Rolapitant
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WHY is this medicine prescribed?
Rolapitant is used along with other medications to prevent nausea and vomiting that may occur several days after receiving certain chemotherapy medications. Rolapitant is in a class of medications called antiemetics. It works by blocking the action of neurokinin and substance P, natural substances in the brain that cause nausea and vomiting.
Are there OTHER USES for this medicine?
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
HOW should this medicine be used?
Rolapitant comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken as a single dose within 2 hours before the start of chemotherapy. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take rolapitant exactly as directed.
Do not take rolapitant more than once every 14 days.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.
What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?
Before taking rolapitant,
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tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to rolapitant, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in rolapitant tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
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tell your doctor if you are taking thioridazine or pimozide (Orap). Your doctor will probably tell you not to take rolapitant if you are taking one or more of these medications.
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tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: dextromethorphan (Robitussin, others), digoxin (Lanoxin), irinotecan (Camptosar), methotrexate (Otrexup, Rasuvo, Trexall), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, in Rifamate, in Rifater), rosuvastatin (Crestor), and topotecan (Hycamtin). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Many other medications may also interact with rolapitant, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list.
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tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease.
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tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking rolapitant, call your doctor.
What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?
Rolapitant should only be taken before chemotherapy as instructed by your doctor. It should not be taken on a regularly scheduled basis.
What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?
Rolapitant may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- hiccups
- stomach pain
- decreased appetite
- dizziness
- heartburn
- mouth sores
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- fever, chills, sore throat, or other signs of an infection
Rolapitant may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of this medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org
What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.
AHFS® Patient Medication Information™. © Copyright, 2024. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.
Selected Revisions: April 15, 2018.
