Side Effects

All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.

Here are some important things to think about:

• Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
• Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
• If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:

• Trouble breathing.
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Passed out (or lost consciousness).

Call your doctor right away if you have:

• Hives.
• Blurred vision or a sudden loss of vision.
• Blood in your urine, frequent urination, or painful urination.
• Fever or chills with or without cough, hoarseness, or lower back or side pain.
• Strong feelings of restlessness, confusion, or are seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there.
• Slurred speech and difficulty walking (ataxia).
• Unusual tiredness, dizziness, or seizures.
• Numbness, burning, and tingling in the hands or feet. This is from nerve damage and is called peripheral neuropathy. To prevent permanent nerve damage, you may need to have a lower dosage, stop using this medicine, or switch to a different medicine.

Capecitabine can cause serious bleeding and death when used in combination with blood-thinning drugs (anticoagulants), such as aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin). Tell your doctor if you are taking an anticoagulant drug. If you have any unusual bleeding or bruising, call your doctor immediately.

Hydroxyurea can cause skin ulcers, especially on the legs. But this is rare.

Nelarabine may affect your thinking or reactions. If it does, don't drive or do things that require you to be alert.

Common side effects of these medicines include:

• Loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting.
• Skin rash, which may itch.
• Diarrhea or constipation.
• Sores in the mouth or throat.
• Hair loss. This is reversible, and hair will grow back when treatment ends.
• Changes in the way foods taste.
• Weakness or fatigue.

These medicines may also cause:

• Menstrual changes, symptoms of menopause (hot flashes and vaginal dryness), or early menopause in women.
• Loss of fertility, including decreased sperm counts in men.
• Low blood counts, which may make you tired and more likely to get an infection.
• Sensitivity to sunlight. You may need to protect your skin from the sun.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)