Hairy cell leukaemia side effects

Chemotherapy works by killing the cancer cells in your body. However, it can also temporarily impact your healthy blood cells too, making your blood counts low. This is called myelosuppression and is what causes the side effects of chemotherapy.

Side effects vary from person to person, depending on what drug is used, the dose, and your general health. In hairy cell leukaemia, the most common side effects of chemotherapy drugs are:

• feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
• dizziness
• fatigue (extreme tiredness)
• headaches
• frequent infections.

Chemotherapy damages your healthy white blood cells (which are part of your immune system). This causes a weakened immune system, which is called immunosuppression. It means you are more likely to pick up infections and find them harder to fight off, so you might need to take extra care to avoid infections where possible.

We have information about managing your risk of infection.

Most people won’t experience all of the side effects. However, side effects can be unpleasant and impact your daily life. There are often things that you and your medical team can do to help reduce or manage side effects though. For example:

• Your hospital team might prescribe you certain medications, such as a growth factor injections (G-CSF) which can help boost your immune system and reduce or prevent frequent infections. You can also be prescribed antiemetic (anti-sickness) medication, which can help with feeling and being sick (nausea and vomiting).
• You can make changes to your diet and be extra careful about hygiene which can help reduce the risks associated with infections.
• Some people find that avoiding overly spicy or sweet food, and instead eating cold and bland food can help to reduce nausea. Products which contain peppermint and ginger (such as peppermint tea or ginger biscuits) may also help with feeling sick.
• Lots of people find that learning certain mindfulness and relaxation techniques can improve their sense of well-being, as well as help with symptoms of nausea and fatigue in chemotherapy. Your team will be able to provide you with guidance around what might be best for you.
• Many people going through chemotherapy find that movement and activity actually help to reduce fatigue. It might take time to learn what is doable for you and to find a balance between rest and activity.

We have lots more information and tips about managing side effects.

As well as the physical side effects, you might find that chemotherapy can take a toll on you mentally.

It’s completely normal if you feel more emotional or tearful during this time, and you might also have more worries than usual. As well as talking to friends, family, and your medical team, some people find it helpful to talk to others who are going through a similar experience.

Possible side effects of rituximab include:

• bruising or bleeding
• feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
• fatigue (extreme tiredness)
• headaches
• frequent infections
• skin changes, such as a rash
• hair loss.

Some people can experience an allergic reaction to rituximab when they first have the treatment. Your team may give you medication before treatment to prevent this. But if you feel unwell at all during your treatment with a high temperature, chills, vomiting, or difficulty breathing, tell your team straight away. They can slow down or stop the drip.

As with chemotherapy, it is possible to reduce or manage specific side effects.

Lots of people worry about losing their hair as part of this treatment. While hair loss is temporary and will grow back, it’s a difficult side effect to cope with. We have more information about coping with hair loss and looking after your hair during treatment.