What is Aprepitant: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Aprepitant is a prescription medication that helps prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy and surgery. It works by blocking specific receptors in your brain that trigger these uncomfortable feelings, giving you better control over side effects during medical treatments.

This medication belongs to a class called NK1 receptor antagonists, which sounds complex but simply means it stops certain chemical signals that make you feel sick. Many people find it helpful when facing cancer treatment or recovering from operations.

What is Aprepitant Used For?

Aprepitant primarily prevents nausea and vomiting in two main situations. First, it helps cancer patients going through chemotherapy, especially those receiving highly nauseating treatments that can make eating and daily activities difficult.

Second, doctors prescribe it to prevent post-operative nausea and vomiting after surgery. This is particularly important because feeling sick after an operation can slow your recovery and make the healing process more uncomfortable.

Sometimes doctors may recommend aprepitant for other nausea-related conditions, though these uses are less common. Your healthcare provider will determine if this medication is right for your specific situation.

How Does Aprepitant Work?

Aprepitant works by blocking substance P, a chemical messenger in your brain that triggers nausea and vomiting. Think of it as turning off a switch that would normally make you feel sick during medical treatments.

This medication is considered moderately strong and effective for preventing nausea rather than treating it after it starts. It works best when taken before chemotherapy or surgery, giving your body time to build up protection against these uncomfortable symptoms.

The medication stays active in your system for several days, which is why doctors often prescribe it as part of a multi-day treatment plan. This extended action helps provide continuous protection during your most vulnerable time.

How Should I Take Aprepitant?

Take aprepitant exactly as your doctor prescribes, usually about one hour before chemotherapy or 3 hours before surgery. You can take it with or without food, though some people find taking it with a light snack helps prevent any stomach upset.

Swallow the capsules whole with a full glass of water. Don't crush, chew, or open the capsules, as this can affect how the medication works in your body.

For chemotherapy, you'll typically take aprepitant for three days total. The first dose comes before your treatment, followed by one capsule each morning for the next two days. This schedule helps protect you during the time when nausea is most likely to occur.

If you're having surgery, you'll usually take just one dose before your procedure. Your healthcare team will give you specific timing instructions based on your surgery schedule.

How Long Should I Take Aprepitant For?

The duration of aprepitant treatment depends on your specific medical situation. For chemotherapy-related nausea, you'll typically take it for three days with each cycle of treatment.

For surgery, you'll usually take just one dose before your procedure. Your doctor might prescribe additional doses if you're having multiple surgeries or if your recovery involves extended nausea risk.

Never extend your treatment beyond what your doctor recommends. Taking aprepitant longer than prescribed doesn't provide extra benefits and may increase your risk of side effects.

What Are the Side Effects of Aprepitant?

Most people tolerate aprepitant well, but like all medications, it can cause side effects. Understanding what to expect can help you feel more prepared and know when to contact your healthcare provider.

Common side effects that many people experience include:

• Fatigue or feeling more tired than usual
• Headache
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Hiccups
• Dizziness

These symptoms are usually mild and temporary, often improving as your body adjusts to the medication.

Less common but more serious side effects require immediate medical attention. These rare possibilities include:

• Severe allergic reactions with rash, itching, or swelling
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Severe dizziness or fainting
• Unusual mood changes or confusion
• Persistent vomiting despite taking the medication

If you experience any of these serious symptoms, contact your healthcare provider right away or seek emergency medical care.

Who Should Not Take Aprepitant?

Certain people should avoid aprepitant due to safety concerns. If you're allergic to aprepitant or any of its ingredients, you shouldn't take this medication.

People taking specific medications may also need to avoid aprepitant because it can interact with other drugs. Your doctor will review your complete medication list to check for potential interactions.

Special caution is needed for people with liver problems, as aprepitant is processed through the liver. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose or monitor you more closely if you have liver disease.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should discuss the risks and benefits with their healthcare provider. While aprepitant may be necessary for some cancer treatments, your doctor will carefully weigh the potential effects on you and your baby.

Aprepitant Brand Names

Aprepitant is available under the brand name Emend in most countries. This is the most commonly prescribed form you'll likely encounter at your pharmacy.

Generic versions of aprepitant are also available and work just as effectively as the brand-name medication. Your insurance may prefer the generic version, which can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

Whether you receive brand-name or generic aprepitant, the active ingredient and effectiveness remain the same. Your pharmacist can answer any questions about which version you're receiving.

Aprepitant Alternatives

Several other medications can help prevent nausea and vomiting if aprepitant isn't suitable for you. Ondansetron (Zofran) is another popular option that works differently but effectively prevents treatment-related nausea.

Metoclopramide (Reglan) offers another alternative, especially for people who need help with both nausea and stomach motility issues. Some people respond better to one medication than another.

Your doctor might also recommend combination approaches, using multiple anti-nausea medications together for better protection. This is particularly common for people receiving highly nauseating chemotherapy treatments.

Is Aprepitant Better Than Ondansetron?

Both aprepitant and ondansetron are effective anti-nausea medications, but they work differently and have distinct advantages. Aprepitant tends to be more effective for preventing delayed nausea that occurs 24-72 hours after chemotherapy.

Ondansetron works faster and is often better for immediate nausea relief. Many doctors actually use both medications together, taking advantage of their different mechanisms to provide comprehensive protection.

The choice between them depends on your specific treatment, timing needs, and how you've responded to anti-nausea medications in the past. Your healthcare team will help determine the best approach for your situation.