Cancer: Controlling Nausea And Vomiting From Chemotherapy

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Introduction

Of all the side effects of chemotherapy, nausea and vomiting are the most common and are among the most feared. But having chemotherapy does not mean that you have to suffer with nausea and vomiting.

Key points

• Nausea and vomiting can be controlled and even prevented. The best treatment plan is one set up by you and your health care team, based on your particular needs and feelings. You are the authority on how well you feel and how much nausea you have.
• Today’s antinausea drugs are very good at preventing and controlling nausea and vomiting. Your doctor should be able to find one that works for you.
• Prevent nausea. When you or your doctor foresee that a treatment will make you very sick, it's best that you take antinausea medicine beforehand.
• There are several other ways to get relief and make yourself feel better before and after your chemotherapy treatments.

 What causes nausea and vomiting?

 Why is it important to control nausea and vomiting?

 How can I control nausea and vomiting?

 Where to go from here

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Last updated:	October 30, 2007
Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Reviewed By:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine, Michael Seth Rabin, MD - Medical Oncology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC