Pills

[Shorty864]

How do people manage to take so many pills at one time without vomiting. Anne XXX

[Lindaura]

Oh, Anne!

I have been very lucky in that I have very few meds I have to take, except my stomach meds, which are as and when I need them.

But, if I am too nauseous to take meds, I have to get them by IV, even if it means I have to return to hospital.

Hope you feel better soon,

Hugs,

Laura

[Doglover1410]

Hi don’t know if this will help but I was told rather than throwing my head back to take them, to try keeping my chin towards my chest. I does help! I only have to take 2 Niraparib but always struggle with the 2nd one!

Hope someone else has more advice xx

[Yorkiepudd]

Hi Anne, I don’t have any cancer meds to take but a tip I had a long time ago was to take them using a bottle or straw as this then forms a natural funnel into your throat so makes it easier to get them down.

I’d suggest taking any anti-emetics first as well and giving them 20 mins to work and see if that helps. Also a long shot but ask your CNS if the meds come in any other form which may be easier to get down x

[Katmal-UK]

I dont have a problem but I totally agree with Doglover, put your chin (or in my case chins) to you chest makes it easier to swollow pills. x

[Cheryl4677]

I’ve had this problem since I was a child given cod liver oil capsules! I find the small tablets the hardest but magnesium and vitamin supplements can be a struggle too.

I spread them out throughout the day where I can and try to eat something soft like yoghurt to help them down. I find cold milk also helps. If the nausea is really bad I try to take anti-emetic first and wait for a bit to see if it helps. At least the amount of fluid I take then helps against dehydration!!! I rarely vomit but it can take several attempts some days. Usually the ones that taste horrible seem to get stuck. I did have some in liquid form but found them to be gloopy or foul tasting that left me feeling more nauseous. I can’t even clean my teeth easily and the dentist makes me anxious about gagging.

Good Luck. X

[AusTig]

I have six to take at night and it is a real struggle. I find using a bottle is easier than a glass or cup.

[Rosiemd]

Don't really have any advice but I am taking 16 capsules a day of olaparib-8×2. I find it very difficult as you can't take with food. I usually take x2 at a time with iced water.

[Erinna72 in reply to Rosiemd]

Oh dear, poor you. I asked my doctor to put me on the olaparib tablets as there was no way I could swallow so many capsules , especially being so big. The tablets are manageable and you choose whether you take them after meals or on an empty stomach.

[MarieRB]

So sorry to hear this - I think knowing you *have* to take them contributes to tenseness which of course then tightens up things in the throat and swallowing reflexes, leading to gagging. A couple of people have mentioned trying milk - this might help in 'settling' the pills in the stomach..... can you space taking them over half an hour - that might help. Also, do break them in half if they're very big (usually in the case of anti-biotic tablets I find - more suitable for a horse than a human!) Also good advice re taking anti-emetic tablets first, and giving them a bit of time to get going.