Aprepitant medication beneficial for nausea in transplant patients

Researchers in the US have discovered a drug that can significantly reduce symptoms of nausea and vomiting in bone marrow transplant patients.

A study conducted by the Loyola University Health System found that together with other standard anti-nausea medication, almost three-quarters of patients treated with the drug, called aprepitant experienced no vomiting after chemotherapy and radiation.

Lead author of the report, Dr Patrick Stiff said: "One of the main themes of our research is to make bone marrow transplants more patient-friendly.

"Transplants are much more comfortable and easier to tolerate than they were a few years ago."

Bone marrow transplants are used to treat diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma and Hodgkin's disease.

Patients say that nausea and vomiting are the second-worst side effect of the post-surgery treatment after mouth and throat sores, with some having to throw up three to five times a day for a week or more after chemotherapy or radiation.

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