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Nausea and Vomiting
Chemotherapy drugs can trigger nausea and vomiting. Medications, called antiemetics, can help reduce or prevent these side effects.
Some antiemetics are given to you while you’re undergoing treatment to prevent nausea and vomiting. Others are given once you experience symptoms. You may need to try more than one medication before finding the one that works for you. Here are some antiemetics that are available:
- 5-HT3 inhibitors are antiemetics, such as Aloxi® (palonosetron), Kytril® (granisetron), Anzemet® (dolasetron), and Zofran® (ondansetron). Aloxi, the newest drug, can provide extended relief in both acute (first 24 hours after chemotherapy) and delayed nausea and vomiting.
- Emend® (aprepitant) can prevent or reduce delayed nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy drugs with a moderate to strong risk of causing these side effects. It is usually given with 5-HT3 antiemetics.
Tips for Coping with Nausea and Vomiting
In addition to using prescribed antiemetics, the following may help:
- Eat small, frequent meals slowly. Chew food well, and eat food either cold or at room temperature. Do not get hungry. Carry a snack with you.
- Let other people cook for you when possible. Smells may bring on nausea and vomiting. Have food prepared outside the home or eat out so you are not exposed to the food aromas before eating.
- Avoid very spicy or acidic foods on an empty stomach. On the day of your chemotherapy treatment, eat a light meal (nothing heavy or greasy). This will help to reduce nausea.
- Drink at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water-based liquid the day before, the day of, and the day after chemotherapy. Talk to your doctor or nurse if you are unable to keep fluids down.
- Rest after eating to help your digestion, but be careful not to lie flat for a couple of hours after eating.
- If you do feel nauseous, practice relaxation techniques and other types of soothing distractions.
Contact your physician or nurse if your nausea does not go away despite using these tips. Your antiemetic medications may need to be adjusted. Nausea does not have to go with chemotherapy.
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