Aprepitant is used together with other medications to prevent nausea and vomiting that may be caused by chemotherapy.

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 use aprepitant if you also use pimozide. A serious drug interaction can occur when pimozide is used together with aprepitant.

Aprepitant comes as a capsule and as an oral suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. To prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy, aprepitant is usually taken once daily, with or without food, during the first few days of your cancer chemotherapy treatment. You will probably take aprepitant 1 hour before your chemotherapy on days 1, 2, and 3 of your treatment. If you do not receive chemotherapy on days 2 and 3, then you will take aprepitant on those days in the morning. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take aprepitant exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Aprepitant capsules come in two different strengths. Your doctor may prescribe both of the strengths for you to take at different times. You should be careful to take the right strength at the right time as directed by your doctor.

Swallow the capsules whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.

The oral suspension will be prepared by your healthcare provider and given to you in an oral dispenser. Store the oral dispenser in the refrigerator until it is time for your dose; however, it can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 hours before use. When ready to use, remove the cap from the dispenser before placing it in your mouth to slowly release the medication.

Aprepitant only works to prevent nausea and vomiting. Call your doctor if you already have these symptoms and do not begin to take aprepitant.

When used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy, aprepitant is usually used only during the first 3 days of the chemotherapy treatment cycles. Do not continue taking aprepitant longer than instructed by your doctor.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Aprepitant oral is taken by mouth.

Aprepitant injection is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Aprepitant is not for long-term use. You will most likely need only 1 to 3 doses.

The first dose of aprepitant is usually given 30 to 60 minutes before treatment with chemotherapy. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Aprepitant oral can be taken with or without food.

Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.

Give the oral suspension (liquid) using only the dosing syringe provided.

If you also take warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), you may need extra "INR" or prothrombin time tests after you have used aprepitant.

Store aprepitant capsules at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Store the prefilled liquid dosing syringe in the refrigerator, do not freeze. After taking the liquid out of the refrigerator, you must use it within 3 hours.

Throw away any liquid medicine not used within 3 days (72 hours) after you received it. Do not save it for later use.

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

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You should not be treated with aprepitant injection if you are pregnant.

Aprepitant can make hormonal birth control less effective, including birth control pills, injections, implants, skin patches, and vaginal rings. To prevent pregnancy while using aprepitant, use a barrier form of birth control: condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge.

Keep using the barrier form of birth control for 1 month after your last dose of aprepitant.

Call your doctor for instructions if you forget to use your medicine within the prescribed length of time before your chemotherapy.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store the capsules at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). The prepared oral suspension dose must be used within 72 hours of preparation; discard any unused doses after 72 hours.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, itching, difficult breathing, dizziness, trouble swallowing, fast heartbeat, wheezing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Aprepitant may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• pain or burning when you urinate;

• sores or white patches in your mouth or throat, sore throat;

• low blood cell counts--fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath; or

• dehydration symptoms--feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin.

Common side effects of aprepitant may include:

• stomach pain, indigestion, burping, loss of appetite;

• low blood cell counts;

• diarrhea, constipation;

• hiccups;

• abnormal liver function tests;

• headache, dizziness;

• dehydration;

• pain in your arms or legs;

• pain, hardening, redness, swelling, or itching where the medicine was injected;

• 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.

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Many drugs can affect aprepitant, and some drugs should not be used at the same time. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.