Early (onset days to weeks)
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Low red blood cells (anaemia)
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- You may feel dizzy, light-headed, tired and appear more pale than usual.
- Tell your doctor or nurse if you have any of these signs or symptoms. You might need a blood transfusion.
- Tell your doctor or nurse immediately, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department if you have any chest pain, trouble breathing, or feel like your heart is racing.
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Infection risk (neutropenia)
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- This treatment lowers the amount of white blood cells in your body. The type of white blood cells that help to fight infection are called neutrophils. Having low level of neutrophils is called neutropenia. If you have neutropenia, you are at greater risk of getting an infection. It also means that your body can’t fight infections as well as usual. This is a serious side effect, and can be life threatening.
- Wash your hands often.
- Keep a thermometer at home and take your temperature regularly, and if you feel unwell.
- Do your mouth care regularly.
- Inspect your central line site (if you have one) daily for any redness, pus or swelling.
- Limit contact with people who are sick.
- Learn how to recognise the signs of infection.
- Ask your doctor or nurse for eviQ patient information - Infection during cancer 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:
- a temperature of 38°C or higher
- chills, shivers, sweats or shakes
- a sore throat or cough
- uncontrolled diarrhoea
- shortness of breath
- a fast heartbeat
- become unwell even without a temperature.
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Low platelets (thrombocytopenia)
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- This treatment lowers the amount of platelets in your blood. Platelets help your blood to clot. When they are low, you are at an increased risk of bleeding and bruising.
- Try not to bruise or cut yourself.
- Avoid contact sport or vigorous exercise.
- Clear your nose by blowing gently.
- Avoid constipation.
- Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush.
- Don't take aspirin, ibuprofen or other similar anti-inflammatory medications unless your doctor tells you to.
- Tell your doctor or nurse if you have any bruising or bleeding.
- Tell your doctor or nurse immediately, or go to your nearest hospital Emergency Department if you have any uncontrolled bleeding.
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Cytokine release syndrome
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- You may get a high fever, chills or shaking chills, feel unwell, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, low blood pressure and a rash.
- This side effect can be very serious. You will be monitored very closely with regular assessment.
- 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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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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Bleeding (haemorrhage)
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- This treatment may cause you to have increased bleeding and bruising, low blood pressure, shortness of breath, or confusion.
- Tell your doctor or nurse immediately, or go to your nearest hospital Emergency Department if you have any of the above symptoms.
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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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Extra fluid in the body (fluid retention)
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- You may gain weight over a short amount of time.
- Your hands and feet may become swollen, appear red or feel hot and uncomfortable.
- Wear loose clothing and shoes that are not too tight.
- Try not to stand up or walk around too much at one time.
- If your ankles or legs get swollen, try raising them.
- Make sure that any cuts or areas of broken skin are treated as soon as possible.
- Tell your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you get any of the symptoms listed above or gain 1 to 2 kg in a week.
- Tell your doctor or nurse immediately or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department if you become short of breath.
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Low antibody levels
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- Low level of antibodies in your blood may increase your risk of infection
- This may be treated with antibody replacement therapy.
- Tell your doctor or nurse immediately, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department if you get any symptoms of infection.
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Low blood pressure (hypotension)
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- You may get low blood pressure from this treatment.
- You may feel dizzy or light-headed.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking blood pressure medication.
- Your doctor will monitor your blood pressure regularly while you are on this treatment.
- Drink plenty of fluids (unless you are fluid restricted).
- When you want to get up from a sitting or lying down position, get up slowly to let your body adjust to the new position.
- Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel dizzy or light-headed.
- Tell your doctor or nurse if you get any of the signs or symptoms listed above.
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Neurological events
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- You may feel confused, agitated, dizzy, disorientated, have impaired speech or consciousness or have seizures.
- Do not drive or operate machinery if you get any of the above signs and symptoms.
- This side effect can be very serious. You will be monitored very closely with regular assessment.
- 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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Mouth pain and soreness (mucositis)
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- You may have:
- bleeding gums
- mouth ulcers
- a white coating on your tongue
- pain in the mouth or throat
- difficulty eating or swallowing.
- Avoid spicy, acidic or crunchy foods and very hot or cold food and drinks.
- Try bland and soft foods.
- Brush your teeth gently with a soft toothbrush after each meal and at bedtime. If you normally floss continue to do so.
- Rinse your mouth after you eat and brush your teeth, using either:
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water, or
- 1/4 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda in 1 cup of warm water
- Ask your doctor or nurse for eviQ patient information - Mouth and throat problems during cancer treatment.
- 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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