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Anti-nausea Treatment During Chemotherapy


Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of chemotherapy, and without treatment, can be debilitating for many patients. In order to prevent or lessen these side effects, doctors may prescribe anti-nausea medications, or antiemetics, as well as recommend other techniques such as acupuncture, biofeedback or hypnosis which can help the patient relax and provide distraction from their symptoms.

Following are some of the drugs your doctor may prescribe, how they are used and what side effects may be encountered. This list is for general information only. Always consult with your physician regarding any drug you are prescribed, and discuss any potential side effects with him or her at that time.

 

Type of Treatment Usage Possible Side Effects
5-HT3 Antagonists    
Aloxi (palonosetron)
Anzemet (dolasetron)
Kytril (granisetron)
Zofran (ondansetron)
First-line treatments. All, with the exception of Aloxi, may be administered either orally or intravenously (IV). Aloxi is available in IV form only. Constipation
Diarrhea
Dry mouth
Fatigue
Headache
Phenothiazines    
Compazine (prochlorperazine) Second-line treatment when others have failed. Used for chemotherapy drugs that carry a low to moderate risk of nausea and/or vomiting. May be administered orally, by injection or intravenously. Also may be given rectally. Muscle spasms
Restlessness
Sedation
Cannabinoids    
Marinol (dronabinol) Second-line treatment when other drugs have failed. Contains a synthetic version of the anti-nausea ingredient in marijuana. Changes in perception
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Loss of coordination
Low blood pressure
Memory loss
Mood changes
Sedation
Withdrawal syndrome
Corticosteroids    
Decadron (dexamethasone) Used for chemotherapy drugs that carry a moderate to high risk of nausea and/or vomiting. May be administered orally or intravenously, either alone or in combination with other drugs. Anxiety
Cataracts
Gastrointestinal symptoms
High blood sugar
Mood changes
Muscle weakness

Long-term use of this drug may result in a weakened immune system.

NK-1 Receptor Antagonists    
Emend (aprepitant) Used for chemotherapy drugs which carry a high risk of nausea and/or vomiting Fatigue
Gastrointestinal symptoms
Headache
Low white blood cell count
Weakness

Allergic reactions (rarely)

Dopamine 2 Antagonists    
Reglan (metoclopramide) Used for chemotherapy drugs that carry an acute vomiting risk, and used in combination with other drugs. Muscle spasms
Restlessness
Butyrophenones    
Haldol (haloperidol)
Inapsine (droperidol)
Tranquilizers used in combination with other drugs. Low blood pressue
Restlessness
Sedation
Benzodiazepines    
Ativan (lorazepam)
Xanax (alprazolam)
Anti-anxiety drugs most often used in combination with other drugs. Changes in perception
Confusion
Loss of coordination
Low blood pressure
Psychological dependency
Sedation
Antipsychotics    
Zyprexa (olanzapine) Used for chemotherapy drugs that carry a moderate to high risk of nausea and/or vomiting. Increase risk of developing diabetes
Sedation
Weight gain

 


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