Struggling with antibiotics on chemo

[Lyndy]

Hi all, following chemo last week I then started with cellulitis infection in my leg. I began taking co-amoxiclav antibiotics but found i couldn’t take them orally due to sickness.

On Saturday ended up in a &e having injectable antibiotics. They sent me home with the same pills and told me to take ondansetron (for 7 days!)

The pills are staying down but I am struggling to eat. (The nurse in a @ e described these pills as ‘horrible old things’)

Any thoughts? Should I ask for different antibiotics now GP is open?

thanks, Lyndy

[Caleda4]

Oh dear Lyndy, Sorry you are suffering like this,it sounds awful. I would definitely try the GP for something different I hope you get things sorted,and feel better soon.x

[Mammi in reply to Caleda4]

So sorry you’ve been unwell Lyndy, agree would definitely ask Gp if there’s an alternative & hope you get a better result! X

[Mariej2021]

Oh Lyndy The whole experience sounds horrible for you. I hope you do get through to GP for a different antibiotic Plus phone your clinical team or Specialist Nurse They should know about a severe infection Are you on a 3 week cycle I wonder will they still just do your bloods the day before chemo or would they check now because of the infection

[Newbery3]

Get well soon 😘 ring the gp lyndy xxx

[JustKBO]

hi Lyndy. So sorry you’re going through this. Sickness is the worst. Definitely try for different antibiotics and maybe alternative anti sickness tablets too. Good luck and let us know how you get on. X

[delia2]

Hi Lyndy. That sounds awful for you. Maybe ask your team for additional nausea meds and try a different antibiotic. I hope you feel better soon!

[candyapplegrey]

I got cellulitis from my PICC line and before hospital knew what it was, they put me on some very strong antibiotic. Didn't have any adverse side effects but can I remember the name? No. Maybe my sis will when she gets home. Sounds horrible. Hope you feel better. xx

[Lyndy in reply to candyapplegrey]

I get it often and it’s a devil but the antibiotics properly finished me off! Luckily GP was able to find a substitute x

[Laz66]

Hi Lyndy, have just seen this and you are maybe sorted now but I find metoclopramide suits me better than odansatron. Dont think its as strong though. Also when I struggled to eat I found crackers and salted crisps ok. Let us know how you get on xx

[Beccaax]

Hi Lyndy,

I'm so sorry to hear about everything you're going through—it sounds like you've been hit with so much at once. Dealing with chemo is tough enough without the added stress of cellulitis and antibiotics making you feel worse.

From my own experience, amoxicillin was a lifesaver when I dealt with an infection during a tough time (though my situation wasn’t exactly the same as yours). It was easier on my stomach, and I didn’t feel as drained as with other antibiotics. For the best effect, I order it from a reliable pharmacy here - delivery-service24.com/buy-.... Co-amoxiclav, on the other hand, can be quite harsh, especially when your system is already weakened.

Since you're managing to keep the pills down now, that's a step forward, but struggling to eat is a real concern. Eating even small amounts is vital to help your body recover. If ondansetron is helping with the nausea but not fully solving the issue, it’s worth reaching out to your GP to discuss alternatives. Some antibiotics are gentler on the stomach, and there might be an option that suits you better.

Also, try to focus on foods that are easy to digest and nutrient-dense—like broths, smoothies, or plain rice with a bit of protein. Hydration is just as important, especially since antibiotics and chemo can dehydrate you.

Lastly, don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself. If you feel the current medication is doing more harm than good, a conversation with your GP about switching to a different one is absolutely valid. Your comfort and ability to recover should come first.

Sending you strength,

Becca