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Aprepitant
Aprepitant is commonly prescribed for the prevention of nausea and vomiting due to surgery or chemotherapy. When taken an hour before chemotherapy or within three hours before surgery, the drug can significantly reduce the chance of nausea and vomiting. It is available by prescription and comes in capsule form. Potential side effects may include fatigue, heartburn, and diarrhea.
Aprepitant (Emend®) is a prescription medication used to prevent nausea and vomiting due to the following causes:
- Chemotherapy
- Surgery.
When used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, aprepitant is always used in combination with other nausea and vomiting medications. The drug is not intended to treat nausea and vomiting once it starts.
(Click What Is Aprepitant Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with aprepitant. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can be treated easily by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common reactions to aprepitant include, but are not limited to:
- Hair loss (see Emend and Hair Loss)
- Weakness or fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Hiccups
- Indigestion or heartburn.
(Click Side Effects of Aprepitant to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD