Each person's reaction to chemotherapy is different. Some people have very few side effects, while others may experience more. The side effects described in this information will not affect everyone who is given tegafur-uracil, and may be different if you are having more than one chemotherapy drug.
We have outlined the most common side effects and the less common effects so that you can be aware of them if they occur. However, we have not included those that are very rare and therefore extremely unlikely to affect you. If you notice any effects which you think may be due to the drug, but which are not listed in this information, please discuss them with your doctor or chemotherapy nurse.
The known side effects of tegafur-uracil are not usually severe. The following are the most common:
Diarrhoea This can usually be easily controlled with medicines, but let your doctor know if it is severe or if it continues. If you have diarrhoea it is important to drink plenty of fluids to replace the fluid that you lose.
Nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting If this does happen, it may begin a few hours after you have taken the drug. This is usually mild and your doctor can now prescribe very effective anti-sickness (anti-emetic) drugs to prevent or reduce nausea and vomiting. If the sickness is not controlled or continues, tell your doctor, who can prescribe other anti-sickness drugs which may be more effective.
Fatigue (tiredness and a general feeling of weakness) You may feel very tired. It is important to allow yourself plenty of time to rest.
Lowered resistance to infection Tegafur-uracil can reduce the production of white blood cells by the bone marrow, making you more prone to infection. The extent to which your bone marrow is affected depends on the dose of chemotherapy you are given and whether you are being given other chemotherapy drugs at the same time. Your blood cells will usually have returned to normal before your next course of chemotherapy is due.
Contact your doctor or the hospital straightaway if:
- Your temperature goes above 38ºC (100.5ºF)
- You suddenly feel unwell (even with a normal temperature).
You will have a blood test before having more chemotherapy to make sure that your cells have recovered. Occasionally it may be necessary to delay your treatment if the number of blood cells (the blood count) is still low.
Bruising or bleeding Tegafur-uracil can reduce the production of platelets (which help the blood to clot). Let your doctor know if you have any unexplained bruising or bleeding, such as nosebleeds, blood spots or rashes on the skin, and bleeding gums.
Anaemia (low number of red blood cells) While having treatment with tegafur-uracil you may become anaemic. This may make you feel tired and breathless. Let your doctor or nurse know if these are a problem.