Side effects of chemotherapy
All medicines can have side effects but it’s hard to know if and when they might happen to you. This is especially true when it comes to chemotherapy treatments for cancer. A certain drug may make one person sick to their stomach while someone else might just feel queasy or may feel nothing at all.
Your healthcare team will explain which side effects to report right away, and which ones can wait until your next appointment. If you notice any unexpected side effects or symptoms, talk to your healthcare team. They will suggest ways to deal with them. It may also be possible to change your treatment schedule or alter your medications to manage them. There may also be other medications that can help.
Alert! Signs of a life-threatening allergic reaction to a chemotherapy drug
- developing sudden or severe itching
- breaking out in a rash or hives
- wheezing or trouble breathing
If you have any of these signs, go to your nearest emergency room. |
When are side effects most likely to happen and when will they go away?
Side effects can happen any time during your treatment. Some may happen during treatment, immediately after or a few days later. Some may continue after treatment is over, because it takes time for healthy cells to recover from the effects of chemotherapy drugs. Side effects can vary, depending on your treatment schedule, the drugs you are taking or how your body reacts to the treatment.
Side effects will gradually disappear when treatment is over, depending on the types of drugs you were taking and your general physical health. Some side effects may be permanent.
Last modified on:
09 December 2009
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