Although you are less likely to suffer from side effects when taking certain forms of oral chemotherapy (such as capecitabine) some people do experience nausea and/or vomiting. These side effects are more likely in people who are receiving combination therapy (i.e. when oral chemotherapy is given in conjunction with another form of therapy).

If you want to learn more about chemotherapy and nausea and vomiting, visit http://www.cancernausea.com/cinv/cinv_how_chemo.asp

Nowadays, there are drugs available that can help reduce nausea and vomiting. If you do experience these side effects, speak to your doctor. You may find it helpful to keep a symptom diary that you can show your doctor. Your doctor will discuss your symptoms so that both of you can decide whether it is appropriate for you to take medication to help reduce any nausea and vomiting. Such medications are known as anti-emetics. Common anti-emetics include drugs such as metoclopramide and serotonin antagonists. Both of these drugs can be taken either orally or as injections. Metoclopramide works better when given as an injection, whereas seratonin antagonists, such as granisetron, are highly effective in tablet form. There are also drugs to treat nausea and vomiting, such as prochlorperazine, which can be taken as a suppository as well as orally or by injection.

You can find out more about what drugs are used to treat nausea and vomiting at http://www.cancernausea.com/treatment_options/medications.asp.

There are some simple things you can do to reduce nausea and vomiting:

• Do not try to prepare foods if you are feeling sick, let others, if possible, do the cooking
• Avoid fried and fatty foods, or foods with a strong smell
• Eat several small snacks throughout the day
• Chew your food thoroughly
• Drink plenty of water during the day, sipping it slowly

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Remember that it is important to try and eat well while you are taking oral chemotherapy or receiving any other cancer treatment. If you have lost or are losing weight, you should try to increase your calorie intake. There are ways that you can do this without having to eat more food:

• Try adding sauces and gravies to meals as these will help increase your calorie intake
• Add melted cheese or butter to vegetables
• Always use plenty of butter or margarine on bread and sandwiches; add mayonnaise to sandwiches
• Add manufactured food supplements to your meals
• Eat cream, ice cream, or custard with puddings or fruit
• Try nourishing drinks in between meals, or, if you are feeling sick, instead of a meal.