Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting were the most uncomfortable side effects of chemotherapy. With the development of new anti-nausea medications, this problem can now be prevented in almost every patient. Despite all the progress that has been made, many cancer patients are still under the impression that every single chemotherapy drug will cause severe nausea and vomiting. What is even more unsettling is that there are many physicians who still believe this to be true. This lack of knowledge and incorrect perception has an even more distressing effect on patients than the chemotherapy drugs themselves.

The real reason that cancer drugs cause nausea and vomiting is still under investigation. However, it seems true that drugs can stimulate and irritate certain key areas in the brain and cause nausea and vomiting. There are at least two basic components to nausea and vomiting.

1. Chemical triggering of nausea and vomiting by the chemotherapy drugs)

2. Psychological aspects

Nausea and vomiting is a very complex issue. Some of us have on occasion experienced this problem. Some people vomit by looking at something unpleasant. Nausea and vomiting has found its way in language by way of which we may express our feelings. For instance, "This food makes me throw up; take it away from my sight."

Certain chemotherapy drugs are known to cause severe nausea and vomiting when preventive medicines are not used:

• Cisplatinum

• Streptozotocin

• Cytoxan

• Nitrogen Mustard

• Ara-C

Some drugs do not cause nausea and vomiting:

• Cladribine

• VP-1

• Methotrexate

• Vincristine

• Vinblastine

• Vinorelbine

• Bleomycin

• Fludara

Prevention and treatment of Nausea and Vomiting:

Anti-nausea/vomiting drugs should be used in patients who receive chemotherapy drugs. The most effective drugs for preventing nausea and vomiting are the following:

• Zofran

• Kytril

• Decadron

• Anzemet

The schedule and dosage of these drugs depends on the type and amount of chemotherapy used. It is best to use these drugs immediately prior to chemotherapy. Normally, Zofran or Kytril are used in combination with Decadron. This eliminates nausea and vomiting in over 95 percent of patients.

Dr. Tirgan has authored a 250 page book on breast cancer which you may acquire on line by clicking here.