Chemo Induced Nausea and Vomiting
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.
What do I need to know about chemo-induced nausea and vomiting?
Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of chemotherapy (chemo). They may be worse with certain kinds of chemo. Your risk for nausea and vomiting depends on the type of chemo and the dose (amount) of chemo you get. Nausea and vomiting can lead to dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, trouble focusing, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
What increases my risk for chemo-induced nausea and vomiting?
- Being female
- History of morning sickness during pregnancy
- Age younger than 50 years
- History of motion sickness
- Tendency to have nausea and vomiting during illness
- Nausea and vomiting during chemo in the past
What are the different types of chemo-induced nausea and vomiting?
- Acute nausea and vomiting happens within a few minutes to a few hours after you get chemo. It is usually worst during the first 4 to 6 hours after treatment and goes away within 24 hours.
- Delayed nausea and vomiting usually does not start until 24 hours or more after you get chemo. It can last for several days.
- Anticipatory nausea and vomiting is a learned response to chemo. It occurs because of past nausea and vomiting after chemo. Your brain expects that nausea and vomiting will happen again, even before the treatment is given. It can occur while you are preparing for the next treatment, during treatment, or after.
How is chemo-induced nausea and vomiting treated?
- Take medicines for nausea and vomiting exactly as directed, even if you do not have symptoms. You may need to continue to take these medicines as long as chemo is likely to cause nausea and vomiting. For example, you may need to take these medicines for several days after your last dose of chemo.
- You may need to try different medicines or take more than one kind. Some medicines may work better for you than others. You may also need more than one kind of medicine to prevent or control your nausea and vomiting.
- Alternative treatments, such as guided imagery or progressive muscle relaxation, may also help. Ask for more information about these and other alternative treatments.
What are other ways that I can manage chemo-induced nausea and vomiting?
- Avoid eating foods that can make nausea and vomiting worse. These include high-fat, fried, high-fiber, salty, sweet, and spicy foods.
- Avoid strong food odors. You may need to ask others to cook for you so that you can avoid the odor of food as it is cooking.
- Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day instead of large meals. You may have less nausea and vomiting with small meals.
- Eat bland foods. Bland foods may be easier for you to tolerate. Examples include clear broths, baked chicken, potatoes, rice, crackers, pretzels, and dry toast. Other bland foods include applesauce, bananas, sherbet, and yogurt.
- Find the best time for you to eat or drink on the days you have chemo treatment. You may find it helpful to have a light meal or snack before chemo. Wait at least 1 hour after chemo to eat or drink.
When should I call my doctor?
- You continue to vomit for more than 48 hours.
- Your nausea and vomiting does not get better or go away after you use medicine.
- You are vomiting and cannot keep any food or liquids down.
- You cannot take your medicines.
- You are losing weight.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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