Nausea and Vomiting
Uncontrolled nausea or vomiting is an often feared side effect of chemotherapy because many of us are familiar with people with cancer treated before modern antiemetic drugs were available. Movies and television shows may present a false and overly dramatic picture of vomiting after treatment. The reality is that nausea and vomiting can, and should be, effectively prevented.
- Acute nausea and vomiting occurs within 24 hours of treatment and can be prevented with drugs given just before chemotherapy begins, often via IV.
- Delayed nausea occurs 2 days or more after treatment. Oral drugs are prescribed to be taken on the days right after treatment to prevent it. It is important to have a prescription filled and ready to take if nausea begins and to call the doctor if one drug isn’t working.
- Some patients will have anticipatory nausea or vomiting even before their treatment begins. The sight or smell of the doctor’s office or even just thinking about going to the office may trigger it. Medication can be prescribed to be taken a few hours before chemotherapy appointments to prevent anticipatory nausea.
Medication for nausea and vomiting
- Acute nausea can be managed with medication given before chemotherapy begins.
- Medicine can be prescribed to take at home to prevent delayed nausea. Some drugs are long-lasting and will prevent nausea for three days or more.
- Additional drugs are available for breakthrough nausea that can be given when there are episodes of vomiting or severe nausea despite preventive medicines.
What you can do to manage nausea and vomiting
- Eat small, frequent meals.
- Avoid greasy, highly spiced, or food with strong odors.
- Stay out of the kitchen when you’re nauseated — let someone else help with the cooking.
- Eat when you are least nauseated.
- Find ways of distracting yourself: watching TV, listening to music, audio books, or relaxation tapes. Relaxation or self-hypnosis can be downloaded to an mp3 player.
- Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing that doesn’t pinch or restrict your stomach.
- If you experience anticipatory nausea consider learning relaxation, biofeedback, self-hypnosis, or meditation to practice before you get to the chemotherapy office.
- Call your doctor or oncology nurse right away if you begin vomiting or your medicine isn’t controlling your nausea.
Where Can You Go for More Information?
ASCO Patient Guide: Preventing Nausea and Vomiting Caused by Cancer Treatment includes detailed information about drugs likely to cause nausea or vomiting and drug treatments.
NCCN-American Cancer Society: Nausea and Vomiting: Treatment Guidelines for Patients with Cancer can be downloaded or ordered free from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.
Last Update: April 9, 2008
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