You are not alone if you have questions about side effects. Before chemo starts, most people worry about whether they will have side effects and, if so, what they will be like. The most common side effects of chemo include:

• nausea and vomiting
• hair loss
• fatigue (tiredness)
• increased chance of bruising and bleeding
• anemia (low red blood cell count)
• infection

Chemo may affect parts of your body in the following ways:

• intestinal and stomach problems
• appetite and weight changes
• sore mouth, gums, and throat
• nerve and muscle problems
• dry and/or discolored skin
• kidney and bladder irritation
• sexual and fertility issues because of effects on reproductive organs

What you should remember about side effects

• Every person doesn't get every side effect, and some people get few, if any.

• The severity of side effects varies greatly from person to person. Be sure to talk to your doctor and nurse about which side effects are most likely with your chemo, how long they might last, how bad they might be, and when you should seek medical care for them. For more information see the section, "When to call your doctor."

• Your doctor may give you medicines to prevent some side effects before they happen.

• Many people have no long-term problems from chemo. And although side effects can be unpleasant, they must be measured against the need to kill the cancer.

Last Medical Review: 08/28/2008
Last Revised: 09/11/2008