What is Oral Chemotherapy? Know its Benefits and Side Effects

• Written by Jyotsana Shekhawat

  Reviewed by Akhil Pillai

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Chemotherapy is often associated with hospital visits and IV drips. However, cancer treatment is also available in oral forms, such as pills and liquids, allowing for treatments at home. Advances in medicine now provide this alternative to traditional intravenous chemotherapy, reducing the need for lengthy hospital stays. Read on to learn more about oral chemotherapy.

What is Oral Chemotherapy?

Oral chemotherapy is an advanced cancer treatment where medication is taken by mouth, either as a liquid or pill. It allows for convenient home-based treatment and is as effective as IV chemo in preventing cancer cells from growing. Strict adherence to the dosage schedule is crucial, and patients may experience side effects such as fatigue. With proper monitoring, oral chemo makes a hassle-free cancer treatment.

Benefits of Oral Chemotherapy

Cancer treatment often involves extended periods, which can be emotionally and financially challenging for patients. Oral chemotherapy offers a more accessible option with the following benefits:

• Patients can receive treatment in the comfort of their own homes
• Fewer hospital visits and administrations are required
• Discomfort from injections, cannulas, or PICC lines is minimized
• Less expensive than conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy

What Are the Side Effects of Oral Chemotherapy?

While oral chemotherapy offers convenience, it's important to be aware of potential side effects. These occur when chemotherapy drugs target cancer cells—and can also impact healthy cells, particularly those in hair follicles, digestive system, and bone marrow.

Here below are the common side-effects of oral chemotherapy:

• Nausea and Vomiting
• Diarrhea or Constipation
• Fatigue
• Hair Thinning or Loss
• Loss of Appetite
• Weight Changes
• Mouth Sores (Mucositis)
• Hand-Foot Syndrome
• Weakened Immune System (Neutropenia)

Some patients may also experience more serious side effects, like:

• Heart and kidney damage
• Mental fog (like forgetfulness, trouble multi-tasking or concentrating)
• Blood Clots or Bleeding Issues

How to Begin Oral Chemotherapy?

Before starting oral chemotherapy, it's essential to consult with a doctor and discuss the following:

• Stage of Cancer
• Treatment plan with duration
• Side effects of the medicines
• Recovery rate
• Time and way of taking the drugs
• Diet chart during the treatment
• Ways to tackle nausea, vomit, or fever during medication
• Supplementary drugs for pain
• Duration of further diagnosis like PETScan
• Whom to Contact in case of emergency

When to Consult with the Doctor?

Oncologists typically recommend oral chemotherapy after a thorough review of the patient's reports and cancer stage. However, patients should consult with their doctors if they experience any of the following:

• Difficulty in breathing
• Chest pain
• More than 100 fever
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Flu
• Acute body pain
• Skin rashes or change in skin color
• Constipation
• Mouth ulcers or oral mucositis

How does Cancer Mediclaim help?

Oral chemotherapy provides flexibility, allowing patients to undergo treatment from the ease of their home. However, it is crucial to ensure financial security while looking after cancer treatment. A health insurance plan covers the soaring expenses incurred due to chemotherapy, hospital visits, medications, and more. To ensure the right and timely treatment for cancer patients, Care Health Insurance offers Cancer Mediclaim. It covers hospitalization and medication expenses for cancer treatment, including oral chemotherapy (subject to policy terms and conditions). The number of cancer cases reported every year in India. It's always good to stay safe and secured. Opt for our cancer mediclaim and live worry-free.

Disclaimer: Underwriting of claims for Cancer is subject to policy terms and conditions.