Why is this medication prescribed?

Aprepitant/Fosaprepitant Injection is prescribed primarily to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. It’s used in the treatment of patients undergoing highly emetogenic (nausea-inducing) chemotherapy regimens. Fosaprepitant is the prodrug of aprepitant, which means it is converted into aprepitant in the body to exert its effects.

How should this medicine be used?

How Aprepitant/Fosaprepitant Injection Should Be Used:

• Administration: Fosaprepitant is administered as an intravenous (IV) injection. It is typically given before the start of chemotherapy.
• Dosage: The dosage and schedule are determined by the healthcare provider based on the type of chemotherapy and the patient’s specific needs. Usually, it is given as a single dose before chemotherapy.
• Monitoring: Patients receiving this medication are usually monitored for any potential side effects or reactions during and after the injection.
• Combination Therapy: Fosaprepitant is often used in combination with other anti-nausea medications, such as dexamethasone or ondansetron, to enhance its effectiveness.
• Allergies: Inform your healthcare provider if you have any known allergies to fosaprepitant, aprepitant, or any other medications.
• Drug Interactions: Fosaprepitant can interact with other medications. Ensure your healthcare provider is aware of all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, that you are taking.
• Medical History: Share your complete medical history with your healthcare provider, especially if you have liver disease or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Always follow the healthcare provider’s instructions for administration and report any unusual symptoms or side effects promptly.

Other uses for this medicine

Some potential off-label uses include:

• Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting: It may be used in some cases to prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery.
• Radiation Therapy: In combination with other antiemetics, it might be used for nausea and vomiting related to radiation therapy.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special Precautions for Aprepitant/Fosaprepitant Injection:

• Allergic Reactions: Watch for signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If these occur, seek medical attention immediately.
• Drug Interactions: Fosaprepitant can interact with other medications, including certain antibiotics, antifungals, and medications used for epilepsy. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements you are taking.
• Liver Function: Patients with liver impairment may require dose adjustments. Discuss your liver health with your healthcare provider.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Fosaprepitant should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. It’s not known if it passes into breast milk, so discuss with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Avoid Grapefruit: Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can affect the metabolism of fosaprepitant, potentially increasing the risk of side effects. Avoid consuming grapefruit products while on this medication.
• Monitor for Side Effects: Common side effects include fatigue, constipation, and headache. Report any severe or persistent side effects to your healthcare provider.
• Hydration and Nutrition: Maintain proper hydration and nutrition, especially if you experience gastrointestinal side effects.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and discuss any concerns or questions with them to ensure safe and effective use of the medication.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

• Avoid Grapefruit: As mentioned, avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice because they can interfere with the metabolism of fosaprepitant, potentially increasing the risk of side effects.
• Stay Hydrated: Maintaining proper hydration is important, especially if you experience gastrointestinal side effects.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• Timing: Fosaprepitant is typically given as a single dose before chemotherapy. If you miss this dose and chemotherapy has not started, contact your healthcare provider immediately for guidance on rescheduling.
• During Chemotherapy: If the dose is missed and chemotherapy has already begun, inform your healthcare provider to determine the next steps.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Aprepitant/Fosaprepitant Injection can cause several side effects, although not everyone will experience them. Common and less common side effects include:

Common Side Effects:

• Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or weak.
• Headache: A common side effect that can range from mild to severe.
• Constipation: Difficulty or infrequent bowel movements.
• Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or unsteady.
• Loss of Appetite: Decreased desire to eat.

Less Common Side Effects:

• Allergic Reactions: Signs include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
• Elevated Liver Enzymes: May indicate liver issues; regular monitoring may be required.
• Hiccups: In some cases, hiccups may occur.
• Abdominal Pain: Discomfort or pain in the stomach area.
• Severe Allergic Reactions: Includes symptoms such as severe rash, itching, swelling of the face/tongue/throat, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. Seek immediate medical attention if these occur.
• Severe Liver Problems: Symptoms may include dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or persistent nausea/vomiting.
• Report: Inform your healthcare provider about any side effects you experience, especially if they are severe or persistent.
• Emergency: Seek immediate medical attention for any signs of a serious allergic reaction or severe symptoms.

Your healthcare provider can offer more detailed information about potential side effects and how to manage them.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Aprepitant/Fosaprepitant Injection:

• Storage:
  • Fosaprepitant should be stored according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually in a cool, dry place. It is typically stored at room temperature, away from light.
  • If prepared for use, the injection should be used within a specific timeframe as indicated by the healthcare provider or manufacturer.
• Disposal:
  • Dispose of any unused or expired medication according to your healthcare provider’s instructions or local regulations. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless specifically instructed to do so.
  • Often, pharmacies have take-back programs for safe disposal of medications.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Symptoms of Overdose: Signs may include severe drowsiness, extreme dizziness, or any unusual symptoms not typically associated with the medication.
• Contact Medical Help: Immediately contact your healthcare provider or emergency services if you suspect an overdose or experience severe symptoms.
• Provide Information: Give details about the medication, dosage, and time of administration to healthcare professionals.

What other information should I know?

• Pre-Chemotherapy Instructions: Follow any specific instructions given by your healthcare provider regarding diet or other preparations before receiving the injection.
• Combination with Other Medications: Ensure that you inform your healthcare provider of all other medications you are taking to avoid potential interactions.
• Monitoring: Regular follow-ups may be necessary to monitor for side effects and effectiveness of the medication.
• Personal Health Records: Keep a record of your treatments, including doses and dates, which can be helpful for future medical appointments.

Always consult your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medication, its use, and its effects on your health.