About Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting
If you are starting chemotherapy you are probably experiencing many feelings, both
emotional and physical. Unfortunately, chemo nausea and vomiting might be among them.
Chemotherapy is administered in order to hopefully eliminate cancer cells in the
body. Very often, healthy cells may be damaged or destroyed as well. The body recognizes
that chemotherapy is a toxin and may send a message to the brain that a toxin is
present. One of the most common triggers of nausea or vomiting from chemotherapy is the release of serotonin from your body. Serotonin
may attach to receptors known as 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 (5-HT3) sending off signals to the brain. When
the signals reach the brain, nausea and vomiting known as chemotherapy-induced
nausea and vomiting, or CINV may result.
- Nausea is a subjective condition, marked by an unpleasant sensation in the
throat and stomach. Nausea may or may not result in vomiting.
- Vomiting is the expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth
CINV may be prevented
The good news is that you can take measures to keep CINV at bay. There are medicines to help keep you from feeling sick
after receiving chemotherapy.
Indication
ALOXI injection is used in adults to help prevent nausea and vomiting on the day
of chemotherapy that is highly likely to cause nausea and vomiting, and up to 5
days following chemotherapy that is 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
Please read the Full Product Information and discuss it with your doctor or
health care professional.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the
FDA. Visit http://www.FDA.gov/medwatch
or call 1-800-FDA-1088.