Supportive medication for the chemotherapy day unit

As a patient undergoing Systemic Anti-Cancer Treatment (SACT), it’s essential to manage side effects effectively to ensure your treatment is as comfortable as possible.

Your nurse will provide you with a tailored plan, including various medication to take at home.

Please review this guide carefully and take the medication as instructed to minimise side effects.

Your nurse will tick the relevant boxes to indicate which supportive medicine you should take.

What kind of anti-sickness medication might I be given?

The kind of anti-sickness medication you may be given includes:

[…] Ondansetron: This is usually taken twice day (morning and evening). Common side- effects include constipation and headaches.

[…] Akynzeo (Palonosetron and Netupitant): A very strong long-acting anti-sickness tablet. One dose to be taken one hour before chemotherapy. DO NOT take Ondansetron if you are on Akynzeo. Common side-effects include constipation and headaches.

[…] Aprepitant: One tablet to be taken one hour before chemotherapy, then take one tablet daily for the next 2 days. Please see the pack for instructions on how to take this medication. Common side-effects include hiccups, headaches, constipation and dizziness.

[…] Dexamethasone: Steroid medication used as anti-sickness. Take the prescribed dose WITH food as instructed on the box:

If you are instructed to take this medication three times a day, then take it with breakfast, lunch and at 3pm with a snack.

If you are instructed to take this medication twice daily then take it with breakfast and lunch.

If you are instructed to take this medication once daily, then take it with breakfast.

Do not take dexamethasone later than 3pm if possible, as this can cause lack of sleep. Common side-effects include facial flushing, indigestion, abdominal bloating and insomnia.

[…]Metoclopramide: Take one dose 3 times a day, as and when required. This can be used in addition to the other anti-sickness medicines prescribed for you. (Do NOT take with cyclizine). Common side-effects include diarrhoea, sleepiness and lack of energy.

[…]Cyclizine: Take one tablet 3 times daily. This can be used in addition to the other anti-sickness tablets prescribed for you. (Do NOT take with metoclopramide) Common side-effects include dizziness, drowsiness, headaches, constipation, dry mouth and blurred vision.

What anti-diarrhoea medicine will I be given?

If receiving Immunotherapy – please contact the helpline.

[…] Loperamide 2mg capsules: These capsules are taken to minimise and control diarrhoea. Take two capsules after your first episode of diarrhoea followed by one capsule every time you experience further diarrhoea. You can take up to eight capsules in 24 hours.

If you are taking these tablets but continue to have diarrhoea up to three more episodes than usual per day, please telephone the helpline for advice immediately.

What growth factor injections will I be given?

[…] Filgrastim injections: These are used to stimulate the bone marrow to shorten the length of time your white cells are low. The start date will be instructed to you by your nurse. Common side-effects include bone pain and itchy skin around the injection site. You can take Paracetamol to help reduce the bone pain (check temperature before taking Paracetamol). You will be instructed how to use the injections when you have your first chemotherapy. This must be stored in the fridge.

What laxatives will I be given?

[…] Laxido/Movicol sachets: Used to relieve constipation. Please call the helpline for advice if bowels not open as normal. Take one sachet dissolved in water once or twice a day if bowels not open after chemotherapy. Once bowel movements return to normal, stop taking them.

Contact numbers

If your symptoms or condition worsens, or if you are concerned about anything.

The cancer assessment bay

Telephone: 01642 835502
Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm

At all other times please contact the oncology ward via 01642 854019

If you have any worries or concerns, you should contact your GP during normal surgery hours.

Outside surgery hours, you should contact your GP’s surgery for the out of hours service number.

Useful links

NHS website

Patient experience

If you would like to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact the patient experience team who will help you to do this.