Supportive Medications
Helping Patients Find Relief
At HOAF, our goal is to improve your quality of life while treating your hematological condition. We take a proactive approach to treating common side effects, such as nausea, by prescribing medication or recommending infusion therapy before they even start. We look forward to helping our patients find relief and feel supported!
What Are Supportive Medications?
Supportive medications are drugs that are not used to treat the cancer or condition itself, but can help relieve the side effects of treatment. Also called protective drugs, these medications can help relieve or lessen the side effects of certain cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy.
Side effects vary from person to person, and different people undergoing the same treatment may experience varying ones. Severity of side effects is also something that can depend on the individual and the treatment. No matter how your body reacts, know that HOAF is here to help you manage side effects and symptoms during your journey with us.
What Causes Nausea?
Chemotherapy affects the whole body, not just the cancer. These treatments are designed to attack cancer cells, which are fast growing—that includes healthy cells, too. Some of those cells affected may be the gastrointestinal tract. When it becomes inflamed or irritated due to these attacks, nausea and vomiting may be the result.
There are other things that can contribute to nausea while undergoing oncology treatment, such as hydration. That’s why staying hydrated is so important! If we find that you need help with this, we may recommend hydration infusions, which are conveniently performed in the comfort of our office.
Nausea Medications
Unfortunately, nausea and vomiting are common side effects of oncology treatments, especially chemotherapy. These symptoms can begin within the first 24 hours that chemo is given, or more than 24 hours afterwards, which is called delayed nausea and vomiting. Some patients may even experience anticipatory nausea and vomiting, which may occur before treatment due to an anxious response in the brain. Knowing what kind of nausea you experience can better help our providers treat it. Nausea medications can help manage and relieve these uncomfortable symptoms by targeting different pathways or mechanisms in the body. At HOAF, they may be given orally or via infusion:
Do Steroids Have Side Effects?
Unfortunately, steroids can come with their own side effects. The good news? These rapidly improve as you are weaned off of them and eventually stop taking them. Look out for swelling, especially of the face or the legs, weight gain due to increased appetite, increased energy levels and sleeping problems. Steroids can also affect blood sugar levels, causing them to rise, which our team will consider before prescribing a steroid for patients with diabetes. If you start taking steroids and notice feelings of confusion, be sure to tell our team.
Holistic Supportive Care
HOAF’s Supportive Care Clinic, located at The Pines in Fredericksburg, VA, is focused on providing holistic care to patients at any point of their treatment. We believe in treating our patients’ minds as well as their bodies in addition to treating physical symptoms. At the Supportive Care Clinic, we take care of patients’ minds through pet therapy, aimed at targeting the stress of cancer treatment. There, we also help patients adjust to a cancer diagnosis, manage anxiety and depression, understand their condition, plan for advanced care and offer caregiver support.
Contact Us For Effective Side Effect Management
At HOAF, we help our patients navigate every step of their treatment journey, from the diagnosis on. Through proper management of nausea and pain through supportive medications, we can help you feel as comfortable as possible during your time with us. To learn more about supportive medications, call us at (540) 371-0079 or fill out our easy online form.
HOAF Means Hope
Where Healing Begins, Strength Prevails
At HOAF, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care for cancer and blood disorders to the Fredericksburg, Stafford, and surrounding communities. Our practice integrates advanced treatments with a personalized approach, delivering the highest quality care. As an independent practice, we focus on individualized attention, ensuring each patient receives compassionate, comprehensive care tailored to their unique needs. Our cutting-edge facility, equipped with an on-site pharmacy, offers convenience and a seamless treatment experience.
