Skin changes
Injection site
reactions
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Subcutaneous immunotherapy is more likely to cause injection site reactions than
IV immunotherapy. Unlike an infusion,
a subcutaneous injection delivers
a concentrated dose of a drug beneath the skin, where it can trigger local inflammation and an immune response.
Symptoms such as redness, swelling,
itching, and soreness at the injection site may occur. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications and antihistamines (with a doctor's approval), as well as cold compresses, may help people manage
these reactions.
Injection site reactions
Skin changes
brain chemistry, leading to a central nervous system response that reduces alertness
and energy.
Increased immune activity also demands more energy, and the changes in immune signaling can disrupt sleep and hormone production.
Resting when necessary, keeping a regular sleep schedule, and focusing on proper hydration and nutrition may help a person manage fatigue.
Fatigue
Diarrhea
Managing side effects
from subcutaneous immunotherapy
for cancer
Joint pain
Eye issues
Joint pain
Eye issues
While medical experts do not yet fully understand why this happens, it may result from the enhanced immune system reaction and T-cell responses that occur during immunotherapy treatment.
Doctors may recommend OTC antidiarrheal medications to treat this side effect, but staying hydrated and avoiding spicy and greasy foods might also help.
Some immunotherapies work by blocking regulatory processes in the immune system, increasing immune cell activity. This effect helps immunotherapies recognize cancer cells, but it can also cause them to attack healthy cells in the body.
Joints are highly immune-responsive,
which means they are prone to immune attacks. Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling
are common symptoms.
Hot or cold therapy, gentle stretching,
and OTC pain relievers may help reduce joint pain.
The same heightened immune activity that can cause joint pain can lead to problems
in other parts of the body, such as the eyes. The eyes have a rich blood supply, which can transport inflammatory chemicals and immune cells during immunotherapy.
Double vision, blurry vision, eye pain and redness, and vision changes are possible side effects of immunotherapy treatment.
Avoid rubbing the eyes, which can make irritation worse. Cool compresses or lubricating eye drops may help relieve some eye-related symptoms, as long as a doctor approves the use of these remedies.
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Hormonal changes
Liver problems
Doctors may recommend hormone
therapy to treat some endocrine conditions. Healthy lifestyle habits such as eating a nutritious diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly can also support overall hormone health.
Hormonal changes
yellowing of the skin or eyes
pain on the right side of the abdomen
dark urine
severe nausea or vomiting
Liver problems
immunotherapy treatment include:
changes in pigment
sensitivity to light
sores or ulcers
rashes
dryness
itching
Keeping the skin moisturized, avoiding
harsh soaps and skin care ingredients,
and wearing sun protection may help relieve skin-related symptoms.
The liver has its own supply of immune
cells and anti-inflammatory chemicals that help protect it from inflammation. Immunotherapies can override these protective features, allowing immune cells
to attack liver tissue.
Symptoms of liver problems can include:
A person should report any liver-related symptoms to a doctor right away. During immunotherapy treatment, people should also avoid substances that increase liver inflammation, such as alcohol and certain medications.
Immunotherapies activate the immune system throughout the body, and the skin plays an important role in the body's immune response. Common skin changes during
Immunotherapy can cause fatigue because
it activates immune cells that release
pro-inflammatory chemicals called cytokines. These cytokines can change a person’s
Like the skin, the digestive system is highly responsive to immune system activity. Immune cell activation in the gut can lead
to gastrointestinal inflammation and symptoms such as diarrhea. Immunotherapy can contribute to that inflammation.
Symptoms of hormonal changes may
include low libido, increased thirst, constipation, and persistent headaches.
Endocrine (hormone-related) changes are among the most common side effects
of immunotherapy. When heightened immune activity affects the glands of the endocrine system, hormone levels can fluctuate, leading to conditions such as hypothyroidism.
