mg on the first day, followed by 80 mg on the second and third days. It's taken once daily, often in the morning, with or without food.
Common side effects of Aprepitant include fatigue, which means feeling very tired, and hiccups, which are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm causing a "hic" sound.
Aprepitant should not be used if you are allergic to it. It can interact with other medications, like pimozide, which can cause serious heart problems. Always inform your doctor about all the medicines you take to avoid potential interactions.
Indications and Purpose
How does Aprepitant work?
Aprepitant works by blocking the action of a substance in the brain called neurokinin-1 (NK1), which is involved in causing nausea and vomiting. Think of it like a lock and key, where Aprepitant acts as a key that fits into the NK1 receptor lock, preventing it from triggering nausea signals. This action helps prevent nausea and vomiting, especially in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Aprepitant is often used with other anti-nausea medications to enhance its effectiveness.
Is Aprepitant effective?
Aprepitant is effective in preventing nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. It works by blocking signals in the brain that trigger these symptoms. Clinical studies show that Aprepitant significantly reduces the incidence of nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing chemotherapy. This medication is often used in combination with other anti-nausea drugs to enhance its effectiveness. If you have concerns about how well Aprepitant is working for you, discuss them with your doctor.
What is Aprepitant?
Aprepitant is a medication used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. It belongs to a class of drugs called neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonists, which work by blocking signals in the brain that trigger these symptoms. Aprepitant is often used in combination with other anti-nausea medications to enhance its effectiveness. It's important to follow your doctor's instructions when taking Aprepitant to ensure the best results in managing your symptoms.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take Aprepitant?
Aprepitant is usually taken for a short period, often in conjunction with chemotherapy to prevent nausea and vomiting. The typical duration is three days, starting before chemotherapy. Your doctor will provide specific instructions based on your treatment plan. It's important to follow your doctor's guidance on how long to take Aprepitant. If you have questions about the duration of your treatment, discuss them with your healthcare provider.
How do I dispose of Aprepitant?
To dispose of Aprepitant, bring unused medicines to a drug take-back program or collection site at a pharmacy or hospital. They will dispose of this medicine properly so it doesn't harm people or the environment. If you can't find a take-back program, you can throw most medicines in the trash at home. But first, take them out of their original containers, mix them with something undesirable like used coffee grounds, seal the mixture in a plastic bag, and throw it away.
How do I take Aprepitant?
Aprepitant is usually taken as a pill. You should follow your doctor's instructions on when and how to take it. Typically, it's taken once daily, often in the morning. You can take Aprepitant with or without food. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Always follow your doctor's specific advice about taking Aprepitant.
How long does it take for Aprepitant to start working?
Aprepitant begins working shortly after you take it, usually within a few hours. It's often taken before chemotherapy to prevent nausea and vomiting. The full therapeutic effect is achieved when used as part of a combination therapy with other anti-nausea medications. Individual factors, such as your overall health and the type of chemotherapy, can affect how quickly Aprepitant works. Follow your doctor's instructions for the best results.
How should I store Aprepitant?
Store Aprepitant at room temperature, away from moisture and light. Keep it in its original container, tightly closed, to protect it from damage. Do not store Aprepitant in humid places like bathrooms, as moisture can affect its effectiveness. Always keep Aprepitant out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. Check the expiration date regularly and properly dispose of any unused or expired medication.
What is the usual dose of Aprepitant?
The usual starting dose of Aprepitant for adults is typically 125 mg on the first day, followed by 80 mg on the second and third days. It's usually taken once daily. Your doctor may adjust your dose based on your specific needs and how you respond to the medication. Always follow your doctor's specific dosing instructions. If you have any questions about your dose or how to take Aprepitant, talk with your healthcare provider.
Warnings and Precautions
Can Aprepitant be taken safely while breastfeeding?
The safety of Aprepitant while breastfeeding is not well-established. It's unclear if Aprepitant passes into breast milk or affects milk supply. If you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about the potential risks and benefits of using Aprepitant. Your doctor can help determine the safest treatment options for managing your symptoms while nursing your baby.
Can Aprepitant be taken safely while pregnant?
The safety of Aprepitant during pregnancy is not well-established. Limited evidence is available, and the effects on an unborn baby are not fully known. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about the potential risks and benefits of using Aprepitant. Your doctor can help determine the safest treatment options for managing your symptoms during pregnancy.
