Chemotherapy and Nausea

There are several side effects of chemotherapy, and nausea and vomiting are among these possible side effects. However, new medications have made nausea and vomiting with chemotherapy far less common and much less severe. Some examples of these new medications include aprepitant, dolasetron, and granisetron. Other suggestions for alleviating symptoms of nausea can include eating foods cold or at room temperature so you won't be bothered by strong smells and distracting yourself by watching a movie or TV show.

 

An Overview of Chemotherapy and Nausea

Many people with cancer fear that they will have nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy. However, new drugs have made these side effects far less common and, when they do occur, much less severe. These powerful antinausea and antivomiting drugs can prevent or lessen nausea and vomiting in most people. Some examples of newer medications that may be prescribed include:
 
Older medications can also be effective at preventing or treating nausea and vomiting. Some of these medications include:
 
  • Dexamethasone (Decadron®)
  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®)
  • Droperidol (Inapsine®)
  • Haloperidol (Haldol®)
  • Hydroxyzine (Atarax®)
  • Methylprednisolone (Medrol®)
  • Prochloperazine (Compazine®)
  • Promethazine (Phenergan®).
     
Sometimes anxiety about chemotherapy (or even anxiety about becoming nauseous) can cause nausea and vomiting. Some people may find benzodiazepine medications, such as lorazepam (Ativan®) or diazepam (Valium®), to be effective at preventing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting associated with anxiety.
 
Different drugs work for different people, and you may need more than one drug to get relief. Do not give up. Continue to work with your healthcare provider and nurse to find the drug or drugs that work best for you. Also, be sure to tell your healthcare provider or nurse if you are very nauseated or have vomited for more than a day, or if your vomiting is so bad that you cannot keep liquids down.
 
(Chemotherapy and Nausea Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;