Why side effects happen
Chemotherapy uses medicines that target fast-growing cancer cells. These medicines can also affect healthy fast-growing cells, which is why side effects may occur. Not every patient has the same symptoms, and the side-effect pattern depends on the medicines used.
Common symptoms to discuss
Patients may experience nausea, tiredness, appetite changes, mouth sores, hair loss, constipation, loose motion, low blood counts, or higher infection risk. Fever during chemotherapy should be taken seriously and reported as advised by the treating team.
Supportive care matters
Supportive medicines, hydration, nutrition, infection precautions, and timely blood tests are important parts of chemotherapy care. Patients should not start over-the-counter medicines or home remedies without asking the oncology team.
When to call urgently
Call the hospital if there is fever, severe vomiting, dehydration, breathing difficulty, bleeding, confusion, severe weakness, or any symptom the team has marked as urgent. Keep prescriptions and treatment-cycle details available.