Can I take Aprepitant with other prescription drugs?
Aprepitant can interact with several medications, which may increase the risk of side effects or reduce its effectiveness. Notably, it can interact with pimozide, which can lead to serious heart problems. Aprepitant may also affect the metabolism of certain drugs, such as warfarin, which is used to prevent blood clots. Always inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking to avoid potential interactions. Your doctor can help manage any interactions and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Does Aprepitant have adverse effects?
Adverse effects are unwanted reactions that can occur with medication use. Aprepitant may cause some adverse effects, though most people tolerate it well. Common adverse effects include fatigue and hiccups. Serious side effects are rare but can include severe allergic reactions, which require immediate medical attention. If you experience any new or worsening symptoms while taking Aprepitant, contact your doctor. They can help determine if these symptoms are related to the medication and recommend appropriate action.
Does Aprepitant have any safety warnings?
Yes, Aprepitant has important safety warnings. It can interact with other medications, so it's crucial to inform your doctor about all the medicines you take. Not adhering to these warnings can lead to reduced effectiveness or increased side effects. Aprepitant may also affect liver function, so regular monitoring may be necessary. If you experience symptoms like jaundice, which is yellowing of the skin or eyes, or severe fatigue, contact your doctor immediately. Always follow your doctor's advice to ensure safe use of Aprepitant.
Is Aprepitant addictive?
Aprepitant is not addictive or habit-forming. This medication doesn't cause dependency or withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it. Aprepitant works by blocking certain signals in the brain that trigger nausea and vomiting. This mechanism doesn't affect brain chemistry in ways that could lead to addiction. You won't experience cravings for this medication or feel compelled to take more than prescribed. If you have concerns about medication dependence, you can feel confident that Aprepitant doesn't carry this risk while managing your health condition.
Is Aprepitant safe for the elderly?
The elderly may be more vulnerable to the side effects of Aprepitant, such as dizziness or fatigue. However, Aprepitant is generally considered safe for elderly patients when used as directed. It's important for older adults to be monitored closely by their healthcare provider while taking this medication. If you have concerns about using Aprepitant as an elderly patient, discuss them with your doctor. They can help ensure the medication is safe and effective for you.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Aprepitant?
It's best to avoid alcohol while taking Aprepitant. Alcohol can increase the risk of side effects like dizziness or drowsiness. Drinking alcohol may also worsen nausea, which Aprepitant is used to prevent. If you choose to drink occasionally, limit how much alcohol you consume and watch for any side effects. Talk with your doctor about alcohol use while taking Aprepitant to get personalized advice based on your specific health situation.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Aprepitant?
You can exercise while taking Aprepitant, but be mindful of how your body feels. Aprepitant can cause dizziness or fatigue, which might affect your exercise capacity. If you feel dizzy or unusually tired during physical activity, slow down or stop and rest. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Most people can maintain their regular exercise routine while taking Aprepitant, but check with your doctor if you have concerns about your specific situation.
Is it safe to stop Aprepitant?
Aprepitant is often used for short-term treatment, such as preventing nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy. Stopping it suddenly is generally safe, but you should follow your doctor's instructions. If you stop Aprepitant before completing the prescribed course, you may experience a return of symptoms. Always talk with your doctor before stopping any medication. They can guide you on how to safely discontinue Aprepitant and manage your symptoms effectively.
What are the most common side effects of Aprepitant?
Side effects are unwanted reactions that can happen when taking a medication. With Aprepitant, common side effects include fatigue, hiccups, and dizziness. These effects vary from person to person. If you notice new symptoms after starting Aprepitant, they might be temporary or unrelated to the medication. Talk with your doctor before stopping any medication. They can help determine if the side effects are related to Aprepitant and suggest ways to manage them.
Who should avoid taking Aprepitant?
Aprepitant should not be used if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients. Serious allergic reactions, which cause rash, hives, or swelling that makes breathing difficult, require immediate medical help. Aprepitant may interact with certain medications, such as pimozide, which can lead to serious heart problems. Always inform your doctor about all the medicines you take to avoid potential interactions. Consult your doctor for more information on contraindications specific to your health condition.
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