Some anticancer medicines, pain medicines, and other medicines can cause constipation. It can also occur if you are less active or if your diet lacks enough fluid or fiber. If you have not had a bowel movement for a few days, call your doctor, who may suggest taking a laxative or stool softener. Do not take these measures without checking with your doctor, especially if your white blood cell count or platelets are low.
Here are some tips that may help:
In addition, patients taking pain medications on a regular basis will almost always need medications to help them prevent constipation. Usually they are given a stool softener with a laxative.
RESOURCES:
American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
http://cancernet.nci.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
BC Cancer Agency
http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/default.htm
Canadian Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.ca
References:
National Cancer Institute website. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/ . Accessed March 22, 2006.
Tramonte, SM, Brand, MB, Mulrow, CD, et al. The treatment of chronic constipation in adults. A systematic review. J Gen Intern Med . 1997; 12:15.
Wald, A. Is chronic use of stimulant laxatives harmful to the colon? J Clin Gastroenterol. 2003; 36:386.
Last reviewed March 2008 by Marcin Chwistek, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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