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.

Mouth sores

• Maintain good mouth hygiene. Regular teeth brushing with a soft toothbrush or Toothette®, and regular use of alcohol-free mouthwashes.
• Try rinsing mouth with a baking soda mouthwash:  Half teaspoon of baking soda in a cup (250mL) of water.
• Avoid hot, spicy, acidic, hard or crunchy foods.
• Check with your doctor or nurse as soon as you notice sores in mouth/lips or pain with swallowing. Your doctor may prescribe a prescription mouthwash to relieve mouth sores and prevent infection.
• Also see Mouth Care pamphlet.*

Diarrhea

• Drink plenty of clear fluids. Limit hot, spicy, fried foods, foods/drinks with caffeine, orange or prune juice. Try a low-fiber BRAT diet (Bananas, white Rice, Apple sauce, Toast made with white bread).
• Take anti-diarrhea drug(s) if given to you by your doctor.
• Also see Diarrhea pamphlet.*

Nausea and vomiting (usually 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.*

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

Low blood pressure; dizziness

• It may happen when the drug is being given.  Let your healthcare team right away if it occurs.
• Your nurse will monitor your blood pressure during your treatment.
• Try to get up and move slowly.
• Do not drive a motor vehicle or operate machinery if dizzy.

Liver problems (yellow skin or eyes, dark urine)

Irregular heartbeat

Kidney problems
(lower back pain, body swelling, passing little or no urine, or recent unusual weight gain)

Brain or Central Nervous System (CNS) effects, including confusion, excessive drowsiness

Pain, burning, redness, or swelling on skin where drug was injected

• Let your healthcare team know right away when this happens, since this drug can irritate tissues if it leaks from the vein during injection.