Nausea and vomiting are common during many cancer treatments. Both symptoms can reduce the quality of life and make it harder to continue care. The good news is that there are clear ways to lessen these side effects. With a mix of the right medicines, basic care at home, and support tools, patients can feel more in control.
Types of Nausea That Patients May Face
Symptoms do not look the same for every patient. There are several forms of nausea and vomiting linked to cancer treatment.
- Acute nausea starts within the first day after treatment.
- Delayed nausea begins one to seven days later.
- Anticipatory nausea shows up before treatment starts. The sights or smells of the treatment setting may trigger it.
- Chronic nausea stays even after treatment ends.
- Breakthrough nausea appears shortly after anti-nausea medicine is given.
- Refractory nausea does not get better even with treatment.
About 40% to 70% of cancer patients experience nausea or vomiting. The effects can be physical and emotional. Severe cases may lead to dehydration, weight loss, or the need to stop treatment early.
Medicines That Can Help
Doctors use antiemetic drugs to control these symptoms. There are different types for different causes and timing.
Common medicines include:
- Serotonin receptor blockers like ondansetron, granisetron, and palonosetron.
- Steroids such as dexamethasone.
- NK-1 receptor blockers, including aprepitant or fosaprepitant.
- Dopamine blockers like prochlorperazine and metoclopramide.
- Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam, are used when anxiety is a trigger.
- Cannabinoids, like dronabinol, which may offer relief but can bring side effects.
- Olanzapine, an antipsychotic drug, is useful for both nausea and vomiting.
Doctors often combine medicines to give better control. For high-risk treatments, a mix of three drugs — ondansetron or a similar option, dexamethasone, and an NK-1 blocker — may be used upfront.
Taking Steps Before Nausea Starts
Starting anti-nausea medicine before each treatment can stop symptoms from becoming severe. This approach works better than treating symptoms only after they start. It’s especially important with chemotherapy that is known to cause vomiting.
Eating smaller meals and choosing bland foods, like plain toast or rice, may help reduce nausea. Avoid drinking fluids with meals and stay sitting up after eating. Strong smells can also make things worse, so it helps if someone else handles cooking.
Hydration is key. Sipping water through the day, or sucking on ice chips, helps prevent dehydration from vomiting. Even mild fluid loss can make nausea feel worse.
Considering Alternatives When Standard Options Fail
When typical treatments for nausea do not work, some patients explore products that work through different methods. This can include herbal teas, aromatherapy oils, and cannabinoids approved for medical use. Each option should be discussed with a medical provider before use, as some may interact with current medications or cause unwanted side effects.
In some cases, patients have turned to vaporized forms of THC, such as delta 9 vapes, alongside other supplemental approaches. Others try peppermint oil or acupressure bands. Though not part of standard care, these alternatives may provide relief in hard-to-treat cases.
Natural Options at Home
Some non-drug options may support the effects of medical treatment. These do not replace medicine but can be used alongside it.
- Ginger: Ginger has been shown to lower acute nausea. It can be taken as a supplement or as tea, or eaten in small amounts.
- Acupressure: This includes placing pressure on points of the body. Some wrist bands are made for this use.
- Peppermint oil: Used in aromatherapy, peppermint oil may ease nausea.
- Guided imagery and music: Using calming sounds or visualizations can help patients focus less on their symptoms.
- Biofeedback and relaxation exercises: These can reduce stress, which may also reduce nausea.
When the Brain Remembers Nausea
Anticipatory nausea begins before treatment starts. Up to 30% of people may experience it by the fourth cycle of chemotherapy. It works like a memory, where the brain links the clinic setting with getting sick. In these cases, medicine is often not enough.
Behavioral therapy might help. This includes techniques like desensitization, where a person learns to change their physical response to triggers. Benzodiazepines may help with symptoms tied to anxiety.
Serious Risks from Uncontrolled Symptoms
If nausea and vomiting are not treated well, they can lead to more than short-term discomfort. Dehydration, trouble sleeping, feeling weak, lack of appetite, and emotional stress can all become serious. In some cases, people stop treatment early because they cannot manage these symptoms.
Doctors should follow up often to see how a patient is responding. Nausea can be harder to track than vomiting, so patients need to report any symptom, no matter how mild it seems. If a drug is not helping, another one might work better. Waiting too long to switch can make recovery harder.
A Closer Look at New Treatments
Some options are newer and may not be available everywhere. The Sancuso patch, for example, slowly delivers granisetron through the skin. You put it on one or two days before chemotherapy. It stays on for up to a week and may work better than pills for some people. But it’s not widely used yet.
Studies also show that olanzapine, when taken with palonosetron and dexamethasone on the first day of treatment, helps with both nausea and vomiting. This mix can prevent symptoms better than standard combinations using serotonin blockers alone.
Final Thoughts
Managing nausea from cancer treatment depends on using the right tools early and being open to trying new ones if needed. Medicines, habits at home, and supportive practices each play a role. Clear communication with the medical team is key. No one should feel they have to accept nausea as part of treatment. A tailored plan can make long-term care easier to face.
