Fosaprepitant injection

April 11, 2018

Fosaprepitant injection

What is this medicine?

FOSAPREPITANT (fos ap RE pi tant) is used together with other medicines to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer treatment (chemotherapy).

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 months for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • breathing problems

  • changes in heart rhythm

  • high or low blood pressure

  • pain, redness, or irritation at site where injected

  • rectal bleeding

  • serious dizziness or disorientation, confusion

  • sharp or severe stomach pain

  • sharp pain in your leg

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • constipation or diarrhea

  • hair loss

  • headache

  • hiccups

  • loss of appetite

  • nausea

  • upset stomach

  • tiredness

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of these medicines:

  • cisapride

  • flibanserin

  • lomitapide

  • pimozide

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • diltiazem

  • female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills

  • medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole and itraconazole

  • medicines for HIV

  • medicines for seizures or to control epilepsy like carbamazepine or phenytoin

  • medicines used for sleep or anxiety disorders like alprazolam, diazepam, or midazolam

  • nefazodone

  • paroxetine

  • ranolazine

  • rifampin

  • some chemotherapy medications like etoposide, ifosfamide, vinblastine, vincristine

  • some antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, troleandomycin

  • steroid medicines like dexamethasone or methylprednisolone

  • tolbutamide

  • warfarin

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • liver disease

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to fosaprepitant, aprepitant, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Do not take this medicine if you already have nausea and vomiting. Ask your health care provider what to do if you already have nausea.

Birth control pills and other methods of hormonal contraception (for example, IUD or patch) may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Use an extra method of birth control during treatment and for 1 month after your last dose of fosaprepitant.

This medicine should not be used continuously for a long time.

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check-ups. This medicine may change your liver function blood test results.

Updated:  

April 11, 2018