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Less is more: Low-dose olanzapine can curb chemo-induced nausea without sedation
Medical Xpress / Juntendo University / The Lancet Oncology ^ | July 24, 2025 | Mitsue Saito et al

Posted on 08/03/2025 3:29:51 PM PDT by ConservativeMind

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting are among the most distressing side effects of anti-cancer treatment.

A new study examined whether a 5 mg dose of olanzapine taken at home after chemotherapy could reduce nausea and vomiting in patients with breast cancer while minimizing the sedative effects associated with the standard 10 mg dose.

This phase 3, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolled 500 female patients with breast cancer in Japan receiving outpatient anthracycline plus cyclophosphamide-based chemotherapy. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either olanzapine 5 mg or placebo in combination with standard triplet antiemetic therapy (palonosetron, dexamethasone, and an NK-1 receptor antagonist). The olanzapine 5 mg was taken at home after chemotherapy to help avoid sedation during hospital travel or treatment.

"This study uniquely investigates the timing of olanzapine 5 mg administration, given within 5 hours post-chemotherapy administration and before the evening meal, to reduce sedation during hospital visits and transportation.

The primary endpoint of the study was to investigate the proportion of patients achieving complete response, defined as no vomiting and no rescue medication use during the overall phase (0–120 hours post-anthracycline plus cyclophosphamide initiation).

The results demonstrated significant improvement, with 58.1% of patients in the olanzapine 5 mg group achieving a complete response during the first 5 days after chemotherapy, compared to only 35.5% in the placebo group. Benefits also extended to delayed nausea and vomiting across a 7-day observation period.

While some patients reported drowsiness, the incidence of severe or very severe concentration impairment was low, occurring in 10% of patients in the olanzapine 5 mg group vs. 14% in the placebo group. Additionally, no major adverse events were observed in either group.

These new findings suggest that an olanzapine 5 mg regimen, especially when administered after chemotherapy, can be just as effective, with fewer side effects.

(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...


TOPICS: Health/Medicine
KEYWORDS: cancer; chemotherapy; nausea; treatment
For people on olanzapine with chemo, it appears a half dose is as effective against nausea, but without the constant drowsiness.
1 posted on 08/03/2025 3:29:51 PM PDT by ConservativeMind
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To: Mazey; ckilmer; goodnesswins; Jane Long; jy8z; ProtectOurFreedom; matthew fuller; telescope115; ...

The “Take Charge Of Your Health” Ping List

This high volume ping list is for health articles and studies which describe something you or your doctor, when informed, may be able to immediately implement for your benefit.

Email me to get on either the “Common/Top Issues” (20 - 25% fewer pings) or “Everything” list.

2 posted on 08/03/2025 3:30:17 PM PDT by ConservativeMind (Trump: Befuddling Democrats, Republicans, and the Media for the benefit of the US and all mankind.)
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To: ConservativeMind

Bkmk


3 posted on 08/03/2025 3:48:26 PM PDT by sauropod (Make sure Satan has to climb over a lot of Scripture to get to you. John MacArthur Ne supra crepidam)
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To: ConservativeMind

It’s used to treat schizophrenia and/or bipolar. So, I’m sure there are other side effects. Personally, zofran every 4 hours around the clock was a wonder drug. Never got nauseous. And there are zero side effects.


4 posted on 08/03/2025 5:10:06 PM PDT by HollyB
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To: ConservativeMind

My heart and prayers go out to anyone enduring chemo treatment. Especially children.

May they all find healing, comfort and victory over the scourge of cancer.


5 posted on 08/03/2025 5:58:37 PM PDT by CondoleezzaProtege ( )
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