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Rash; dry, itchy skin (may be severe in some cases)

• Stay out of the sun; wear sunblock, a hat and cover exposed skin.
• Use daily moisturizer.
• May be severe, including blisters and skin peeling; get emergency medical help right away if this occurs.

Nausea and vomiting (generally mild)

• 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.*

Tiredness

• Rest often; take naps if needed. Move slowly when getting up.
• Eat well-balanced meals and drink plenty of fluids. Light exercise may help.
• Do not drive a motor vehicle or operate machinery when feeling tired.

Headache; muscle pain

• 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.

Abnormal levels of pancreas tests (lipase, amylase) (may be severe in some cases)

• Your doctor may monitor these regularly.
• Get emergency help right away if you experience increased pain in the centre of the belly (may extend to your back), with appetite or weight loss.

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.

Heart problems
(irregular heartbeat, chest pain, fainting, swelling in leg/ankle/belly, shortness of breath)

Mild swelling in arms and legs; puffiness (may be severe in some cases)

• Keep your feet up when sitting. Eat a low-salt diet.
• Avoid tight fitting clothing.

Liver problems (yellow skin or eyes, dark urine)

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

Blockage / hardening 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

Decreased blood flow to your leg(s)

• Due to gradual hardening/narrowing of the arteries in your leg(s); rarely it may affect the arm(s)
• Pain, cramping, or tired feeling in leg muscles; worsens with activity such as walking
• Leg(s) or feet may feel numb at rest. Skin may look pale and feel cool to the touch.

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

Kidney problems
(lower back pain, body swelling)

• Also look for passing little or no urine, or recent unusual weight gain.

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

Allergic reaction (severe rash, itchiness, swollen face, lip or tongue, chest or throat tightness; may occur during or shortly after the drug is given)

Eye problems
(pain, tearing, blurred vision or other unusual changes with your sight)

Increased pressure in the lung’s blood vessels
(chest pain, shortness of breath (worsens with activities), leg swelling)

Breakdown of muscle cells, may lead to kidney problems
(severe muscle pain or weakness, dark urine)

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.

Inflammation of blood vessels in the brain, kidney, skin or eye

Recurrence of Hepatitis B infection
(yellowing of white of the eyes or skin, upper right belly discomfort, fatigue, appetite loss, dark urine)