Diarrhea is the passage of loose or watery stools several times a day with or without discomfort. Along with diarrhea, you may have gas, cramps, and bloating. Diarrhea occurs in about 3 out of 4 people who get chemotherapy because it damages the rapidly dividing cells in the digestive (gastrointestinal) tract.
Factors that affect the risk of diarrhea during chemotherapy include:
- Receiving drugs that cause diarrhea (such as irinotecan, 5-fluorouracil, methotrexate, docetaxel, doxorubicin, and dactinomycin)
- Drug dose
- Length of treatment
- Having a stomach tumor
- Intestinal bacteria or viruses
- Other medicines, like antibiotics or certain types of antacids
- Nutritional supplements
- Receiving both radiation and chemotherapy
- Food allergies, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea as well as more serious symptoms
- Lactose intolerance, in which milk products cause gas and diarrhea
- Lifestyle changes
- Stress and anxiety
Diarrhea can be serious and become life threatening if it leads to dehydration, malnutrition, and electrolyte imbalances. It is important to report any diarrhea to your doctor or nurse so that it can be treated promptly. Keep a record of the number of times you have diarrhea, the amount, and the appearance and give this information to your doctor.
Diarrhea is a common side effect of irinotecan (CPT-11 or Camptosar®) and needs to be treated right away to prevent serious dehydration. If you are getting irinotecan, it is very important that you follow your doctor’s instructions to take medicines to stop diarrhea right away.
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