Side Effects: Bleeding and Anemia

Bleeding

Infusion treatments may lower the amount of platelets in your blood. This can cause you to bleed or bruise more easily.
Call your care team right away if you have:

• Bleeding that does not stop after you apply gentle pressure
• Tiny red spots on skin or large, blotchy, black and blue marks
• An increase in bruising or blood-filled spots on the skin
• Coughing or spitting up blood
• Nosebleeds that do not stop after you apply gentle pressure or ice to the bridge of the nose
• Any blood in your urine (dark brown or bright red in color) or stool (black and tarry or bright red in color)
• Any fainting, confusion or increased shortness of breath

If you are told that your platelet count is low:

• Protect yourself from injury.
• Do not do contact sports or activities that could cause injury.
• Apply gentle pressure to bleeding sites.
• Eat soft foods that are not too hot or too cold.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Do not take aspirin or products that have aspirin, which can make it hard for your blood to clot.
• Check with your treatment team before taking new medicines.
• Use an electric razor to prevent cuts.
• Do not use a suppository or give yourself an enema.
• For women:
• Use pads instead of tampons.
• Use water-soluble lubricant before sexual intercourse.

Anemia

Infusion treatments may lower your red blood cell count. If your red blood cell count becomes too low, your organs may not get enough oxygen. This may cause symptoms, such as:

• Weakness
• Tiredness
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Headache or throbbing pain
• Ringing in your ears
• Pale skin
• Trouble thinking clearly

When your red blood cell counts are low, you should:

• Take short rest periods between activities.
• Save your energy to do things that are most important.
• Get enough sleep at night (at least 8-10 hours).
• Slowly change your position when going from lying down to standing up.
• Let others help you with daily tasks.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Eat foods high in iron and vitamin C.