Lifespan Cancer Institute

Side Effects of Chemotherapy

 

Side Effects of Chemotherapy

 

Chemotherapy is typically most effective when two or more drugs are used together. These can cause a variety of side effects, depending on the drug or drug combinations and the dose.

Our goal is to provide you with the best care while helping you maintain your lifestyle. Sometimes you may be asked to follow certain precautions during your cancer treatments. These precautions will help keep your treatments on schedule and reduce the risk or severity of side effects.

Talk to your doctor or nurse about the side effects associated with your chemotherapy medicines. Make sure to discuss any side effects that you feel are becoming unmanageable. Many can be prevented or relieved. Some possible side effects include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Mouth sores
  • Fatigue
  • Hair loss
  • Pain
  • Diarrhea/constipation
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Low blood cell counts
  • Premature menopause
  • Lowered resistance to infections
  • Increased bleeding