Aprepitant belongs to a class of medications called neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor antagonists. It can suppress a chemical in the brain which causes nausea and vomiting. It is indicated for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
Aprepitant can be taken orally as single strength capsules (80mg or 125mg) or mutl-strength capsules (Tri-Pack®: 2x80mg + 1x125mg). Swallow the capsules whole. Do not crush or chew it.
Prevention of acute and delayed nausea/vomiting associated with high-emetogenic chemotherapy:
125 mg 1 hour prior to chemotherapy on day 1, followed by 80 mg once daily on days 2 and 3 (in combination with a 5-HT3 antagonist antiemetic on day 1 and Dexamethasone on days 1 to 4)
Prevention of nausea/vomiting associated with moderate-emetogenic chemotherapy:
125 mg 1 hour prior to chemotherapy on day 1, followed by 80 mg once daily on days 2 and 3 (in combination with a 5-HT3 antagonist antiemetic and Dexamethasone on day 1)
Common side effects of Aprepitant include fatigue, headache, neutropenia, dyspepsia, or asthenia.
Birth control pills and other hormone-based birth control may not work as well to prevent pregnancy. It is recommended to use some other additional methods of birth control, like a condom, when taking this drug and for 1 month after the last dose.
Common dosing schedule:
Aprepitant can be administered with or without food.
First dose should be given 1 hour prior to chemotherapy, while subsequent doses should be given 1 hour prior to chemotherapy or in the morning (if no chemotherapy is administered on days 2 and 3).
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Aprepitant may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Aprepitant is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Aprepitant in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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