Understanding CINV
What is chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting?
Chemotherapy is a type of medicine which helps rid your body of cancer cells.
Nausea (an unpleasant feeling in the back of your throat or stomach) and vomiting
(throwing up) are two of the most common side effects of cancer chemotherapy. When
nausea and vomiting are caused by chemotherapy, it is referred to as chemotherapy-induced
nausea and vomiting, or CINV.
About 70%-80% of all patients receiving chemotherapy may experience CINV if not
properly prevented. Thanks to many new advances in the prevention of CINV, you may
not have to feel sick while undergoing chemotherapy. Antiemetics like ALOXI may
prevent nausea and vomiting you may experience during chemotherapy.
Are some kinds of chemotherapy more likely to cause CINV than others?
Yes. The likelihood that a chemotherapy will make you sick is called its emetogenic
(eh-meh-tow-JEH-nik) potential.
Highly emetogenic chemotherapy is highly likely to cause nausea and vomiting. Moderately
emetogenic chemotherapy is moderately likely to cause nausea and vomiting.
How do I know if I will have CINV?
Some people are more likely to experience nausea and vomiting; others may not experience
it at all.
How might CINV impact my daily routine?
Untreated nausea and vomiting can result in weight loss, dehydration and malnutrition.
Indication
ALOXI is used in adults to help prevent the nausea and vomiting that can happen
on the day of treatment with certain chemotherapies or occur days later following
chemotherapies moderately likely to cause nausea and vomiting.
Important Safety Information
- Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking other medications or if you
are pregnant or breastfeeding
- The most common side effects of ALOXI® for the prevention of CINV
are headache and constipation
For more information about ALOXI talk to your doctor or see Full Prescribing Information.
ALOXI is available by prescription only.
The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only
and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider. All decisions
regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare provider, considering the
unique characteristics of the patient.
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