i am on acourse of FEC chemotherapy and i am constipated, can i take laxatives?
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Q: whilst having fec chemotherapy treatment can i take laxatives if i am constipated
Answers (3)
6/13/10 7:06am
Lorraine, it's imperative that you check with you oncologist about any medicine you want to take during chemo, including old presscriptions and OTC drugs and supplements. Not only does s/he need to approve them, but it's helpful for the doctor to know what kind of side effects the chemo is giving you - including constipation. So check first, and then no doubt you'll be given something to help. Good luck - PJH
6/13/10 7:17am
Lorraine, both constipation and diarrhea can be side effects of chemo. Your doctor will probably say it's OK to take a laxative. However, as PJ says, you need to check with the oncologist before taking anything. The doctor may have a particular type of laxative s/he prefers, and charting your side effects is important. So give the doctor a call.
6/14/10 12:12pm
I had the same problem. REALLY bad. My oncologist recommended Miralax and Senokot. Senokot made me bleed and I was in the worst pain I've ever been in.... way worse than chemo, radiation and surgery... seriously. Ouch. Miralax didn't work for me- at all. I used something called Oxy Powder. It's an OTC herbal colon cleanser that you can get online. It's very gentle and doesn't use psyllium and it doesn't cause cramping. I also gave some to one of the girls on here that had trouble moving. It works and it doesn't tie your guts up in ribbons. I called the manufacturer to see if there were any drug interactions with chemotherapy and they said it was safe to use. My oncologist didn't have any issues with it either when I brought it in.
As always check with your doctor first. But that's what worked for me.
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By lorraine pacey— Last Modified: 12/25/10, First Published: 06/12/10
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REALLY helpful first-hand experience, Tracey - thanks so much, as always. PJH