cancer-journal

Although these therapies use substances that occur naturally in the body, side effects can occur as a result of either the greater production or the higher-than-normal doses administered. The most common side effects with biologic therapies are caused by the “revving up” and stimulation of the immune system. They include fever, chills, body aches, nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, and fatigue. Depending on the doses and how the therapy is administered, patients may experience a decrease in their blood pressure and may develop a rash or swelling at the injection site. Most side effects diminish at 24-48 hours after treatment, and for continuous regimens these side effects will lessen over time. Remember, every patient is different; some may develop all of the side effects, while others may have none or be somewhere in between. Biologic therapies are relatively new, and not much is known about what long-term side effects (years later) they may lead to. Visit OncoLink Rx to learn more about a specific therapy.