Adcetris Side Effects
What should I watch for?
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.
You may need blood work while taking this medication.
This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.
In some patients, this medication may cause a serious brain infection that may cause death. If you have any problems seeing, thinking, speaking, walking, or standing, tell your care team right away. If you cannot reach your care team, urgently seek other source of medical care.
This medication may increase blood sugar. The risk may be higher in patients who already have diabetes. Ask your care team what you can do to lower your risk of diabetes while taking this medication.
Talk to your care team if you or your partner may be pregnant. You will need a negative pregnancy test before starting this medication. Contraception is recommended while taking this medication and for 2 months after the last dose. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you. Use a condom during sex and for 4 months after stopping therapy. Tell your care team right away if you think your partner might be pregnant.
Do not breast-feed while taking this medication.
This medication may cause infertility. Talk to your care team if you are concerned about your fertility.
Side Effects (Rare and Common)
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Abdominal or stomach pain
back pain
black, tarry stools
bleeding gums
blood in the urine or stools
blurred vision
body aches or pain
bone pain
burning, numbness, tingling, or painful sensations
chills
difficult or labored breathing
ear congestion
flushed, dry skin
fruit-like breath odor
headache
increased hunger
increased thirst
increased urination
loss of voice
lower back or side pain
painful or difficult urination
pale skin
pinpoint red spots on the skin
stuffy or runny nose
sweating
swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin
tightness in the chest
troubled breathing with exertion
unexplained weight loss
ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth
unsteadiness or awkwardness
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting
weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
Less common
bladder pain
blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
cloudy urine
confusion
dizziness or lightheadedness
drowsiness
fainting
fast heartbeat
frequent urge to urinate
general feeling of discomfort or illness
irregular heartbeat
joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
rapid weight gain
red skin lesions, often with a purple center
red, irritated eyes
seizures
severe pain in the chest
sudden onset of severe breathing difficulty
thickening of bronchial secretions
unusual weight gain or loss
Incidence not known
Clay-colored stools
dark urine
indigestion
severe abdominal pain, cramping, or burning
severe constipation
severe vomiting
vomiting of material that looks like coffee grounds
yellow eyes or skin
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Decreased appetite or weight
difficulty having a bowel movement
difficulty with moving
hair loss or thinning of the hair
muscle spasm or stiffness
night sweats
pain in the arms or legs
rash
trouble sleeping
Less common
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.