What should I watch for?
Visit your doctor for checks on your progress. This drug may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon, as chemotherapy can affect healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your doctor tells you to stop.
In some cases, you may be given additional medicines to help with side effects. Follow all directions for their use.
Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. This drug decreases your body's ability to fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.
This medicine may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding.
Be careful brushing and flossing your teeth or using a toothpick because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving this medicine.
Avoid taking products that contain aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen unless instructed by your doctor. These medicines may hide a fever.
Call your doctor or health care professional if you get diarrhea or mouth sores. Do not treat yourself.
To protect your kidneys, drink water or other fluids as directed while you are taking this medicine.
Men and women must use effective birth control while taking this medicine. You may also need to continue using effective birth control for a time after stopping this medicine. Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you think that you or your partner might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine. This medicine may lower sperm counts.
Common and Rare Side Effects
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
Black, tarry stools
bleeding gums
chills
loss of coordination
lower back or side pain
painful or difficult urination
pains in the chest, groin, or legs, especially calves of the legs
pale skin
pinpoint red spots on the skin
severe headaches of sudden onset
shortness of breath
sudden onset of slurred speech
sudden vision changes
swollen glands
troubled breathing
ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
Less common
Bloody urine or bloody stools
decreased frequency or amount of urine
fainting or loss of consciousness
fast or irregular breathing
increased blood pressure
increased thirst
loss of appetite
skin rash
swelling of the eyes or eyelids
swelling of the face, fingers, or lower legs
tightness in the chest or wheezing
vomiting
Incidence not known
Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
joint or muscle pain
pain and redness of the skin in the area of earlier radiation treatment
red skin lesions, often with a purple center
red, irritated eyes
stomach cramps, tenderness, or pain
watery diarrhea
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
Burning, tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands, arms, feet, or legs
confusion
cough or hoarseness
decreased urination
difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
difficulty with moving
difficulty with swallowing
discouragement
dizziness
feeling sad or empty
headache
increase in heart rate
irritability
lightheadedness
loss of interest or pleasure
mood changes
muscle aches or cramping
muscle stiffness
pain or burning in the throat
pain produced by swallowing
rapid breathing
sensation of pins and needles
stabbing pain
stuffy or runny nose
sunken eyes
swelling
swelling or inflammation of the mouth
swollen joints
thinning of the hair
thirst
tiredness
trouble concentrating
trouble sleeping
wrinkled skin
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.
