Treatments for Nausea

Many chemotherapy agents and other cancer treatments have negative effects on the digestive system. These can be direct effects, due to the killing of cells lining the mouth, stomach and intestines, or indirect effects of the treatments. Many people find that it is easier to prevent nausea than to treat it once it has developed.  For this reason it is important that you speak with your doctor about when/how you should take medication.^(1)(2)(3)

Drugs available to treat nausea:

• Aprepitant (Emend®)
• Dolasetron (Anzemet®)
• Granisetron (Kytril®)
• Ondansetron (Zofran®)
• Palonosetron (Aloxi®)

1. Jordan K, Sippel C, Schmoll HJ. Guidelines for antiemetic treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: past, present, and future recommendations. Oncologist. 2007 Sep;12(9):1143-50. [PUBMED]
2. Frame DG.Best practice management of CINV in oncology patients: I. Physiology and treatment of CINV. Multiple neurotransmitters and receptors and the need for combination therapeutic approaches. J Support Oncol. 2010 Mar-Apr;8(2 Suppl 1):5-9. [PUBMED]
3. Wickham R. Best practice management of CINV in oncology patients: II. Antiemetic guidelines and rationale for use. J Support Oncol. 2010 Mar-Apr;8(2 Suppl 1):10-5. [PUBMED]