Final part of our extensive review of Chemotherapy examines side effects of anti-sickness drugs

Chemotherapy Part 5

Side effects of anti-sickness drugs used in chemotherapy

Most chemotherapy patients who use anti-sickness drugs encounter no side effects from the anti-sicknesss, but on rare occasions side effects can occur.

1. Fatigue

Many anti-sicknesss can cause fatigue or drowsiness, which might make the patient feel tired or sluggish. Examples of anti-sickness drugs that can cuase fatigue include ondansetron, promethazine, metoclopramide and prochlorperazine.

2. Headaches

Some individuals may experience headaches as a side effect of anti-sickness medications. Examples of anti-sickness drugs that can cuase headaches include metoclopramide, ondansetron, prochlorperazine, promethazine and domperidone

3. Constipation or diarrhoea

Anti-sicknesss can lead to changes in bowel movements, resulting in either constipation or diarrhoea.

Examples

• Ondansetron: While constipation is a more common side effect of ondansetron, diarrhoea can occur in some cases.
• Metoclopramide: can cause both constipation and diarrhoea.
• Prochlorperazine: Although constipation is reported more frequently, diarrhoea is listed as a possible side effect of prochlorperazine.
• Domperidone: Constipation is generally more common, but diarrhoea has been reported.

4. Dizziness or light-headedness

Certain anti-sickness drugs may cause dizziness or a feeling of light-headedness. Examples of anti-sickness drugs that can cuase dizziness or light-headedness include ondansetron, promethazine and metoclopramide (and even involuntary movements in some cases.)

5. 5. Sedation

Certain types of anti-sickness medications can have sedative effects, causing drowsiness or sleepiness. Examples of anti-sickness drugs that can cuase sedation include diphenhydramine, promethazine and ondansetron (although less common).

6. 6. Loss of appetite

Loss of appetite and weight loss is a common problem with chemotherapy. Additionally, some anti-sicknesss may disrupt sense of taste or reduce appetite, which can contribute to weight loss. Examples of anti-sicknesss that can cause loss of appetite (although rare in all) include ondansetro, metoclopramide, prochlorperazine and promethazine.

8. Allergic reactions

Although rare, it is possible to develop an allergic reaction to anti-sickness drugs. Symptoms may include rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

Examples

• Ondansetron: In rare cases, it can cause allergic reactions such as rash, itching, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
• Metoclopramide: Although uncommon, some people may develop allergic reactions to it, including rash, itching, or swelling.
• Promethazine: Can also cause allergic reactions in rare cases. Symptoms may include skin rash, hives, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.

For comprehensive and free health advice and information call in to Whelehans Pharmacies, log on to www.whelehans.ie or dial 04493 34591 (Pearse St) or 04493 10266 (Clonmore).