Hi. I’ve had my first chemo session on Thursday and was prescribed ondansetron since then and I’ve taken my last dose this morning. I’ve been struggling with constipation. I spoke to my breast nurse on Friday and she suggested taking laxatives. I’ve been taking 10ml lactulose twice a day since then and today i increased the dose to 15ml twice a day. It’s still not working. Also pregnant. I have suffered from constipation even before. I also have fibrogel which worked last time after 2 days. I’m drinking about 1.5l of water per day. Not sure what else I can do.
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Get back to your nurse specialist. If the laxatives don’t work then there are better ones that can be prescribed, such as movicol. Don’t suffer in silence. Ondansettin is very effective but it constipates . It’s a matter of trying different things.
Prunes are good too
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Yes go back to your team and let them know you are still constipated also up your fluid intake too again dust this with your team. Baby bum wipe and anosol were a relief with the constipation too helped to calm the burning sensation down, sorry if tmi, but lots of us got constipation during chemo because of the steroids. I know others turned to prunes and tgat helped them. 
Shi xx
Do ask your team what else you can take. Each chemo cycle I was constipated for 5 days! (Sorry if TMI). As well as taking movicol (which didn’t do much for me), I had senokot which worked a bit better, as well as the usual lots of fluid, prunes etc.
Syrup of figs could help, also eating conference pears. Good luck
Hi rosa1
Thank you for posting.
Constipation can be a common side effect of chemotherapy and ondansetron as @Shi and @ChristineP22 says.
If the lactulose and fibrogel is not easing your symptoms it is important to talk to your treatment team as @Shi and @Pollyann suggest. They will be able to suggest any alternative treatments and advice for managing constipation.
If you are unable to contact your treatment team directly, you can call your 24hour chemotherapy helpline for advice.
As @Shi, @Pollyann and @debbie4 mentions a high fibre diet that includes foods such as prunes, figs and pears can help, and keeping hydrated by drinking plenty of water is also important. Our information on diet during breast cancer treatment may be helpful.
You also mention that you are pregnant, and it is important to inform your obstetric team so they are aware of the side effects you are experiencing. Your local pharmacist may also be able to provide advice.You may find our information on pregnancy and breast cancer helpful.
We also have support designed specifically for younger women (20-45 years) with breast cancer. We are currently running the Younger Women Together support events face to face and online. These events have been created to provide support for younger women (20-45) with primary breast cancer.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, (Relay UK - prefix 18001).
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Katy
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