Eldisine
Eldisine ( VIN-de-seen) belongs to the group of medicines known as antineoplastic
agents. It is used to treat some kinds of cancer, including leukemia and lung cancer.
Eldisine is used to treat
- leukaemia
- lymphoma
- breast
- lung cancer.
Side effects of Eldisine
Temporary reduction in the production of blood cells by the bone marrow.
This can result in anaemia, risk of bruising or bleeding and infection. The number of
blood cells in your blood may begin to reduce from about seven days after the treatment
has been given and usually reaches its lowest point at 10-14 days after the chemotherapy.
Your blood cells will then increase steadily and will usually return to normal within
21-28 days.
The extent to which your blood cells are reduced depends on the dose of chemotherapy
you have and which other chemotherapy drugs, if any, are given in combination. Your doctor
can advise you how likely it is that your blood cells will be lowered by the chemotherapy.
Your blood will be checked regularly to see how well your bone marrow is working.
If your temperature goes above 38°C (100.5°F), or you develop any unexplained
bruising or bleeding, or you suddenly feel unwell, even with a normal temperature, contact
your doctor or the hospital straight away.
Hair loss. This usually starts 3-4 weeks after the first dose of
Eldisine, although it may occur earlier. Hair may be lost completely, but is more usual
for it to just thin. You may also have thinning and loss of eyelashes, eyebrows and other
body hair. This is temporary and the hair will return to normal once the treatment is
finished.
Abdominal cramps and constipation. These can usually be relieved by
drinking plenty of fluids, eating a high fibre diet and taking gentle exercise. Sometimes
you may need to take medicines to stimulate your bowel. These can be prescribed by your
doctor. CancerBACUP's booklet Diet and the cancer patient has helpful tips about coping
with constipation.
Numbness or tingling in hands or feet. This is due to the effect of
Eldisine on nerves and is known as peripheral neuropathy. You may also notice that you
have difficulty doing up buttons or similar fiddly tasks. Tell your doctor if you notice
any numbness or tingling in your hands or feet. This usually improves slowly a few months
after the treatment is finished. Very rarely other nerves may be affected (eg neck nerves)
which may cause jaw pain or double vision.
Tiredness and a general feeling of weakness. It is important to allow
yourself plenty of time to rest.
Less common side effects of Eldisine
Skin changes. Eldisine can cause a rash which may be itchy. Your
doctor can prescribe medicine to help with this.
Sore mouth and taste change. Your mouth may become sore, or you may
notice small ulcers during this treatment. Drinking plenty of fluids and cleaning your
teeth regularly and gently with a soft toothbrush can help to reduce the risk of this
happening. Tell your doctor if you do have any of these problems as they can prescribe
special mouthwashes and medicine to prevent or clear any mouth infection.
You may notice that your food tastes different. Normal taste will come back after the
treatment finishes.
Diarrhoea. This can usually be easily controlled with medicine but let
your doctor know if it is severe or continues. It is important to drink plenty of fluids
if you do have diarrhoea.
Nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting. This is usually very mild and
there are now very effective anti-sickness drugs to prevent or greatly reduce nausea and
vomiting. If you do feel sick it may begin soon after the treatment is given and last for
up to a day. If the sickness is not controlled, or continues, tell your doctor. They can
prescribe other anti-sickness drugs which may be more effective. |