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What is Emend
 Emend
blocks the actions of chemicals in the body that may cause
nausea and vomiting.
Emend
is used to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with cancer
chemotherapy.
Emend
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Emend
Emend may decrease the effects of birth control pills,
resulting in decreased protection from unintended pregnancy.
Talk to your doctor about the use of other forms of birth
control during treatment with Emend.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before
taking Emend
Do not take Emend without first talking to your doctor
if you are taking any of the following drugs:
- cisapride
(Propulsid); or
- pimozide (Orap).
Emend may
have a harmful interaction with either of the drugs listed
above.
Before taking Emend, tell your doctor if you
have liver problems or other medical problems. You may not
be able to take Emend, or you may require a dosage adjustment
or special monitoring during treatment.
Emend is
in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that Emend is
not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take
Emend without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant
or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is
not known whether Emend passes into breast milk. Do not
take Emend without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
How should take Emend Take Emend exactly as directed by your doctor. If
you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each
oral dose with a full glass of water.
Emend can be
taken with or without food.
The first dose of Emend
is usually taken 1 hour before treatment with chemotherapy.
Follow your doctor's instructions.
Store Emend at
room temperature away from moisture and heat.
If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed
dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do
not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is
suspected.
Symptoms of an Emend overdose are not
well known but might include drowsiness and headache.
Avoid while taking Emend There are no restrictions on foods, beverages, or
activities during treatment with Emend unless otherwise
directed by your doctor.
Possible side effects of Emend If you experience a rare but serious allergic reaction
(difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of
the lips, tongue, or face; or hives) to Emend, stop taking
the medication and seek emergency medical attention.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur.
Continue to take the Emend and talk to your doctor if you
experience
- fatigue or drowsiness;
- weakness;
- dizziness;
- constipation;
- diarrhea;
- nausea, stomach upset, or decreased appetite; or
- hiccups.
Side effects other than those listed
here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side
effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Emend Do not take Emend without first talking to your doctor
if you are taking any of the following drugs:
- cisapride
(Propulsid); or
- pimozide (Orap).
Emend may
have a harmful interaction with either of the drugs listed
above.
Before taking Emend, tell your doctor if you
are taking warfarin (Coumadin). You may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
Emend may decrease the effects of birth control pills, resulting
in decreased protection from unintended pregnancy. Talk
to your doctor about the use of other forms of birth control
during treatment with Emend.
Emend
may interact with many other medications. Do not take any
other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including
herbal products, during treatment with Emend without first
talking to your doctor. |
