cancer
Chemotherapy Side Effects
Gastrointestinal Effects
Gastrointestinal (digestive tract) effects are very common and include Loss of appetite Nausea and vomiting Diarrhea These effects also may be caused by the cancer itself Loss of appetiteis common and may cause weight loss. People who lose more than 10% of their ideal body weight do not do as well as those who are able to maintain their weight or lose less weight. Doctors encourage people to maintain good nutrition. There are several drugs that increase appetite, but it is not clear whether they actually can reverse weight loss, improve quality of life, or prolong survival. Nausea and vomitinggreatly harm quality of life. People often think all cancer drugs cause nausea and vomiting, but these symptoms are more likely with certain drugs and with certain situations. Nausea and vomiting can usually be prevented or relieved with drugs (antiemetics), particularly withgranisetron,ondansetron, oraprepitant. Doctors may give these drugs before a dose of chemotherapy as well as to treat nausea and vomiting after it has started. Nausea may also be reduced by eating small meals and by avoiding foods that are high in fiber, that produce gas, or that are very hot or very cold. In some states, marijuana can be prescribed to relieve nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. Diarrheais common after treatment with chemotherapy drugs or with targeted therapy drugs (and after radiation therapy). Diarrhea is usually treated with the drugloperamide 