Defined as fewer than three bowel movements a week (however persons who typically have frequent regular bowel movements may be considered constipated with fewer than five movements per week), this symptom can be caused by:
In cases of severe constipation, liquid can seep around a blockage, which some patients mistake for diarrhea. They may take an antidiarrheal medication which makes the problem worse. With prolonged constipation, other symptoms, such as confusion and retaining urine, can occur.
Stool softeners such as docusate sodium (Colace and others), although helpful, are not enough to manage this side effect. Pharmacies carry a number of different laxatives that are available without a prescription such as senna (Senokot and others), bisacodyl (Correctol, Dulcolax, and others), magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia), Metamucil and MiraLAX. The best thing to do is to prevent constipation through diet, exercise, and careful use of laxatives. Prescription pain medicines may be one of the biggest reasons people with cancer experience constipation. But your doctor can prescribe a special schedule of laxatives along with your pain medication so that you can still benefit from pain relief and avoid constipation. You should speak with your doctor or nurse before using any over-the- counter laxatives in order to ensure it does not interfere with any other treatment you are on.
