alemtuzumab

Unusual bleeding or bruising

You may have black stools, cough up blood, blood in your urine, purple or red dots on your skin or bleeding that will not stop. 

Fever, chills, infection

You have a fever if your temperature taken in your mouth (oral temperature) is:

• 38.3°C (100.9°F) or higher at any time OR
• 38.0°C (100.4°F) or higher for at least one hour.

While you are getting chemotherapy treatments:

• Keep a digital thermometer at home and take your temperature if you feel hot or unwell (for example, chills).
• Avoid taking medications that treat a fever before you take your temperature (for example, Tylenol®, acetaminophen, Advil® or ibuprofen) as they may hide a fever.
• Do not eat or drink anything hot or cold right before taking your temperature.
• Wash your hands often.
• Check with your doctor before getting any vaccines, surgeries or visiting your dentist.

If you have a fever, talk to your health care team or go to the closest emergency room. 
See our Neutropenia (Low white blood cell count) pamphlet for more information.

Nausea and vomiting

• Drink clear fluids and avoid large meals. Get fresh air and rest.
• Limit spicy, fried foods or foods with a strong smell.
• Take anti-nausea drug(s) exactly as directed by your doctor. It is easier to prevent nausea than to treat it.
• Contact your doctor if nausea lasts more than 48 hours or vomiting for more than 24 hours.
• Also see Nausea & Vomiting pamphlet.*

Rash; dry, itchy skin

• Stay out of the sun; wear sunblock, a hat and cover exposed skin.
• Use daily moisturizer.
• If severe, get emergency medical help right away.

Headache

• Take painkiller(s) as directed, if given to you by your doctor.
• Otherwise, take acetaminophen (Tylenol®) tablets as needed for mild aches and pains. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the right dose for you.
• Rest often, but may try light exercise.

Drug reaction; Infusion reaction (fever, severe rash, itchiness, flushing, dizziness, low blood pressure, shortness of breath, chest or throat tightness)

• You may be given medicines to prevent or treat this reaction
• May occur during or shortly after the the drug is given.
• In rare cases this may cause heart problems (irregular heartbeat, heart attack)

Heart problems
(irregular heartbeat, chest pain, fainting, swelling, shortness of breath)

Rapid killing of cancer cells when you start treatment may lead to build up of cell waste products

• If mild, this may cause gout, with joint pains, but if severe, may cause fevers, kidney failure, confusion and be life-threatening.
• You MUST take the preventive medicines given by your doctor AND
• Drink plenty of fluids (6-8 glasses per day) and void (urinate) frequently.

Blockage of an artery (blood vessel) in your heart, brain, chest, belly, or limbs; this may result in stroke (sudden loss of vision, speech, or the use of your limb(s)) or heart attack (chest pain, shortness of breath), or pain in chest, belly or limb

Blocked intestines
(severe belly pain, bloating, severe constipation)

Rupture in stomach or intestine wall
(Sudden, severe pain in belly or stomach area)

Autoimmune disorder

Kidney problems
(lower back pain, body swelling)

• Also look for passing little or no urine, darkening or blood in urine, or recent unusual weight gain 

Pancreas problems
(increased pain in centre of belly and may extend to back, appetite or weight loss)

Lung problems
(increased cough, breathing problems, chest pain, coughing blood)

Gall bladder problems
(severe pain and tenderness in the upper right belly, pain may spread to your right shoulder or back, nausea, vomiting, yellowing of skin or eyes)