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Side
Effects > Nausea
Last update: 04/14/2008
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Nausea
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Reference | Resources | Research News
 Nausea
is a common side effect of chemotherapy. It may start within one to four hours
following chemotherapy; worst time is typically during the first 12
to 24 hours. Not all chemotherapy drugs will cause nausea.
If the drugs you receive are likely to
cause significant nausea, you will be given drugs for prevention
prior to chemotherapy.
"One of the tricks to dealing
with these "big" meds is to prepare anti-nausea plans
before-hand, and not start them when one finally does feel
nauseated. My anti-nausea meds were started before I got
ICE, and continued until I left the hospital,
with a Rx to take home with me." ~ D (Cyberfamily)
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ASCO Updates Guidelines for Use of Antiemetics in Cancer
- Medscape
(free login req.) 2006
"The truth of the matter is that the drugs that we have
available have shown efficacy in prevention of nausea and
vomiting...We have no drugs that effectively treat the
problem," Update Committee chairman Dr. Mark G. Kris of
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York told Reuters
Health.
The three-drug regimen is recommended for patients who will be
receiving an anthracycline and cyclophosphamide. "It's not
that one drug replaces another, you need all three," Dr. Kris
emphasized. "It's important that you prescribe them at the
get-go."
Dr. Kris also emphasized that the drugs need to be given for at
least two to three days after chemo is completed. "Almost no
one gets nausea and vomiting on the day of chemotherapy. That
happens a day or two later."
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Drugs commonly used to
control nausea
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Compazine (Prochlorperazine) MedlinePlus
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ALERT: Widely used anti-nausea drug (Dexamethasone) may interfere with cancer
chemotherapy
(specifically paclitaxel and doxorubicin for breast cancer)
innovations-report.com
NOTE: Since dexamethasone actually kills certain types
of cells such as lymphocytes
and is effective treatment for lymphoma, the researchers
wondered why Dex destroys one type of
cancer cell yet protects another from cell death. psa-rising.com
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Clopra; Maxolon; Octamide; Reglan (Metoclopramide) MedlinePlus
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Important:
If
one drug does not control your nausea, do inform your doctor and
request a change of medication - it can make a dramatic difference.
Tips to help prevent or
control nausea
Also see Safe
Shopping List for Managing Nausea
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Eat only light meals before
treatment and avoid eating for at least a few hours before
treatment if nausea. |
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Ask your doctor about newer
medication that can control nausea, such as Zofran, Emend and Kytril. |
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Avoid odors that offend you. |
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Avoid wearing tight or uncomfortable clothing. |
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When nauseated, breathe deeply and slowly through
your mouth. |
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Avoid foods that are high in fat, which tend to
remain in the stomach longer than other
foods and may contribute to nausea. |
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Chew food well for better
digestion. |
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Drink liquids well before or after mealtime,
instead of during meals. Drink frequently, but drink small
amounts. |
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Avoid lying flat for at least 2 hours after you
finish a meal. |
Resources
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Nausea
Quick Reference
Common side effect of chemotherapy
Can be controlled with drugs and managed with
life style changes.
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Research News
| New Approaches to Controlling Treatment Side Effects ~ Harold J. Burstein, MD PhD
Medscape (free login req.)
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FDA Approves New Drug to Combat Nausea and Vomiting for Cancer Patients Getting Chemotherapy
FDA
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Acupressure for nausea following chemotherapy
Cancer
Research
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