Nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy

Nausea and vomiting are common side effects experienced by patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment. These symptoms can be caused by the chemotherapy drugs themselves or by other factors such as anxiety or the presence of certain substances in the bloodstream. The severity and duration of these symptoms can vary greatly among individuals.
Typical medications used to treat nausea and vomiting in chemotherapy patients include:

Antiemetics: These are medications specifically designed to prevent or reduce nausea and vomiting. Examples include ondansetron (Zofran), granisetron (Kytril), and dolasetron (Anzemet). These drugs work by blocking the action of certain chemicals in the brain that trigger nausea and vomiting.
Corticosteroids: Medications such as dexamethasone (Decadron) are often used in combination with antiemetics to further reduce the severity of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Corticosteroids work by reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune system.
Serotonin receptor antagonists: These medications, such as palonosetron (Aloxi), work by blocking the action of serotonin, a chemical in the brain that can trigger nausea and vomiting.
Cannabinoids: Medications like dronabinol (Marinol) and nabilone (Cesamet) are derived from the cannabis plant and can be used to treat chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. These medications work by interacting with specific receptors in the brain to reduce feelings of nausea and vomiting.

Discuss the most appropriate treatment options with your healthcare provider, as the choice of medication will depend on the individual patient’s needs, medical history, and the specific chemotherapy regimen being used. Always follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider and report any side effects or concerns promptly.