Search
Share your comments and feedback about ByMySide

Register for the By My Side™ Cancer Support Network
 
Find out more about chemotherapy and different side effects associated with chemotherapy...
 
Nausea & Vomiting
Weight Change
Diarrhea & Constipation
Mouth Sores
Pain
Temporary Hair Loss
Depression & Anxiety
While on chemotherapy, you may experience diarrhea or constipation. These problems can be short-lived, or they may go on for many days, causing other complications. They can be caused by the cancer itself, your treatment, other medications, or stress. In the case of constipation, dehydration or bowel obstruction can contribute to the problem.

Significant diarrhea and long-lasting constipation should be taken seriously. Both can lead to pain, fatigue, and decreased appetite. Diarrhea also can result in weight loss, fluid loss, and chemical imbalances, while constipation can cause nausea, vomiting, blockages, hemorrhoids, and anal tears. If you have a change in bowel habits that lasts for more than two days, you should call your doctor or nurse. When you are on chemotherapy, diarrhea and constipation can get out of control if not managed properly.

To treat diarrhea, your physician may prescribe anti-diarrheal medication, antibiotics, intravenous fluids, or a change in diet.
You can take steps, too:
Eat bland, low-fiber foods (such as white rice and mashed potatoes).
Drink lots of clear fluids; avoid coffee, caffeinated tea, alcohol, and milk.
Avoid smoking.
Clean thoroughly after bowel movements.
Look to your family and friends for support.

To treat constipation, your doctor may recommend laxatives, intravenous fluids, a change in your level of calcium intake, removal of hardened stool, or surgery if an obstruction is present.
Things you can do include:
Eat raw fruits and vegetables (clean exterior thoroughly).
Eat foods high in fiber (such as bran or whole grain cereals).
Drink fresh fruit juice (but not apple juice).
Drink warm or hot fluids, especially in the morning.
Exercise.
Avoid over-the-counter remedies unless recommended by your doctor or nurse.
If hemorrhoids or anal tears occur, use premoistened wipes and apply a topical antibiotic preparation if recommended by your doctor or nurse.
 

Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim) is prescribed to reduce the risk of infection (initially marked by fever) in patients with some tumors receiving strong chemotherapy that decreases the number of infection-fighting white blood cells.

Important product safety information
Ruptured spleen (including fatal cases), serious allergic reactions, and a serious lung problem called acute respiratory distress syndrome have been reported. Call your doctor or seek emergency care right away if you have abdominal or shoulder tip pain, shortness of breath, trouble breathing, a fast rate of breathing, or any allergic reaction. The most common side effect of this injection is mild to moderate bone pain. If you have any questions about this information, be sure to discuss them with your doctor. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

By My Side™ - Caregiver Resource.   ® 2008 Amgen All rights reserved.
Amgen.com  |  Neulasta.com  |  Neupogen.com  |  Vectibix.com 
Terms of Use  |  Privacy Statement  |  Site Map