Side Effects of FOLFOX Chemotherapy?
The medications you receive during treatment for FOLFOX and other kinds of chemotherapy can destroy important cells in your body and result in many side effects.
Studies done by the National Cancer Institute show that over 20 percent of people using FOLFOX therapy will develop the following side effects.
Gastrointestinal side effects include mouth sores, diarrhea [1], nausea, vomiting, heartburn, constipation [2], tightness in the throat or jaw, and loss of appetites.
Neurological side effects include tingling or kiss of feeling in hands, headache, numbness or tingling in limbs.
Skin and hair side effects include hair loss [3], sunburn [4], rash, itchiness, pain, redness, or peeling on your plans and soles.
You may also experience other side effects like fever, anaemia [5], increased risk of infections, cough, fatigue [6], pain, difficulty swallowing or breathing, bleeding or bruising.
It would help to speak to your healthcare provider immediately if you notice any side effects. Your doctor may recommend changing your medication dosage.
A study on 109 people with stage 4 colon cancer discovered that 46 percent of them needed an adjustment of dosage due to side effects. In addition, there was no obvious difference between people who changed their dose and people who didn’t.