Aprepitant is a prescription medication used to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, belonging to the class of neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonists. Due to its specific use and pharmacological properties, its purchase must strictly comply with medical regulations.
How to Purchase Aprepitant
Overseas Purchase
Patients may choose to consult and purchase Aprepitant at hospital pharmacies or formal drugstores in countries or regions where the medication has been marketed.
Since drug prices may be affected by factors such as regional differences and exchange rate fluctuations, patients need to make a budget and plan in advance before purchasing.
Purchase through Medical Service Institutions
Patients can consult domestic overseas medical service institutions that cooperate with international pharmacies or pharmaceutical companies.
These institutions usually provide legal import channels and can offer professional consultation and guidance.
Precautions for Purchasing Aprepitant
Strictly Follow Prescription Requirements
Necessity of Prescription: Aprepitant must be prescribed by a doctor; it cannot be purchased or used without a prescription.
Dosage and Course of Treatment: It should be taken as directed by the doctor. The usual dosage is 125mg taken orally 1 hour before chemotherapy on Day 1, followed by 80mg on Day 2 and Day 3. If there is no chemotherapy on Day 2 and Day 3, the medication should be taken in the morning.
Medication Tips for Special Populations
Pregnant and Lactating Women: Currently, there is insufficient data to confirm the safety of Aprepitant for pregnant women; it should be used only after evaluation by a doctor. Lactating women should use it with caution.
Patients with Hepatic or Renal Impairment: No dosage adjustment is required for patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment, while patients with severe hepatic impairment should use it with caution. No dosage adjustment is needed for patients with renal impairment.
Drug Interactions
Aprepitant is a substrate, weak to moderate inhibitor, and inducer of CYP3A4, which may affect the metabolism of other drugs.
Warfarin: Concurrent use may lead to a decrease in the International Normalized Ratio (INR); INR should be monitored 7-10 days after starting Aprepitant.
Hormonal Contraceptives: Aprepitant may reduce the effectiveness of contraceptives. It is recommended to use additional contraceptive measures (such as condoms) until 1 month after discontinuing Aprepitant.
Methods for Identifying the Authenticity of Aprepitant
Verify Drug Packaging Information
Approval Number: The packaging of authentic Aprepitant should be marked with an approval number such as "National Drug Approval Number" (for China), which can be verified through the official website of the national drug regulatory authority.
Manufacturing Information: Check whether the manufacturer, expiration date, drug standard code, and other information are complete and clear.
Observe the Appearance of the Drug
Capsule Characteristics: Authentic Aprepitant capsules are white to off-white. The 80mg capsules are entirely white, while the 125mg capsules have a white body and a pink cap.
Oral Suspension: The oral suspension powder is pink to light pink, and it becomes a suspension after reconstitution.
