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4.8. Undesirable effects
TEXT ADDED
Diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting are observed quite commonly during therapy and may be treated symptomatically. An anti-emetic may be given for nausea and vomiting.
Alopecia may be seen in a substantial number of cases, particularly females, but is reversible. Other side effects include dermatitis, pigmentation, changes in nails, ataxia and fever.
There have been reports of chest pain, tachycardia, breathlessness and E.C.G. changes after administration of Fluorouracil. Special attention is advisable in treating patients with a history of heart disease or those who develop chest pain during treatment.
Leucopenia is common and the precautions described above should be followed.
Systemic fluorouracil treatment has been associated with various types of ocular toxicity. Peripheral neuropathy may occur.
A transient reversible cerebellar syndrome has been reported following fluorouracil treatment. Rarely, a reversible confusional state may occur. Cases of leucoencephalopathy have also been reported.
Additionally several other reports have been noted including:
Incidences of excessive lacrimation dacryostenosis, visual changes and photophobia.
Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysesthesia Syndrome has been reported as an unusual complication of high dose bolus or protracted continuous therapy for 5-fluorouracil.
Thrombophlebitis / Vein Tracking.
10. DATE OF (PARTIAL) REVISION OF THE TEXT
DATE CHANGED
12 August 2011
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