Indications 

Emend is a prescription medication primarily used in combination with other antiemetic drugs to: 

• Prevent acute and delayed nausea and vomiting linked with initial and repeated courses of highly emetogenic cancer chemotherapy (HEC), including high-dose cisplatin. 
• Prevent nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeated courses of moderately emetogenic cancer chemotherapy (MEC). 

Emend is also used in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). 

Emend is a neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonist that falls under the category of antiemetic drugs. Its mechanism of action involves inhibiting the effects of neurokinin, which is a naturally occurring substance in the brain responsible for inducing nausea and vomiting. 

Emend is a preventative medication and is not effective for treating pre-existing nausea or vomiting. 

Uses and Dosage 

Before starting treatment with Emend and every time you get a refill, carefully read its patient information leaflet and medication guide. For questions and clarification, seek the guidance of your doctor or pharmacist. 

The dosage of Emend may vary per individual based on medical history, age, and treatment response. Weight is also a factor in determining the dosage for pediatric patients. 

Typically, Emend is taken once daily, with or without food, during the initial stages of cancer chemotherapy treatment. Ingest the capsules whole, without splitting, chewing, or crushing them. 

Emend should be consumed one hour before chemotherapy on the first three days of treatment. If chemotherapy is not administered on days 2 and 3, this medication should be taken in the morning during those days. 

Adhere strictly to your physician’s directives regarding the timing, duration, and dosage strength of each dose. Should you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist. 

Side Effects 

Potential adverse reactions associated with the use of Emend are listed below. If any of them persists or worsens, inform your doctor promptly. 

Common Side Effects 

• Gastrointestinal discomfort including: 
  • Stomach pain 
  • Indigestion 
  • Burping 
  • Loss of appetite 
• Reduced blood cell counts 
• Altered bowel movements such as diarrhea or constipation 
• Hiccups 
• Abnormal liver function tests 
• Headache and dizziness 
• Dehydration 
• Pain experienced in arms or legs 
• Cough 
• Fatigue or weakness 

Serious Side Effects 

• Sensation of dizziness or faintness 
• Discomfort, burning, or pain during urination 
• Mouth or throat sores, accompanied by a sore throat 
• Reduced blood cell counts manifested through symptoms such as: 
  • Fever 
  • Chills 
  • Fatigue 
  • Mouth and skin sores 
  • Easy bruising 
  • Unusual bleeding 
  • Pale skin 
  • Cold extremities 
  • Light-headedness 
  • Shortness of breath 
• Dehydration symptoms such as: 
  • Excessive thirst or heat 
  • Difficulty urinating 
  • Profuse sweating 
  • Hot and dry skin 

Call your doctor at once if any of the severe symptoms listed above occur. 

Allergic Reactions 

Immediate medical attention should be sought if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction to Emend, such as: 

• Hives 
• Itching 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Dizziness 
• Trouble swallowing 
• Fast heartbeat 
• Wheezing 
• Facial or throat swelling 

Similarly, prompt medical assistance is essential if you develop a severe skin reaction characterized by: 

• Fever 
• Sore throat 
• Burning eyes 
• Skin pain 
• A red or purple rash with blistering and peeling, 

The enlisted adverse effects here are not an exhaustive compilation of the potential side effects linked to Emend. If any bothersome effects not specified above occur, inform your doctor promptly. 

Cautions 

Before taking Emend, inform your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any known allergies, especially to aprepitant, to any other drugs, or with any of the ingredients of this medication. Ask your pharmacist for the detailed list of ingredients of Emend. 

Disclose your medical history to your doctor, especially of liver disease. 

Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all the prescription and non-prescription medications, dietary supplements, vitamins, and herbal products you are presently using or planning to use to mitigate the risk of drug interactions. 

Certain medications may impact the elimination of aprepitant from your body, which can affect how it works. Some of them are: 

• Azole antifungals (like itraconazole and ketoconazole) 
• Diltiazem 
• Macrolide antibiotics (like clarithromycin and erythromycin) 
• Nefazodone 
• HIV protease inhibitors (like ritonavir and nelfinavir) 
• Rifamycins (such as rifampin and rifabutin) 
• St. John’s wort 
• Certain anti-seizure medications (like carbamazepine and phenytoin) 

Be mindful to tell your doctor if you are taking warfarin, for Emend may affect how well it works in your body. Your doctor must examine your blood during the 2 weeks following your Emend treatment to evaluate the efficiency of warfarin. 

Emend can lower the efficacy of hormonal birth control like pills, patches, or rings, resulting in the possibility of pregnancy. The use of reliable birth control methods is recommended while taking this medication and for one month after discontinuing it.