Chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV)

Chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting medical cannabis treatment

Chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) can have significant effects on a person's quality of life, and their ability to go about their daily routine, but it can also lead to nutritional depletion or anorexia, serious metabolic derangements, physical and psychological deterioration. When other traditional treatments are unsuccessful in managing CINV, medical cannabis treatments, or cannabis-based products, may be a suitable option.

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Disclaimer: The availability of consultations for Chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting depends on the availability of our specialist doctors. We encourage you to consult with our patient support team to determine if this treatment option is currently available.

¼

Of patients using medicinal cannabis experienced no vomiting and nausea with chemotherapy treatment in a phase 2 RCT.

24%

Of patients using cannabis-based treatments did not have to use rescue medications after a chemotherapy cycle.

4 out of 5

Patients experience chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) when undergoing cancer treatment

320,000

People in the UK received cancer treatments between 2021 and 2022, which is 8,000 more than the year before

Symptoms

Dehydration

Feeling weak

Loss of appetite

Nausea

Vomiting

Chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting usually presents within the first 24 hours of treatment, but can be delayed, so if you are experiencing these symptoms, please speak to your doctor.

Treatment options:

Unfortunately, chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting is common when going through cancer treatment. There are a number of different techniques that can be used to manage CINV, and different medications that can be prescribed to alleviate its symptoms.

Aprepitant

Dexamethasone

Domperidone

Levomepromazine

Lorazepam

Metoclopramide

Nabilone

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A word from our specialist

"Many patients find chemotherapy can cause nausea and vomiting as a side effect. Medical cannabis can reduce this side effect by interaction with the endocannabinoid system. As well as this medical cannabis can stimulate appetite and encourage a more normal diet intake for those on treatment. Medical cannabis can also relax patients and reduce the stress associated with cancer treatments."

Dr Sue Clenton

Oncology

Find out if you may be eligible for medical cannabis Chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting treatments here
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Articles on Chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (cinv)

09. 08. 2023

A detailed guide on taking CBD with chemotherapy

CBD is a medical cannabis cannabinoid that does not produce psychoactive effects. It has gained significant recognition for its potential health benefits, such as pain relief, anti-inflammatory properties, and the possible ability to help reduce the side effects of chemotherapy. As a result, there is a growing interest in using CBD alongside chemotherapy as a complementary approach to cancer treatment.

31. 07. 2023

Can CBD oil reduce the nausea related to chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) are distressing side effects commonly experienced by individuals undergoing chemotherapy. These symptoms can significantly impact the quality of life, overall health, and treatment outcomes for cancer patients. In recent years, there has been growing interest in exploring alternative and complementary therapies to manage CINV effectively. One such potential option is medical cannabis, and in particular, CBD oil. This is a rich source of cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive compound derived from the cannabis plant.

13. 09. 2023

The Medical Benefits of THC explained

THC, or delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, is the most prominent cannabinoid in most cannabis sativa L. strains, and the compound that produces the psychoactive, intoxicating effects associated with cannabis. But, along with the recreational effects of THC, research is showing that it offers a range of potential therapeutic, wellness, and medicinal benefits for those suffering from a surprisingly wide extent of conditions.

Can medical cannabis help with chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting?

Chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting is more likely to affect women younger than 50, those taking certain opioids or pain medications at the same time, or those who have a fluid or electrolyte imbalance, kidney disease, an infection, constipation, or a tumour in their liver, gastrointestinal tract or brain. 

While the NHS are currently restricted by prescribing guidelines that only allow for the prescription of one type of cannabis-based medicine for the treatment of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (a capsule medication called Nabilone), private medical cannabis clinics like Releaf can prescribe a range of different cannabis based products, such as oils and whole plant flower, to treat the same symptoms. 

Cannabinoid use to treat vomiting and nausea therapeutically has been approved in the UK, but should always be done under supervision of a qualified healthcare professional, and is only considered once other conventional anti-emetics have proven unsuccessful. 

The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration state that for some patients high-dose THC products can be effective in managing, or curbing, nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, and emerging research suggests that its cannabinoid counterpart, CBD, may also be able to relieve these symptoms by interacting with serotonin receptors, which is why we tailor treatments to the individual.

Once chemotherapy induced vomiting and nausea is under control, or significantly reduced, there is normally a big improvement in quality of life, which can benefit mental health, sleep and general wellbeing. 

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