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Defencath

Defencath Side Effects

Allison Gourley, PharmDKristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Reviewed by Allison Gourley, PharmD, Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on December 9, 2025

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Catheter malfunction (17%)
  • Bleeding (7%)
  • Nausea (7%)
  • Vomiting (6%)
  • Dizziness (6%)

Less Common Side Effects

  • Chest pain
  • Low platelet count
  • Low calcium levels
  • Changes in taste

Defencath serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

  • Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT): skin changes, swelling or pain in an arm or leg, rash, shortness of breath, chest pain, trouble speaking
  • Severe allergic reaction: trouble breathing, swelling in the face or throat, wheezing, dizziness

Source: DailyMed

The following Defencath side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

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