Possible Side Effects of Methotrexate, Vinblastine, Doxorubicin, Cisplatin

(Table Version Date: October 8, 2013)

COMMON, SOME MAY BE SERIOUS
In 100 people receiving Methotrexate, Vinblastine, Doxorubicin, Cisplatin,
more than 20 and up to 100 may have:
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Infection, especially when white blood cell count is low
  • Anemia which may cause tiredness, or may require blood transfusions
  • Bruising, bleeding
  • Kidney damage which may cause swelling, may require dialysis
  • Hearing loss including ringing in ears
  • Hair loss
  • Red colored urine, saliva, or sweat
  • Increased risk of sunburn, rash
  • Tiredness
  • Pain in the jaw
  • Mouth sores

OCCASIONAL, SOME MAY BE SERIOUS
In 100 people receivingMethotrexate, Vinblastine, Doxorubicin, Cisplatin,
from 4 to 20 may have:
  • Allergic reaction which may cause rash, low blood pressure, wheezing, shortness of breath, swelling of the face or throat
  • Confusion
  • Difficulty with balance
  • Heart failure or heart attack which may cause shortness of breath, swelling of ankles, cough or tiredness which may occur years after the dose
  • Swelling of the body which may cause shortness of breath
  • Swelling and redness at the site of the medication injection or area of previous radiation
  • Belly pain
  • Sores in the mouth, throat or stomach
  • Sores in mouth which may cause difficulty swallowing
  • Diarrhea
  • Hepatitis which may cause yellow eyes and skin
  • Cancer of the bone marrow (leukemia) caused by chemotherapy
  • A new cancer resulting from treatment of earlier cancer
  • Damage to organs which may cause infection, bleeding, may require transfusions
  • Darkening of the nail beds or skin or hands and feet
  • Loss of nails
  • Fluid around heart
  • Internal bleeding which may cause belly pain, black tarry stool, blood in vomit
  • Liver damage which may cause yellowing of eyes and skin
  • Scarring of the liver
  • Seizure
  • Severe skin rash with blisters and peeling which can involve mouth and other parts of the body
  • Blood clot which may cause swelling, pain, shortness of breath
  • Loss of appetite, constipation
  • Loss or absence of sperm
  • High blood pressure which may cause headaches, dizziness, blurred vision
  • Pain or redness at site of infusion
  • Numbness and tingling in fingers and toes
  • Abnormal menstrual period

RARE, AND SERIOUS
In 100 people receiving Methotrexate, Vinblastine, Doxorubicin, Cisplatin,
3 or fewer may have:
  • Cancer of bone marrow caused by chemotherapy later in life
  • Severe blood infection
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Damage to hearing which may be permanent

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