Non-immune related side effects early (onset days to weeks)
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Skin rash (acneiform rash)
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- You may get an acne-like skin rash.
- Your skin may become red and dry.
- Moisturise your skin with a gentle non-perfumed moisturising cream like sorbolene or aqueous cream.
- Do not scratch your skin.
- Do not use over-the-counter acne treatments as these can make the rash worse.
- Protect your skin from the sun by wearing sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen of SPF 50 or higher.
- You may be given medications to prevent the rash.
- Tell your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you notice any changes to the rash like itching, pain or pus forming
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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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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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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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Heart changes
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- You may get chest pain, shortness of breath, an abnormal heartbeat or swelling in your arms or legs.
- Before, during or after treatment you may be asked to have tests to see how well your heart is working.
- You will also have other blood tests to check your electrolyte levels.
- 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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Heart problems
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- You may get:
- chest pain or tightness
- shortness of breath
- swelling of your ankles
- an abnormal heartbeat.
- Heart problems can occur months to years after treatment.
- Tell your doctor if you have a history of heart problems or high blood pressure.
- Before or during treatment, you may be asked to have a test to see how well your heart is working.
- 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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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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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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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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Liver problems
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- You may get:
- yellowing of your skin or eyes
- itchy skin
- pain or tenderness in your stomach
- nausea and vomiting
- loss of appetite
- You will have regular blood tests to check how well your liver is working.
- Tell your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you notice that your urine is a dark colour, the whites of your eyes look yellow, or if you have stomach pain.
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Hand-foot syndrome (palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia)
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- The palms of your hands and soles of your feet may become:
- red and hot
- swollen
- painful and tender
- blistered.
- The skin in the area may also peel.
- Moisturise your hands and feet daily with sorbolene or aqueous cream.
- Keep your hands and feet clean and dry.
- Avoid hot water, instead use lukewarm water to bathe.
- Avoid direct sunlight.
- Avoid unnecessary walking, jogging or exercise.
- Wear cotton socks and avoid tight-fitting shoes.
- Tell your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you notice any skin changes on your hands or feet.
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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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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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Constipation
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- You may have bowel motions (stools, poo) that are less frequent, harder, smaller, painful or difficult to pass.
- You may also get:
- bloating, cramping or pain
- a loss of appetite
- nausea or vomiting.
- Drink plenty of fluids (unless you are fluid restricted).
- Eat plenty of fibre-containing foods such as fruit, vegetables and bran.
- Take laxatives as directed by your doctor.
- Try some gentle exercise daily.
- Tell your doctor or nurse if you have not opened your bowels for more than 3 days.
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Joint and muscle pain and stiffness
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- You may get muscle, joint or general body pain and stiffness.
- Applying a heat pack to affected areas may help.
- Talk to your doctor or nurse about other ways to manage these symptoms. You may need medication to help with any pain.
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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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Urine infection (UTI)
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- You can get a urine infection whilst receiving lenvatinib.
- You may get:
- pain on passing urine
- burning or difficulty in passing urine
- the need to pass urine more often
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine
- Tell your doctor or nurse as soon as possible, if you get any of the symptoms listed above
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