Nausea and vomiting are most feared of all chemotherapy-related side effects

Apr 25 2011

Fear of nausea a significant issue and often not discussed with healthcare providers

PediatRx, Inc. (OTCBB: PEDX) today commented on studies which reveal that chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting is one of the most feared of all chemotherapy-related side effects. The fear of nausea and subsequent vomiting is many times so significant that patients can develop a condition known as 'anticipatory' nausea, where the patient becomes nauseous primarily as a result of the fear of becoming nauseous. This fear may be left unmentioned during discussions between patients and healthcare professionals.

Certain medicines, called anti-emetics, can be used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. A class of anti-emetics, called 5HT3 receptor antagonists (or 5HT3s), are often used for prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting associated with cancer therapy.

PediatRx, a hospital specialty company with a focus on oncology supportive care, has recently commented on these findings.

"These studies highlight the important fact that patients undergoing treatment for cancer can sometimes be more concerned about the consequences of the treatment rather than the treatment itself. The evidence also points to this being a topic that often goes un-discussed between healthcare practitioners and patients. For patients undergoing chemo- or radio-therapy who may be unsuitable for other modes of administration of the 5HT3, granisetron, or who prefer an oral liquid anti-emetic, GRANISOL™, the only FDA-approved oral solution containing granisetron, may offer an alternative," said Dr. Cameron Durrant, the founder of PediatRx.

"One of the biggest differences between GRANISOL and other 5HT3s, is that two teaspoonfuls of GRANISOL administered once per day controls nausea and vomiting for 24 hours. Typically, other 5HT3s require multiple doses throughout the day or an IV line. Additionally, GRANISOL comes in a pleasant orange-flavored liquid," he added.

PediatRx offers a co-pay assistance program to help non-Medicaid or Medicare patients pay for GRANISOL.  This program, "GRANI Cares," provides up to $200 off the co-pay each time it is used, has no income ceiling, and has no limit on the number of prescriptions that qualify.

"We are acutely aware of the cost pressures on healthcare providers, payers and patients. That is why we developed this program to support patients taking GRANISOL, which is the least restrictive co-pay assistance program in its class," said Dr. Durrant.