Immediate (onset hours to days)
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Allergic reaction
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- Allergic reactions are uncommon but can be life threatening.
- If you feel unwell during the infusion or shortly after it, or:
- get a fever, shivers or shakes
- feel dizzy, faint, confused or anxious
- start wheezing or have difficulty breathing
- have a rash, itch or redness of the face
While you are in hospital: Tell your doctor or nurse immediately.
After you leave: Contact your doctor or nurse immediately, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department.
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Nausea and vomiting
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- You may feel sick (nausea) or be sick (vomit).
- Take your anti-sickness medication as directed even if you don’t feel sick.
- Drink plenty of fluids (unless you are fluid restricted).
- Eat small meals more frequently.
- Try food that does not require much preparation.
- Try bland foods like dry biscuits or toast.
- Gentle exercise may help with nausea.
- Ask your doctor or nurse for eviQ patient information - Nausea and vomiting during cancer treatment.
- Tell your doctor or nurse immediately, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department if you have uncontrolled vomiting or feel dizzy or light-headed.
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Bone pain after G-CSF injection
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- You may have discomfort or a dull ache in your pelvis, back, arms or legs.
- To reduce the pain, take paracetamol before each injection.
- Tell your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if your pain is not controlled.
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Flu-like symptoms from cytarabine
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- You may get a fever, skin rash, aches and pains or increased sweating.
- These symptoms are caused by the drug cytarabine.
- Symptoms usually happen 6 to 12 hours after your dose, and may last until 24 hours after your treatment has finished.
- To reduce any pain or fever, take paracetamol, if needed.
- Don't take aspirin, ibuprofen or other similar anti-inflammatory medications unless your doctor tells you to.
- Tell your doctor or nurse if these symptoms do not get better after 24 hours.
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Brain swelling (encephalopathy)
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- You may feel:
- dizzy
- sleepy
- confused or agitated.
- You may also get:
- headaches
- loss of balance
- hallucinations
- seizure (fits).
- These symptoms are caused by the drug ifosfamide.
- If you are being treated as an outpatient, try to have someone stay at home with you during the days that you are having this medicine.
- Tell your doctor or nurse immediately, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department if you get any of the symptoms listed above.
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Bladder irritation (haemorrhagic cystitis)
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- You may get:
- blood in your urine, sometimes with blood clots
- pain or burning when you urinate
- the urge to urinate more than normal
- stomach or pelvic pain or discomfort.
- When you go home, make sure you drink plenty of fluids (unless you are fluid restricted).
- Empty your bladder often.
- Tell your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you notice any blood in your urine.
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Nervous system changes from cytarabine
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- High doses of cytarabine can affect the nervous system.
- Tell your doctor or nurse immediately, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department if you get any of the following symptoms during or soon after your treatment:
- dizziness, drowsiness or double vision
- agitation
- difficulty walking in a straight line
- difficulty writing with a pen or pencil
- jerky movements
- slow, slurred speech.
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Eye problems from cytarabine
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- You may get:
- eye pain or irritation
- blurred vision
- watery or gritty eyes
- sensitivity to light.
- You will be given eye drops to help prevent and control these symptoms. It is important to use these eye drops as directed.
- Protect your eyes from the weather (sun and wind) by wearing sunglasses, especially if you have lost your eyelashes.
- Tell your doctor or nurse if you get any of the symptoms listed above.
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Taste and smell changes
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- You may find that food loses its taste or tastes different.
- These changes are likely to go away with time.
- Do your mouth care regularly.
- Chew on sugar-free gum or eat sugar-free mints.
- Add flavour to your food with sauces and herbs.
- Ask your doctor or nurse for eviQ patient information - Taste and smell changes during cancer treatment.
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