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 among 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 help avoid nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy. Antiemetics like ALOXI may help 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?

Research has shown that some people with the following risk factors are more likely to experience nausea and vomiting; others may not experience it at all.

How might CINV impact me?

Prolonged nausea and vomiting may result in unwanted weight loss, dehydration and malnutrition as well as hospitalization.