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Things to Know!
Support From Your Doctor, Nurse or
Pharmacist
Because nausea and vomiting can have serious medical
consequences, it is important that you keep your doctor,
nurse or pharmacist informed about your physical condition
at all times.
Communication is Key:
Always tell your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about
any unusual or disturbing symptoms that you experience.
CALL your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist immediately
if:
- vomiting prevents you from
keeping food or liquid down for 24 hours
- you have a dry mouth; you are not
going to the bathroom very often (your body is
making less urine); you have sunken eyes; or you
are confused. These could be signs of severe dehydration
- a bloated, painful, or swollen stomach
that feels better after vomiting
- you feel ill or have any of
the following symptoms, which may or may not be
associated with nausea and vomiting:
- lack of appetite
- upset stomach
- tiredness
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Get Help and Feel Better!
Until recently, nausea and vomiting were thought to
be unavoidable side effects of cancer treatment. But
not anymore! New medicines are available to help make
your life easier. ASK your doctor, nurse or pharmacist
if:
- a class of medicine called "antiemetics"
that prevent and control the symptoms of nausea
and vomiting may be right for you
- you can have the medicine that is
easiest for you to take, especially if you are
already taking other medicines
- you can have a medicine that is
least likely to interact with other medicines
you are taking
- your medicine is OK to take if you
have other conditions, such as heart disease
- there are alternative medicines
if your current medicine does not provide
full 24-hour control or relief of your nausea
and vomiting — for example, if you wake up
at night feeling sick, or feel sick before it’s
time to take your next dose of medicine
And remember: ALWAYS tell your
doctor, nurse and pharmacist about ALL the medications
you are taking — including over-the-counter medications
and dietary supplements.
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Symptom Diary | Diet Do's & Don'ts | Questions & Answers | Tips & Facts | Handbook for Nurses | Practical Guide for Patients
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