What should I watch for?
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.
If you are going to have surgery or any other procedures, tell your doctor you are taking this medicine.
Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine or for 4 months after stopping it. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. Men should not father a child while taking this medicine and for 4 months after stopping it. 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 or for 4 months after the last dose.
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 immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Blurred vision
burning, numbness, tingling, or painful sensations
dehydration
difficulty with breathing or swallowing
dizziness
headache
nervousness
pain in the chest, groin, or legs, especially the calves
pounding in the ears
redness, swelling, or pain of the skin
scaling of the skin on the hands and feet
severe, sudden headache
skin ulcers
slow or fast heartbeat
slurred speech
sudden loss of coordination
sudden, severe weakness or numbness in the arm or leg
unsteadiness or awkwardness
vision changes
weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
Less common
Bleeding gums
bloody, black, or tarry stools
coughing up blood
heavy jaw feeling
increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding
indigestion
loosening of a tooth
nosebleeds
pain, swelling, or numbness in the mouth or jaw
paralysis
prolonged bleeding from cuts
red or dark brown urine
severe abdominal or stomach pain, cramping, or burning
trouble breathing
vomiting of material that looks like coffee grounds, severe and continuing
Rare
Confusion
disturbed color perception
double vision
halos around lights
night blindness
overbright appearance of lights
seizures
tunnel vision
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
Belching
bleeding after defecation
change in taste
changes in hair color
decreased appetite
decreased weight
difficulty having a bowel movement
difficulty with moving
fear
hair loss or thinning of the hair
hoarseness
lack or loss of strength
loss of taste
muscle pain, spasm, or stiffness
pain in the joints
rash
stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
swelling or inflammation of the mouth
uncomfortable swelling around the anus
voice changes
vomiting
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.
