Emend

The active ingredient in Emend is aprepitant. It is an antiemetic that falls under the category of substance P/neurokinin 1 receptor antagonists. It works by inhibiting certain brain chemicals that might produce nausea and vomiting. As a result, Emend relieves chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, both acute and delayed.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Emend. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Emend:

• Emend is not intended for long-term use. Do not use this medication more frequently than prescribed.
• The first dose of this medication is often administered 30 to 60 minutes before chemotherapy or surgery. Follow your doctor's dosing recommendations carefully.
• Emend oral can be taken with or without food. A healthcare professional administers Emend intravenous into a vein.
• Swallow the capsule whole, without crushing, chewing, breaking, or opening it.
• A healthcare provider will mix the oral suspension (liquid), which will be administered via a prefilled dosage syringe.
• If you are taking warfarin, your blood may need to be tested after getting Emend.

The most common side effects of aprepitant seen in clinical trials include:

• Tiredness.
• Abdominal pain.
• Less than usual white blood cell count.
• Loss of appetite.
• Hiccups.
• Constipation.
• Low blood pressure.
• Weight loss.
• Low red blood cell count.
• Changes in liver function.
• Dyspepsia (indigestion).

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Emend. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Allergic reaction to Emend including hives, shortness of breath, and

These are not all of the possible side effects of Emend. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Emend, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• To use a blood thinner (such as warfarin) and undergo routine "INR" or prothrombin time tests, or take CYP2C9 or CYP3A4 substrates.
• Severe liver disease.
• Nervous system disorders.
• To take pimozide. Pimozide with aprepitant can cause a significant medication interaction.
• To take birth control.

If you are on pimozide, a medicine for Tourette syndrome.

• If you have a hypersensitivity to the medication.

Emend begins to work within 1 hour after taking an oral dose.

When Emend is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Dexamethasone.
• Midazolam.
• Diltiazem.
• Ketoconazole.
• Methylprednisolone.
• Cyclophosphamide.
• CYP3A4 inhibitors.
• Paroxetine.
• Phenytoin.

A healthcare professional will prescribe Emend based on your chemotherapy plan and other anti-nausea drugs.

The Emend capsule formulation is taken orally, usually an hour before your chemotherapy treatment. The normal dose plan for each cycle of chemotherapy is provided below.

Oral mg capsule (adults and children aged 12 and older)

Day 1: Take 125 mg once a day.

Day 2: Take 80 mg once a day.

Day 3: Take 80 mg once a day.

Oral suspension (adults and pediatric patients 6 months and older): Your provider will calculate the dose based on your weight.

Day 1: Take 3 mg/kg (maximum dose: 125 mg) once a day.

Day 2: Take 2 mg/kg (maximum dose: 80 mg) once a day.

Day 3: Take 2 mg/kg (maximum dose of 80 mg) once a day.

Store your Emend at room temperature and out of reach of children.

Merck Sharp & Dohme USA is the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Emend.

There is a lower-cost generic of Emend available.

There is no specific way to stop taking Emend. Speak to your healthcare provider if you want to stop taking the medication.

Emend can make your birth control tablets less effective, leading to pregnancy. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormone method of oral contraceptive to avoid pregnancy while taking aprepitant. Keep using the barrier form of birth control for 1 month after your last dose of Emend. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.