Chemotherapy Side Effects

The side effect of the chemotherapy mainly depends on what type of therapy being followed. Most side effects of the chemotherapy ceases after treatment. Very rarely some treatments may produce long-term effects.

Some of the side effects that may occur are abdominal pain, Acid indigestion, itching, and pain in the joints.

The drugs used in the chemotherapy and its side effects:

1. BC NU (Carmustine): This drug is injected via the intravenous route for about 15-45 minutes. If the infusions are shorter then it results in severe burning along with the vein and the generalized flushing. The side effects of this drug include suppression in the bone marrow, vomiting sensation and nausea. It results in liver and kidney toxicity but it is rare.
2. Bleomycin (Blenoxane):  The administration of this drug may be intramuscular, intravenous, intra-arterial, subcutaneous or through intracavitary route. The Side-effects of this drug include high fever, reactions in the skin as well as inflammation in the skin thickening and swelling in the nail beds, and hair loss. It may also result in itchiness and head ache .High doses i.e. greater than 400U may result in the problems related to the pulmonary
3. Busulfan (Myleran): The administration of this drug is through oral route (pills). Side effects of this drug include decreased number in the white counts if it is taken in the low doses. If it is taken in the high doses then it results in destruction of all cell lines. Interstitial lung fibrosis may occur in the rare cases. One more problem that may occur is the growth of the breast tissue (gynecomastia) and also testicular atrophy can occur,