Supportive Care Medications & Possible Side Effects

Below is a list of common side effects of cancer treatment and the drugs that may be used to treat them, followed by the possible side effects of those supportive care medications.

> Ondansetron, granisetron, Aloxi(palonosetron), Anzemet (dolasetron): headache, constipation, dizziness, diarrhea, fatigue, dry mouth, weakness, heartburn

> Prochlorperazine: muscle contractions, drowsiness, restlessness, dizziness, nausea, constipation, stuffy nose, dry mouth, blurred vision, agitation, sleep problems

> Haloperidol: drowsiness, restlessness, low blood pressure, dry mouth, increased saliva, headache, nervousness, loss of appetite, mood changes, agitation, blurred vision

> Metoclopramide: restlessness, drowsiness, weakness, headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, speech problems, depression, tiredness, urinary problems, muscle contractions

> Lorazepam: drowsiness, weakness, blurred vision, restlessness, confusion, low blood pressure, change in appetite, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, urinary problems

> Olanzapine: drowsiness, dry mouth, weight gain, dizziness, depression, sleep problems, weakness, restlessness

> Kepivance (palifermin): changes in tongue color, thick tongue, changes in taste, burning or tingling in mouth, joint pain

> Acetaminophen and codeine: drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, upset stomach, rash, difficulty urinating

> Hydrocodone: nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, constipation, anxiety, dizziness, rash, dry throat, itching, chest tightness, irregular breathing

> Oxycodone: nausea, vomiting, constipation, drowsiness, dry mouth, loss of appetite, itching, weakness, headache, sweating, mood changes, swelling, confusion, seizures, breathing problems

> Loperamide: drowsiness, nervousness, dry mouth, constipation, stomach pain, fatigue, vomiting, rash, hives, difficulty breathing

> Diphenoxylate and atropine: vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, drowsiness, bloating, rash, swelling, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, restlessness, dry mouth

> Methylcellulose: gas, bloating, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, skin rash, difficulty breathing

> Bisacodyl: upset stomach, diarrhea, stomach cramps, feeling faint

> Stool softeners, such as docusate sodium, docusate calcium and docusate potassium: nausea, stomach cramps, skin rash, fever, vomiting, difficulty breathing

> Lyrica (pregabalin): fatigue, headache, dizziness, dry mouth, gas, nausea, vomiting, constipation, confusion, anxiety, coordination/balance problems, weight gain

> Codeine: lightheadedness, dizziness, headache, mood changes, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation

> Epogen/Procrit (epoetinalfa): fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, joint pain, rash, swelling, weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, high blood pressure, blood clots

> Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa): fever, swelling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, high blood pressure, dizziness, joint/muscle pain, weakness, headache, blood clots

> Neumega (oprelvekin): fluid buildup, anemia, shortness of breath, tiredness, dizziness, weakness, headache, fever, problems sleeping, rash

> Neupogen (filgrastim): bone or muscle pain, headache, nosebleeds, fever, wheezing, dizziness, difficulty breathing

> Neulasta (pegfilgrastim): bone or muscle pain, headache, weakness, constipation, vomiting, fever, trouble breathing, dizziness

> Leukine (sargramostim): fever or chills, headache, diarrhea, rash, weakness, bone or muscle pain, shortness of breath