Side effects of treatment for mantle cell lymphoma

Side effects vary from person to person, depending on what treatment, drug, and dose is used, and any other medical conditions you might have. Your hospital team will talk you through what side effects to expect.

Common side effects of mantle cell lymphoma treatment include:

• sickness and vomiting
• loss of appetite or eating problems
• changes in your weight
• fatigue (extreme tiredness)
• aching muscles or joints
• dizziness and headaches
• increased risk of infection
• bruising and bleeding more easily
• changes to skin, such as a rash
• hair loss
• painful mouth and ulcers
• problems with digestion, such as constipation or diarrhoea
  

Some treatments for mantle cell lymphoma can impact your ability to get pregnant or make someone else pregnant (your fertility). If this is something that affects you, talk to your medical team about options for preserving your fertility before you start treatment. We have more information about fertility before and after treatment.

You are unlikely to experience all the possible side effects, but they can be unpleasant. Tell your hospital team about any changes in how you feel, because there are things they can do to help. This is sometimes called supportive care. For example:

• They can prescribe medicine such as antibiotics to treat or prevent infections and antiemetics to stop you feeling sick.
• They may suggest changes to your diet and lifestyle which can help to manage the increased risk of infection, improve fatigue and help with sickness.
• If you have low levels of certain blood cells, you might be given blood transfusions or injections to help with this.

Alongside specific side effects, you may find you feel generally unwell or lacking in energy. Your hospital team will be able to help with this too, or you may want to try self-help tips from other people who have been through treatment. For example, lots of people find that mindfulness or relaxation techniques help them cope with side effects and pain management.

Your hospital team will give you guidance about what might be best for you and point you to the right support. We also have lots more information about specific side effects and how to manage them.