Side Effects : Important things to remember about the side effects of cytarabine: Most people do not experience all of the side effects listed. Side effects are often predictable in terms of their onset and duration. Side effects are almost always reversible and will go away after treatment is complete. There are many options to help minimize or prevent side effects. There is no relationship between the presence or severity of side effects and the effectiveness of the medication. Side effects and their severity depend on how much of the drug is given. In other words, high doses may produce more severe side effects. The following side effects are common (occurring in greater than 30%) for patients taking cytarabine: Low blood counts. Your white and red blood cells and platelets may temporarily decrease. This can put you at risk for infection, anemia and/or bleeding. Nadir: Meaning low point, nadir is the point in time between chemotherapy cycles in which you experience low blood counts. Onset: 4-7 days Nadir: White blood cells: 7-10 days, platelets: 12-15 days Recovery: 21-28 days Nausea and vomiting. Mouth sores (usually occur 7-10 days after therapy). Blood test abnormalities: Increase in blood level of uric acid. A pill called allopurinol may be given to decrease these levels. Increases in blood tests measuring liver function. These return to normal once treatment is discontinued. More often associated with high-dose regimens. These side effects are less common side effects (occurring in about 10-29%) of patients receiving cytarabine: Diarrhea Loss of appetite Skin rash, redness and itching Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, generalized aches and pains) within the first few days of treatment. Pain redness and skin peeling of the palms of hands and soles of feet (hand-foot syndrome) may occur with high-dose therapy (rare). Use of steroid creams or moisturizers may be helpful. Temporary hair loss (uncommon, but thinning may occur). Eye pain, tearing, sensitivity to light and blurred vision may occur with high-dose therapy. Often steroid drops or ointment to the eyes are used to prevent or relieve this condition. Dizziness, headache, excessive sleepiness, confusion, loss of balance may occur in up to 10% of patients receiving high dose therapy. Onset is usually 5 days after treatment and may last up to 1 week. More often these toxicities are mild and reversible. (see central neurotoxicity). Not all side effects are listed above, some that are rare (occurring in less than 10% of patients) are not listed here. However, you should always inform your health care provider if you experience any unusual symptoms.
Posted on: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 19:35:31 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015