Chemotherapy Symptoms

Nausea & Vomiting

Nausea is the urge to vomit, involving forceful stomach contractions
expelling contents through the mouth.

Nausea & Vomiting

Nausea is the urge to vomit, involving
forceful stomach contractions
expelling contents through the mouth.

How can I relieve the symptoms?

Certain chemotherapy drugs can cause nausea and vomiting. Fortunately, there are many drugs that your doctor can prescribe to prevent, lessen, or relieve the nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy.

These medications are called anti-nausea drugs or anti-emetics. These are a group of medications that can be used to control nausea and vomiting and can be given in different ways. For example, if you are unable to keep anything down, don’t worry because the drugs can be given through an I.V. catheter, a patch, rectally, under the tongue, or even in a shot if you cannot swallow.

Also, there are several things that patients with these symptoms can do to help themselves feel better besides medications.

Eating hints

Eat small amounts of food throughout the day, and before you get too hungry

Avoid favorite foods during this time as they will be associated with nausea and vomiting episodes

Avoid heavy, high fat and greasy meals right before chemotherapy

Eat dry foods such as dry cereal, toast, or crackers without liquids the first thing in the morning

Surroundings

Exercising after eating may slow down digestion and increase discomfort

Do not lay flat for at least two hours after eating, rest by sitting up or reclining with your head elevated

Fresh air and loose clothing may be helpful after eating

Avoid strong odours

Questions to guard against nausea by Chemotherapy

Ask your health care professional to explain to you the chemotherapy drug(s) you will be taking, and the likely side effects of the drug(s)

Find out if the chemotherapy drug(s) are likely to cause nausea and vomiting. If so, find out when that is likely to occur and how long it typically lasts. For example, will it start during chemotherapy or not until several hours later

Ask what your doctor will be prescribing to prevent and control nausea and vomiting. Learn how, when, and how often to take these medications

Drink fluids throughout the day like water and juices. Many people on chemotherapy need to drink at least two liters of fluids per day. Ask if this applies to you, as it is important to replace the fluids lost to avoid getting dehydrated if you are vomiting

Questions to guard against nausea by Chemotherapy

Ask your health care professional to explain to you the chemotherapy drug(s) you will be taking, and the likely side effects of the drug(s)

Find out if the chemotherapy drug(s) are likely to cause nausea and vomiting. If so, find out when that is likely to occur and how long it typically lasts. For example, will it start during chemotherapy or not until several hours later

Ask what your doctor will be prescribing to prevent and control nausea and vomiting. Learn how, when, and how often to take these medications

Drink fluids throughout the day like water and juices. Many people on chemotherapy need to drink at least two liters of fluids per day. Ask if this applies to you, as it is important to replace the fluids lost to avoid getting dehydrated if you are vomiting

Distraction

Relax and try to keep your mind off the chemotherapy by perhaps bringing soothing music, relaxation tapes or CDs. You could also bring a funny movie to watch during chemotherapy and/or a friend or family member to keep you company.

Other ways to minimize chemotherapy nausea:

Notify your nurse or doctor if you feel nauseated during chemotherapy.

Suck on hard candy, popsicles, or ice during chemotherapy.

Avoid caffeine and smoking

Take the medications for nausea and vomiting as prescribed by your doctor. If you are running low, ask for a refill.

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