Do all antisickness tablets cause constipation?

[Peggypuppy]

I got my shock O C. diagnosis on December 1st 2023,Grade 3 (c).I've had 2 chemo sessions ,& have been mostly ok,apart from the antisickness tablets really clogging me up!! After my 3rd chemo session on 26th February, I will have a c. t.scan to decide whether I will need surgery or not.I think being told its not curable, but manageable really hit me hard mentally.Today has been a bad day ,but I'm staying positive for a better day tomorrow !!

[Bettyxxx]

hi there

Firstly no they dont all cause constipation! I cant take ondansetron either, ask them to swap you for metachlopromide, they are fabulous and cheaper for the hospital so win win xx they can give u a bit of acid so be aware if thats a problem xx.

Also your journey is very early so one day at a time xx i was told low odds at stage 3c and that was 10 years ago (with a couple of bumps in the road) no one can predict yet how you will do we are all different and at this stage its all to play for, you are having treatment and doing well, its a lot but its doable and we have all been there so right with you xxx

Good luck

Diane

[Swimbuddy]

Hi Peggy. Constipation is a curse. I find a glass of prune juice every morning till things loosen up, really helps, plus drinking loads of water. With regards to your diagnosis, don't let that dominate your thinking. I was given a possible depressing diagnosis, but after two cycles my tumour markers have reduced. It's not an easy journey but we are all in it together. You are never alone, even if sometimes it feels that way xx

[Shluggie]

So sorry Peggypuppy to hear you’re having a tough time. Ondansetron is the pits for causing constipation so if you can use an alternative like metoclopramide that might help? Good luck going forward.

[Alice77]

I think that if Metachlopromide works for you that is the least likely to cause constipation but it was not effective for my nausea so I was prescribed Ondesatran which works but does cause constipation. Even more effective for nausea is Akinseo which you take just before Chemo and lasts for about five days, after which you can top up with Metachlopromide. Unfortunately this does cause constipation but at least it allows me to keep reasonably active without vomiti g or falling over! I find that you have to assume the worst and take stool softener and laxatives before you notice the constipation. As I have a high fibre diet anyway I also eat loads of fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds but with chemically induced constipation you have to go further and include prunes or plums and daily apples plus lots of water. Just start early and it should work. Best wishes.

[bamboo89]

In my experience, yes, they do cause constipation, but I offset that by taking Movicol, which works well. You can buy it over the counter, but I have mine on prescription because I need it quite regularly.

[Jholly4]

Hi peggypuppy as others have said cyclizine and ondansetron can affect bowel motility but sgter my op the surgeon swapped me to metochlopramide as he said that one affected this less. I did not have chemo so can not advise how effective it is for chemo nausea but it was effective post surgery.

[Hidden]

Hi, Peggypuppy,I also have stage 3c ov, diagnosed in March, 2022. I took the antinausea pills after my first round of chemo, and the constipation I experienced was worse than the paracentesis, port implant, and debulking surgery! I went through my other 17 weeks of chemo rounds without taking the pills with absolutely no nausea or constipation, but I also noted that I was being given an antinausea liquid with the steroid bag before the carbo/taxol bags. You might want to ask if you are being given any antinausea liquid. If I felt that I was becoming constipated after any round, I kept Mirilax on hand and drank it mixed with a 10 oz. bottle of water. Mirilax is a mild, nontaste, excellent laxative.

I was 72 years old when diagnosed, so my chance of recurrence with this particular incurable cancer is up at 90%, and survival years at a very low %.

I try not to focus on the depressing news.....it is what it is. I enjoy so many small moments in life as well as major ones, and savor the love and support of family and friends. Do not let your life dwindle away.....that lets the cancer win...both physically and emotionally. Live energetically, boldly, and full throttle!

Wishing you comfort and peace.

[SopSinger]

As above - you may find metaclopramide sufficient for anti-sickness (I did, but then I didn't have all that much sickness anyway). But stay on top of the constipation with a gentle laxative - Movicol is excellent and in the unfortunate event you do get really badly bunged up you can take up to 8 sachets per day. Start with 1 and build up until you are comfortable. Sending hugs!

[rhyspeace12]

Miralax worked well for my husband who had constipation his whole life without it.