Aprepitant (Emend) Interaction with Birth Control Medicine

After care

If you receive a medicine called Aprepitant (Emend) you'll need to pay attention to your birth control measures. Aprepitant helps to prevent upset stomach (nausea) and throwing up (vomiting) after surgery.

Aprepitant lowers how well your hormonal birth control works for up to 30 days. To prevent pregnancy, you’ll need to use a back-up method of birth control for at least 30 days after your surgery.

If you are using oral contraceptives (“the pill”), keep taking them on your usual schedule.

Hormonal birth control methods:

• oral contraceptives (birth control pills, including progestin-only pill)
• injectable contraceptives (birth control shots)
• implantable contraceptives (a small plastic rod or device inserted (put) under your skin or inside your uterus [IUD])
• patches (a small, sticky patch worn on your skin)
• vaginal rings (a flexible plastic ring inserted into your vagina)

Use at least one of the following back-up methods for 30 days after your surgery:

• male condom
• female condom
• diaphragm
• abstinence (not having sex)

If you have questions about birth control talk to your healthcare provider.

Adapted with permission from Nova Scotia Health Authority.

To see this information online and learn more, visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca/health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=custom.ab_aprepitant_birth_control_ac.

For 24/7 nurse advice and general health information call Health Link at 811.

Current as of: September 09, 2024

Author: Surgery Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services

This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.