OTC Anti-Nausea Meds-Recommendations?

DJC

I completed my first A/C cycle July 17th. I am now experiencing the latter stages of DCIN-Delayed Chemotherapy Induced Nausea. Can anyone recommend over-the-counter meds to help supplement my prescibed meds - Zofran and Compazine - I'm drinking as much water and Gatorade as humanly possible, but I'd like not to have to rely on the expensive prescriptions for total relief. Thanks Everyone! Donna

mc2001

Hi DOnna!
I have heard some people take some OTC antihistamines or drink shaved ginger root tea. Good luck with treatments.
-mc

chemoqueen1

I would ask your Onc for differant anti-nausea meds. There is a new one that was just approved by the FDA that is suppose to work better than Zofran and Compazine It is called Emend. Check out the following web site.

http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2003/NEW00886.html

smvargo

Hi Donna,
During my treatments with AC I was in nausea hell. Sips of Milk of Magnesia would help and also relieve the constipation from the Zofran. I finally ended up on Marinol and lorazepam, which for me made the nausea tolerable and took the edge off. I am told that there is a "cocktail" that a pharmacist can mix up that includes a mixture of mostly OTC meds. and a numbing agent that gives super relief. It was referred to as a "nausea milkshake." I never tried it but maybe someone knows the formula and can pass it on.
Stephanie

jamjar62

Hi Donna,

I never tried this because my Zofran always did the trick but I have a friend who swore by peppermint tea. No, you don't melt a peppermint in water! My friend sent me a couple of tea bags and the company name was Stash. Also, I've heard that ginger tea works for some people.

Also, are you able to eat? Sometimes if the nausea keeps you from eating that seems to make the nausea worse...what a vicious circle! Try bland foods like mashed potatoes or cream of wheat. Having something on your stomach might help.

I was wondering how you were doing. I'm glad you touched base with us!

Karen

DeeNY711

Please, please talk with oncologist about this because the chemo is extremely taxing on your liver. I'm not supposed to take nausea drugs unless it is absolutely necessary because liver function tests are so totally off at this point. You do not want to harm yourself without realizing the consequences. Plus, if your medication is not working for you, the doctor should be told anyway. Hugs, Denise

DJC

DeeNY711 said:

Please, please talk with oncologist about this because the chemo is extremely taxing on your liver. I'm not supposed to take nausea drugs unless it is absolutely necessary because liver function tests are so totally off at this point. You do not want to harm yourself without realizing the consequences. Plus, if your medication is not working for you, the doctor should be told anyway. Hugs, Denise

Good Day Everyone-Good recommendations all! Thanks. I have an appointment with my oncologist for blood tests today so I'll query him about OTC anti-nausea meds then-will advise as to what he says. Incidentally, he said I should throttle back on Vitamin A and E supplements-seems that they interfere with the effectiveness of the A/C cocktail. Did you Ladies receive the same advice? What have you been able to tolerate in the way of supplements, etc.? I feel so much better prepared to take care of myself during this phase, now that I have all of you to "talk" to-and in nearly "real" time. Many Cyber Hugs, Donna

simmonsg

I also had a terrible time with A/C. The Zofran and Compazine did not work for me either. One thing that helped alittle was to keep fluids in me. I drank ginger ale and gatorade and apple juice and frozen fruit pops. They were great. I tried bland foods and that didn't work - but Fried Rice and Egg Drop from the local Chinese restaurant did. Go figure - I was able to eat small amounts several times a day and it stayed down and seemed to help. Also call your Chemo nurse they need to know you are this sick - they do have other things they can give you. I really understand and you are in my prayers.

jamjar62

DJC said:

Good Day Everyone-Good recommendations all! Thanks. I have an appointment with my oncologist for blood tests today so I'll query him about OTC anti-nausea meds then-will advise as to what he says. Incidentally, he said I should throttle back on Vitamin A and E supplements-seems that they interfere with the effectiveness of the A/C cocktail. Did you Ladies receive the same advice? What have you been able to tolerate in the way of supplements, etc.? I feel so much better prepared to take care of myself during this phase, now that I have all of you to "talk" to-and in nearly "real" time. Many Cyber Hugs, Donna

Hi again Donna,

I was, unfortunately, not given the advice about the vitamin A and E until late into my treatment. A, C and E are anti-oxidants and they flush your system carrying away anything bad. The theory is that by not using them you keep the A/C in your system longer. The same thing applies when you have radiation. No supplements with A, C or E.

Karen

smvargo

simmonsg said:

I also had a terrible time with A/C. The Zofran and Compazine did not work for me either. One thing that helped alittle was to keep fluids in me. I drank ginger ale and gatorade and apple juice and frozen fruit pops. They were great. I tried bland foods and that didn't work - but Fried Rice and Egg Drop from the local Chinese restaurant did. Go figure - I was able to eat small amounts several times a day and it stayed down and seemed to help. Also call your Chemo nurse they need to know you are this sick - they do have other things they can give you. I really understand and you are in my prayers.

There might be something to this. Won Ton Soup from the local Chinese restaurant sustained me through AC.