Skip the secondary navigation if you do not want to read it as the next section.
Take part in the Great Scottish Run and support the work of Cancerbackup. |
Skip the main content if you do not want to read it as the next section.
Skip the location trail if you do not want to read it as the next section.
This information is about ways to help prevent or reduce nausea (feelings of sickness) and vomiting (being sick), which can sometimes be caused by cancer or its treatment. It covers the medicines that are commonly used, which are known as anti-sickness drugs (or anti-emetics), as well as containing other ideas to help you cope.
If you are having chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment, this information should ideally be read with our general information about these treatments.
The mechanisms by which a person feels sick or vomits are complicated. Within the body, nausea and vomiting are controlled by an area of the brain known as the vomiting centre. This area may be stimulated to cause nausea or vomiting by nerves within the gut (stomach) or by other parts of the brain. Psychological and emotional factors can also influence whether a person feels sick.
Some of the reasons why someone with cancer may experience nausea and vomiting are listed below.
The type of anti-sickness treatment you receive will depend on the cause. Sometimes there is more than one cause of nausea and vomiting and more than one type of treatment may be needed. The drugs also work in different ways and are often used together to best effect.
Many different types of drugs are used to control nausea and vomiting. Some of these work on the brain by preventing the stimulation of the vomiting centre. Others work on the gut by speeding up the rate at which the stomach empties and so help to move food through the intestines more quickly. The most effective way of controlling nausea and vomiting is by treating the cause, if possible.
Anti-emetic drugs can be given in different ways.
By mouth Some tablets can be swallowed with plenty of water, while others can be placed under the tongue (sublingually) to dissolve.
Skin patches Some anti-emetic drugs can be absorbed through the skin (transdermally) from a small patch that is changed every three days.
Into a vein by drip Some anti-emetics can be diluted in a fluid and given through a small tube (cannula) inserted into the vein (intravenously).
Into the muscle The drugs are given by injection into a muscle (intramuscular injection).
Into the fatty tissue under the skin (subcutaneously) The drugs are either injected using a syringe, or given slowly over several hours using a pump attached to a small needle that is placed just under the skin.
Suppositories These are put into the back passage (rectum), where they dissolve and are absorbed into the bloodstream through the lining of the gut.
Some cancer treatments, including certain chemotherapy drugs, are known to cause nausea and vomiting. If you are taking these drugs, anti-emetic therapy will be given before the treatment has started. It may also be continued for a few days after the treatment has finished.
When someone feels sick or nauseated due to the cancer itself, it can take a while to control this distressing symptom. You will be given anti-emetics and, if possible, the cause of the sickness will be treated.
Whatever the cause of the sickness, the anti-emetics should be taken regularly so that the sickness does not have a chance to come back. If you have any nausea or vomiting which is new, becomes worse, or lasts more than a few days, let your doctor or nurse know.
Some of the more common drugs that may be prescribed are:
Sometimes anti-sickness drugs may cause side effects. Different drugs will have different side effects and each person may react differently. Some of the more common effects are listed below, alongside the drugs that may cause them.
Constipation Granisetron, ondansetron, palonosetron, and tropisetron can all cause constipation. This can usually be relieved by drinking plenty of fluids, eating a high-fibre diet and taking gentle exercise. Sometimes you may need to take laxatives to stimulate your bowel. These can be prescribed by your doctor.
Headaches Granisetron, ondansetron, palonosetron, and tropisetron can all cause headaches. Let your doctor know if you get headaches while having one of these drugs as part of your anti-emetic therapy.
Flushing of the skin Ondansetron, tropisetron (and dexamethasone when injected) can cause flushing or a sensation of warmth. Although this is rare, tell your doctor if you have these side effects.
Tiredness (fatigue) and feelings of weakness Cyclizine, haloperidol, levopromazine, palonosetron and lorazepam may cause drowsiness in some people. It is important to allow yourself plenty of time to rest, especially if you are having chemotherapy or radiotherapy as part of your treatment.
Indigestion Indigestion can be caused by dexamethasone. It may help to make sure that you always take the tablets with or after food. Tell your doctor if indigestion is a problem for you as medicines can be prescribed to help.
Wakefulness (insomnia) Dexamethasone may make it difficult for you to get to sleep. This problem can be reduced by ensuring that you take your last dose of the day in the early afternoon, rather than in the evening or before you go to bed.
Twitching Metoclopramide may cause muscle twitching which affects different parts of the body, including the face, neck and shoulders. This side effect is more commonly seen in children and young adults. If you notice this effect, stop taking the tablets and tell your doctor, as other medicines may suit you better.
This section has been compiled using information from a number of reliable sources including:
For further references, please see the general bibliography.
Make a gift today to support the work of Cancerbackup. Donate online >> |
Cancerbackup is a national charity and we rely on voluntary donations. To donate, please call 020 7696 9003 and tell us you have visited our website. Thank you.
