Nipent
Nipent is a type of antibiotic that is only used for chemotherapy; it slows or stops
the growth of cancer cells in your body. The length of treatment depends on the types of
drugs you are taking, how well your body responds to them, and the type of cancer you
have.
Nipent is used to treat:
- hairy cell leukemia
- chronic lymphocytic leukemiaacute
- lymphocytic leukemia
- mycosis fungoides
- prolymphocytic leukemia (B-cell and T-cell origin)
- T-cell leukemia
- lymphoma
Side effects of Nipent
Temporary reduction in bone marrow function
This can result in anaemia, risk of bruising or bleeding, and infection. This effect
can begin about seven days after the treatment has been given and usually reaches its
lowest point at 10–14 days after the chemotherapy. Your blood count will then
increase steadily and will usually return to normal within 21–28 days.
The extent to which your blood count is reduced depends on the dose of chemotherapy you
receive and which other chemotherapy drugs, if any, are given in combination. Your doctor
can advise you how likely it is that your blood count will be lowered by the chemotherapy.
Your blood count 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.
Nausea and vomiting
There are very effective anti-sickness drugs to prevent or substantially reduce nausea
and vomiting. If it does happen it may begin a few hours after the treatment is given and
last for up to a day.
If the sickness is not controlled, or continues, tell your doctor, who can prescribe
other anti-sickness drugs which may be more effective.
Skin changes
Your skin may feel dry and may itch. Some people notice spots (like acne) on their face
or upper body. This usually returns to normal a few months after the treatment has
finished.
Using a gentle or unperfumed moisturiser on dry areas can help. A skin rash may occur
when you first start the treatment but may not happen again as your treatment continues.
Lethargy and fatigue
It is important to allow yourself plenty of time to rest.
Loss of appetite
A dietitian or specialist nurse at your hospital can give advice.
Gritty eyes
Gritty eyes can occur due to inflammation of the lining (conjunctiva) of the
eyelids. If this happens it is important to tell your doctor, who can prescribe soothing
eye drops.
Less common side effects of Nipent
Diarrhoea
This can usually be controlled with anti-diarrhoea medicines but let your doctor know
if it is severe or continues. It is important to drink plenty of fluids if you do have
diarrhoea.
Mouth sores and ulcers
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 reduce the risk of this happening. Tell your doctor if you have any of
these problems as they can prescribe special mouthwashes and medicine to prevent or clear
any mouth infection.
Allergic reaction
An allergic reaction may occur while you are having the drip or shortly afterwards.
Signs of an allergic reaction include skin rashes and itching, high temperature,
shivering, reddening of the face, dizziness, headache, breathlessness, anxiety and a
feeling that you want to pass urine. You will be monitored for any signs of an allergic
reaction while your treatment is being given. Tell your doctor or nurse if you have any of
these.
Fever and chills
Fever and chills may occur with Nipent but they do not usually last long. Your doctor
may prescribe medicines to reduce this effect.
Your liver may be temporarily affected
Nipent may cause changes in the way that your liver works, which return to normal when
the treatment is finished. This is very unlikely to cause you any harm, but your doctor
will monitor this carefully. Samples of your blood will be taken from time to time to
monitor your liver function.
Your kidneys may be affected
Usually this does not cause any symptoms, and the effect is usually mild, but if the
effect is severe the kidneys can be permanently damaged unless treatment is stopped.
For this reason your kidneys will be checked by a blood test before each treatment. If
necessary, you may be given medicine to help you to pass urine. If you are asked to drink
extra fluid it is important to do this or to let your doctor know if this is a problem
– perhaps because you are feeling sick.
Changes to the lungs
Higher doses of Nipent may cause some changes to lung tissue. Tell your doctor if you
notice any cough or breathlessness.
Changes in the way your heart works
Higher doses of Nipent may cause changes in the muscle of the heart. This can affect
how the heart works. The effect on the heart depends on the dose given. It is very unusual
for the heart to be affected if you receive standard doses. Tests to see how well your
heart is working may sometimes be carried out before the drug is given.
Hair loss
Hair loss is uncommon but hair may thin, or occasionally be lost completely. If this
occurs it usually begins about 3–4 weeks after starting treatment, although it may
occur earlier. It is temporary, and the hair will return to normal once the treatment is
finished. |