Aprepitant: uses, side effects & brands

Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS · Last reviewed 5 November 2026

Aprepitant prevents delayed chemotherapy nausea and vomiting. It belongs to the Anti-nausea (chemotherapy) group. These prevent the strong nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy or surgery.

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Drug type — dosing is set by your doctor

Measure	Range
Drug class	Anti-nausea (chemotherapy)
Type	Prescription
Dose	Individual — ask your doctor or pharmacist

What it is used for

Preventing nausea and vomiting with strongly sickness-causing chemotherapy
Preventing nausea with moderately sickness-causing chemotherapy
Preventing delayed nausea in the days after chemotherapy
Used together with other anti-sickness medicines

Common brand names

India: Aprecap, Emend
Worldwide: Emend

Common side effects

Tiredness
Hiccups
Constipation or diarrhoea
Loss of appetite

Before taking it — precautions

It can make hormonal birth control less reliable during and for some weeks after; use an extra method
Tell your doctor if you take warfarin, as blood tests may be needed
Tell your doctor about all your medicines and any liver disease, as it interacts with several drugs

When to see a doctor urgently

Swelling of face or throat, or difficulty breathing (urgent)
Vomiting that stops you keeping fluids down (urgent)
Severe skin rash or blistering (urgent)

Not a prescription — no dose shown. The right dose of aprepitant depends on age, weight, kidney/liver function and the condition, so MedDroid does not show a dose here. Always get your dose from a doctor or pharmacist and the leaflet inside the pack. General educational information only.

Frequently asked questions

Is it used alone?

No. It is given together with other anti-sickness medicines, such as ondansetron-type drugs and a steroid.

When is it started?

It is started before chemotherapy as part of a planned anti-sickness course set by your cancer team.

Why does it affect birth control?

It speeds up the breakdown of contraceptive hormones, so an extra method is needed for a while.

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Sources & further reading

Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.