Chemotherapy drugs are commonly used for the treatment of mesothelioma. Unfortunately, most patients experience side effects from the drugs, including nausea and vomiting. Fortunately, there are prescription drugs and other ways you can minimize these side effects.
Doctors take a proactive approach to prevent nausea and vomiting because they are hard to control once they begin. The side effects make you feel miserable, add to distress you may already feel, and may make you reluctant to stick to you treatment schedule. If you’re unsure about taking any of these medications when you are not feeling nauseated, talk to your doctor about the benefits.
Your mesothelioma doctor or oncologist will determine which anti-nausea medications are best to prevent the side effects based on your specific situation. What kind of chemotherapy drugs you’re receiving has bearing on your doctor’s choice. Many different classes of drugs are available including:
Serotonin antagonists
- Zofran
- Anzemet
- Lytril
- Aloxi
Steroids
- Dexamethasone
Dopamine agonists
- Reglan
- Haldol
- Prochlorperazine
Adjunctive medications which help prevent nausea and vomiting by reducing your saliva production are also used. They include:
- Xanax
- Ativan
- Scopolamine
- Benadryl
There are also measures you can take to prevent nausea and vomiting but they should not take the place of anti-nausea medications. For example:
- Eat small meals. Stagger small meals throughout the day rather than eating fewer larger meals. Having a light meal a few hours before treatment also may help.
- Eat what appeals to you. It’s best to avoid foods that are sweet, fried or fatty. Also cool foods may give off less-bothersome odors. Cook and freeze meals when you’re feeling well. You can also have someone else cook for you.
- Drink lots of fluids. Try cool beverages such as water, unsweetened fruit juices, tea or ginger ale that’s lost its carbonation.
- Avoid unpleasant smells. Pay attention to what smells trigger nausea for you and limit exposure to them. Fresh air may help.
- Make yourself comfortable. After eating, rest, but don’t lie flat for a couple of hours. Try wearing loose-fitting clothing.
- Use relaxation techniques. Try medication and deep breathing.
- Try abstaining from food (fasting) before chemotherapy. Several studies are in progress to learn the potential benefits of fasting prior to chemotherapy. Preliminary results suggest that fasting for 12 or more hours before treatment may decrease the chance of nausea. More evidence is needed before a firm recommendation can be made but this approach may be worth a try. If you are diabetic or have other medical conditions, make sure you talk with your doctor first.
Treating mesothelioma with appropriate drugs and techniques is important to your overall well-being. You will want to make sure that your doctor is well-versed in the treatment and care of mesothelioma. For more information, check out our mesothelioma treatment pages, or contact one of our mesothelioma family advocates.
