My mom was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer (Stage IV breast cancer) about 1.5 years ago. She recently switched oral chemotherapy medications to taking Lynparza (olaparib) but she’s having extreme nausea as a side effect. She has tried several prescription anti-nausea drugs and continues to suffer from breakthrough nausea. She’s also tried some natural remedies like ginger tea, lozenges, etc. She gets nauseous at very specific times (usually in the late morning/early afternoon) and has noticed that if she eats a big breakfast sometimes the nausea isn’t as bad. She feels like she’s tried everything and doesn’t know who to even ask anymore, as the doctor, dietician, etc. don’t seem to provide satisfactory answers. I thought I’d try posting on some forums to see if anyone else has had this problem.
So, my question is, has anyone also struggled with nausea when taking Lynparza, and do you have any solutions? Thanks so much for your help!
Hi
I’m sorry to hear of your mum’s experience. Oral chemo is generally better tolerated but a side effect like this needs to be reported to the oncologist or breast care team immediately. It’s debilitating and unnecessary! I’m not on the same drug as far as I am aware (I’m guessing you’re not in the UK) but I am on oral chemo, capecitabine. This is taken twice a day, 12 hours apart.
The important thing is to eat before a dose and then eat with the dose. Blander foods like pasta, rice, potatoes, white bread are often recommended. I have toast. And more toast, The other important thing is to protect the stomach lining. My oncologist was glad to hear I already was taking Lansoprazole (Omeprazole is a bit stronger) which lines the stomach and protects it a bit.
The alternative, if this hasn’t be tried yet, is a dose reduction made by her oncologist. Certainly with capecitabine, it was surprising how much difference it made to my initial side effects.
Maybe someone with experience of your mum’s drug will respond. I have to say, I wouldn’t have your mum’s persistence - the first sign of nausea and I’m straight to the cyclizine!! I do hope you find a quick solution xx
Hello. I used to get nausea at the beginning of taking Oral chemo I stil get it sometimes, my Oncologist has dropped the chemo tablet to 75 it is a lot better now she also gave me Domperidone which is great it works after a few minutes. Good luck.