EMEND is a member of a class of medicines called neurokinin 1 (NK 1 ) receptor antagonists that is used along with other medicines to prevent and control nausea (sick feeling in the back of throat and stomach) and vomiting (throwing up) caused by your cancer chemotherapy treatment. Your doctor has prescribed EMEND for the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with your cancer chemotherapy treatment.
1. WHAT EMEND IS USED FOR
3. BEFORE YOU TAKE EMEND
Do not take EMEND:
- If you are hypersensitive (allergic) to aprepitant or any of the other ingredients of EMEND.
Take special care with EMEND
Tell your doctor about any of the following that apply to you:
- If you have or have had any past or present medical problems.
- If you have any allergies.
- If you are taking or plan to take any medicine, including those you can get without a prescription or herbal products.
Use in children
EMEND has not been adequately studied in children. Therefore, EMEND should not be given to children.
Use in the elderly
No dosage adjustment is necessary for elderly patients.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
EMEND is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you are taking EMEND you should not breastfeed your baby. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding your baby, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, please consult your doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare professional for advice before taking this medicine.
Important information about some of the ingredients of EMEND:
If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars contact your doctor before taking EMEND. Contains sucrose which may have an effect on the control of your blood sugar if you have diabetes mellitus.
Driving and using machinery
It should be taken into account that some people feel dizzy and sleepy after taking EMEND. If you feel dizzy or sleepy, you should avoid driving or using machines after taking EMEND (see “POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS” ).
Taking other medicines with EMEND
Do not take EMEND with pimozide, astemizole or cisapride. Taking EMEND with these medications could result in serious or life-threatening problems. Your doctor may check that your medicines are working properly together if you are taking other medicines such as:
- anti-anxiety medicines (such as alprazolam)
- birth control medicines (which may not work as well)
- warfarin (a blood thinner)
- ketoconazole (an antifungal)
- rifampicin (an antibiotic)
- paroxetine (a medicine used to treat a certain type of depression)
- diltiazem (a medicine used to treat high blood pressure)
- tolbutamide (a medicine used to treat diabetes)
- phenytoin (a medicine used to treat seizures).
Always tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other medicine. (This includes complementary or traditional medicines.)
4. HOW TO TAKE EMEND
Always take EMEND exactly as your doctor has instructed you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.
The recommended dose of EMEND is one 125 mg capsule by mouth 1 hour before you start your chemotherapy treatment and one 80 mg capsule each morning for the 2 days following your chemotherapy treatment. EMEND may be taken with or without food. Your doctor will tell you how long your treatment with EMEND will last. Do not stop treatment early. If you have the impression that the effect of EMEND is too strong or too weak, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Do not share medicines prescribed for you with others.
If you take more EMEND than you should:
If you take more than the prescribed dosage, contact your doctor immediately. In the event of overdosage, consult your doctor or pharmacist. If neither is available, contact the nearest hospital or poison control centre.
If you forgot to take/missed a dose of EMEND:
If you miss a dose, contact your physician for further instructions.
5. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
EMEND can have side effects.
The most frequent side effects include hiccups, fatigue, constipation, headache, indigestion, increased liver enzymes and loss of appetite. The following side effects have been reported with EMEND:
- Allergic reactions, which may be serious, and may include hives, rash and itching and cause difficulty in breathing or swallowing. If you have an allergic reaction, stop taking EMEND and call your doctor right away.
- Severe skin reactions may occur. Other side effects may also occur. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly about these or any other unusual symptoms. Not all side effects reported for EMEND are included in this leaflet. If your general health worsens or if you experience any untoward effects while taking EMEND, please consult your doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare professional for advice.
6. STORING AND DISPOSING OF EMEND
Store at or below 25 °C. Store all medicines out of reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date stated on the carton.