Side Effects 101

When Jimmie was first prescribed this new chemo pill it was accompanied by a small book of things to learn.  Do's like "use an electric razor" and Don'ts like "grapefruit juice" are good to know, but the important list is always the Side Effects.  This drug had 4 lists and none of them were very pleasant.

The very first page had a flashing neon sign that read:

• Can cause liver damage leading to death
• Can cause heart damage leading to death

A great way to say hello.  Then Jimmie turned the page and kept on reading . . .

Common Side Effects:  (in more than 30% of patients)

1. Fatigue
2. Diarrhea
3. Constipation
4. Mouth sores
5. Nausea and vomiting
6. Abdominal pain
7. Upset stomach
8. Heartburn
9. Swelling
10. Taste changes
11. Loss of appetite
12. High blood pressure
13. Low blood counts
14. Skin turning yellow
15. Bleeding

Less Common Side Effects:  (in 10 - 29% of patients)

1. Headache
2. Fever
3. Dry skin
4. Dizziness
5. Shortness of breath
6. Rash
7. Flatulence
8. Hair color changes
9. Cough
10. Hair loss
11. and then a whole slew of things that can show up in your blood work

There's also the less than 10% list, but they don't print that.  They do include:

Rare:  (Life-threatening events in 2-3% of patients)

1. Blood clots leading to pulmonary embolus or stroke
2. A hole in stomach or bowel wall

By the time you are finished reading you have to wonder if you should have left the pills at the drug store.  Seeing such predictions can be a tad disconcerting.  Then a couple of nights ago when Jimmie was back up in the middle of the night he decided there really should be a better list of side effects.  Something better to look forward to.  So, we brainstormed a few he would like to see on the next prescription.

Flashing Neon Greeting:

• Guaranteed to kill cancer!

Common Side Effects:

1. Frequent bursts of energy
2. Whitens teeth
3. Cures snoring

Less Common Side Effects:

1. Curls hair
2. Induces uncontrollable laughter
3. Makes everything taste like strawberries and cream 

Rare:

• Promotes World Peace             

I agree.  Those side effects would definitely be better.

- Linda

P. S.  Jimmie's hemoglobin was 10.3 this week - the first time it has been double digits since last summer.  Fantastic!