The liver is the organ that breaks down (metabolizes) most of the chemotherapy drugs that enter the body. Unfortunately, some drugs can cause liver damage, including methotrexate, cytarabine, vincristine, and streptozocin. Most often the damage is temporary and the liver recovers a few weeks after the drug is stopped.
Signs of liver damage include:
- Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes (jaundice)
- Fatigue
- Pain under the lower part of the ribs on the right side
- Swelling of the abdomen or in the feet
Blood tests may be needed to watch for possible liver damage. People who are older or who have hepatitis may be more likely to develop liver damage.
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