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Emend

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Generic Name: Aprepitant
Product Name: Emend

Indication

Emend is used in combination with other medicines to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapies.

Action

Emend consists of an active ingredient known as aprepitant. Aprepitant belongs to a new group of medicines known as substance P neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor antagonists. It works by blocking the actions of substances, known as substance P neurokinins, in the brain that cause nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting. It is for this reason that Emend is used, in combination with other medicines, to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapies.

Dose advice

  • Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. The recommended dose of Emend is one 125 mg capsule taken one hour before the start of your chemotherapy treatment. This is followed by one 80 mg capsule taken each morning on days 2 and 3, following your chemotherapy treatment.
  • You can take Emend capsule with or without food
  • Emend can interact with many other medications, tell your doctor before you start any new medication

Schedule

S4- Prescription required

Common side effects

Most side effects with Emend are mild but if troublesome or cause any concern, contact your doctor. The more common side effects are:

  • Dizziness
  • Tiredness
  • Headache
  • Diarrhoea
  • Weakness
  • Hiccups
  • Indigestion
  • Signs of anaemia such as, being short of breath when exercising, looking pale

Uncommon side effects

The following side effects occur in less than 0.1% of patients who are taking Emend. Do not be alarmed by this list as they are rare and a patient will not necessarily experience any of these side effects. However, if you experience any of these side effects contact your doctor immediately.

  • Slow heart beat
  • Severe upper stomach pain
  • Symptoms of severe sunburn, such as redness, itching, pain, swelling or blistering
  • Frequent signs of infections such as fever, severe chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers
  • Disorientation

References

  1. MIMS Online. Emend. [cited 2007 September 4]. Available from: http://mims.hcn.net.au.ezproxy.library.uwa.edu.au
  2. APPguide online. Emend. [cited 2007 September 4]. Available from: http://www.appco.com.au/appguide/default.asp
  3. Australian Medicine Handbook. Adelaide: AMH Pty Ltd; 2006.

For further information talk to your doctor.



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Dates

Posted On: 17 September, 2007
Modified On: 17 September, 2007


Created by: myVMC