Melphalan Nausea Prevention: Simple Tips That Work

If you’re about to start melphalan or are already on it, the thought of nausea can feel overwhelming. The good news is you don’t have to suffer in silence. A few easy changes to your routine, plus the right meds, can keep your stomach settled and let you focus on beating cancer.

Medication Options That Help

First off, talk to your oncologist about anti‑emetics. Drugs like ondansetron, granisetron, or dexamethasone are often prescribed alongside melphalan to block the nausea signal. Some doctors also add aprepitant, especially if you’ve had nausea with other chemo agents. Take these meds exactly when your doctor says – usually 30 minutes before the infusion – because timing makes a big difference.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, an over‑the‑counter option like meclizine can give extra relief, but always get the green light from your care team. Keep a list of all the anti‑emetics you’re using; it helps the pharmacy check for interactions and lets you notice which one works best for you.

Lifestyle and Food Tips

What you eat before and after treatment matters. Stick to bland, easy‑to‑digest foods like crackers, toast, or plain rice on the day of your melphalan dose. Avoid heavy, greasy, or very spicy meals that can irritate the stomach.

Sip clear liquids – water, herbal tea, or diluted fruit juice – throughout the day. Small, frequent sips are easier on the gut than gulping a big glass at once. Some people swear by ginger; try ginger tea or a few candied ginger pieces about an hour before chemo.

Stay upright for at least an hour after the infusion. Lying down too soon can let stomach acids creep up and trigger nausea. If you feel a wave coming on, take slow, deep breaths and focus on a fixed point; this can calm the brain’s nausea center.

Hydration is key, but avoid carbonated drinks that can bloat. If you’re struggling to keep fluids down, try an oral rehydration solution or a sports drink with a little extra salt and sugar – it can keep electrolytes balanced and reduce queasy feelings.

Finally, keep a nausea diary. Write down when the nausea hits, what you ate, which meds you took, and how intense it was on a 1‑10 scale. Over a few cycles you’ll spot patterns and can fine‑tune your plan with your doctor.

Remember, nausea isn’t inevitable. By pairing the right anti‑emetic schedule with smart food choices and simple habits, you can stay comfortable while melphalan does its job. Talk openly with your care team, try these tips, and adjust as needed – your stomach will thank you.