Nausea
and vomiting. There are now very effective anti-sickness
drugs to prevent or substantially reduce nausea and vomiting. If
it does happen it may begin a few hours after the treatment is
given and last for up to a day. If the sickness is not
controlled, or continues, tell your doctor. S/he can prescribe
other anti-sickness drugs which may be more effective.
Temporary
reduction in bone marrow function. This can result in
anaemia, risk of bruising or bleeding, and infection. This
effect can begin about 7 days after the treatment has been given
and usually reaches its lowest point at 10-14 days after the chemotherapy.
Your blood count will then increase steadily and will usually
return to normal within 21-28 days.
The
extent to which your blood count is reduced depends on the dose
of chemotherapy you receive and which other chemotherapy drugs,
if any, are given in combination. Your doctor can advise you how
likely it is that your blood count will be lowered by the
chemotherapy. Your blood count will be checked regularly to see
how well your bone marrow is working.
If
your temperature goes above 38øC (100.5øF), or you develop any
unexplained bruising or bleeding, or you suddenly feel unwell,
even with a normal temperature, contact your doctor or the
hospital straightaway.
Mouth
sores and ulcers. If your mouth becomes sore, or you notice
small ulcers, tell your doctor. S/he can prescribe suitable
mouth care for you.
Discoloured
urine. Your urine may become a pink-red colour. This may
last up to 24 hours after you have received doxorubicin, and is
due to the colour of the drug. It is quite normal.
Skin
changes. Your skin may darken, due to excess production of
pigment. This usually returns to normal a few months after the
treatment has finished.
Fertility.
Your ability to conceive or father a child may be affected by
taking this drug. It is important to discuss fertility with your
doctor before starting treatment.
Contraception.
It is not advisable to become pregnant or father a child while
taking doxorubicin as it may harm the developing foetus. Again,
discuss this with your doctor.
Sensitivity
to the sun. While you are receiving doxorubicin, and for
several months afterwards, you will be more sensitive to the
sun, and your skin may burn more easily than normal. You can
still go out in the sun, but always wear a high protection
factor suncream and protective clothing. CancerBACUP can send
you information on skin protection.
Less
common side effects
Changes
in the way your heart works. Higher doses of doxorubicin may
cause changes in the muscle of the heart. This can affect how
the heart works. The effect on the heart depends on the dose
given. It is very unusual for the heart to be affected if you
receive conventional doses.
Tests
to see how well your heart is working may sometimes be carried
out before the drug is given.
Diarrhoea.
This can usually be easily controlled with medicine but tell
your doctor if it is severe or persistent. It is important to
drink plenty of fluids if you do have diarrhoea.
Skin
changes. Areas which have previously been treated with radiotherapy
may become red and sore. Let your doctor know if this happens.
The skin over the vein used for the injection may become
discoloured.
Changes
in nails. They may become darker. White lines may appear on
them. These changes usually grow out over a few months once
treatment has finished.
Fever
and chills may occur from the time the drug is given, but
they do not usually last long. Your doctor may prescribe
medicines to reduce this side effect.