Early (onset days to weeks)
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Diarrhoea
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- You may get bowel motions (stools, poo) that are more frequent or more liquid.
- You may also get bloating, cramping or pain.
- Take your antidiarrhoeal medication as directed by your doctor.
- Drink plenty of fluids (unless you are fluid restricted).
- Eat and drink small amounts more often.
- Avoid spicy foods, dairy products, high fibre foods, and coffee.
- Ask your doctor or nurse for eviQ patient information - Diarrhoea during cancer treatment.
- Tell your doctor or nurse immediately, or go to your nearest hospital Emergency Department if your diarrhoea is not controlled, you have 4 or more loose bowel motions per day, and if you feel dizzy or light-headed.
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Appetite loss (anorexia)
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- You may not feel like eating.
- Try to avoid drinking fluids at meal times.
- Try to eat small meals or snacks regularly throughout the day.
- Try to eat food that is high in protein and calories.
- If you are worried about how much food you can eat, or if you are losing weight, ask to speak to a dietitian.
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Bleeding into stomach or bowel
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- This side effect is rare, but can be very serious.
- Tell your doctor or nurse immediately, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department if you get any of these signs or symptoms:
- severe stomach pain
- swollen and hot skin around your stomach
- bleeding
- nausea or vomiting
- fever or chills
- a fast heartbeat
- you feel short of breath.
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Nose bleeds
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- If your nose starts to bleed gently apply pressure on the soft part of nostrils below the bridge of the nose for at least 10 minutes.
- It may help to put a cold pack over your forehead or the bridge of the nose.
- Tell your doctor or nurse immediately, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department if your nose will not stop bleeding.
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Tiredness and lack of energy (fatigue)
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- You may feel very tired, have no energy, sleep a lot, and not be able to do normal activities or things you enjoy.
- Do not drive or operate machinery if you are feeling tired.
- Nap for short periods (only 1 hour at a time)
- Prioritise your tasks to ensure the best use of your energy.
- Eat a well balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids (unless you are fluid restricted).
- Try some gentle exercise daily.
- Allow your friends and family to help.
- Tell your doctor or nurse if you get any of the symptoms listed above.
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Skin rash
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- You may get a red, bumpy rash and dry, itchy skin.
- Moisturise your skin with a gentle non-perfumed moisturising cream like sorbolene or aqueous cream.
- Do not scratch your skin.
- Protect your skin from the sun by wearing sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen of SPF 50 or higher.
- Talk to your doctor or nurse about other ways to manage your skin rash.
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Bleeding (haemorrhage)
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- Tell your doctor or nurse if you have a wound that does not heal.
- Tell your doctor or nurse immediately, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department if you get any of the following signs or symptoms:
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- bright red or black, tarry bowel motions (stools, poo)
- stomach pain
- slurred speech
- shortness of breath
- a fast heartbeat.
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Kidney changes or damage
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- This treatment may cause changes to how your kidneys work. This may cause protein in your urine.
- This is not something that you will notice.
- You will have blood and urine tests to check that your kidneys are working properly.
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Blood clots (thromboembolism)
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- Blood clots can occur with this treatment.
- Tell your doctor or nurse immediately, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department if you get any of the following signs or symptoms:
- redness, heat or pain in your leg(s)
- numbness or weakness in your face, arm or leg
- chest pain
- sudden shortness of breath
- dizziness
- trouble speaking
- blurred vision
- severe headache
- unexplained falls or loss of balance.
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High blood pressure (hypertension)
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- You may not have any signs or symptoms if you have high blood pressure.
- If it is severe you may get headaches, shortness of breath or feel dizzy.
- Your blood pressure will be taken regularly during your treatment.
- Tell your doctor or nurse immediately, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department if you get any of the signs or symptoms listed above.
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Changes in the way your brain works [reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS)]
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- This treatment can have an effect on your brain, but this is rare.
- Tell your doctor or nurse immediately or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department if you get any of the following signs or symptoms:
- headaches or vision problems
- nausea and vomiting
- tiredness
- confusion
- fits (seizures)
- high blood pressure.
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