Pentostatin (Systemic)

Brand Names : Nipent, 2'-deoxycoformycin, 2'DCF

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Some side effects will have signs or symptoms that you can see or feel. Your doctor may watch for others by doing certain tests.

Also, because of the way these medicines act on the body, there is a chance that they might cause other unwanted effects that may not occur until months or years after the medicine is used. These delayed effects may include certain types of cancer. Discuss these possible effects with your doctor.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Cough or hoarseness; fever or chills; lower back or side pain; painful or difficult urination

Less common

Black, tarry stools; blood in urine or stools; chest pain; pinpoint red spots on skin; unusual bleeding or bruising

Check with your health care professional as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Pain; skin rash or itching (sudden); unusual tiredness

Less common

Anxiety or nervousness; changes in vision; confusion; cramps in lower legs; mental depression; nosebleed; numbness or tingling of hands or feet; shortness of breath; sleepiness; sore, red eyes; sores in mouth or on lips; stomach pain; swelling of feet or lower legs; trouble in sleeping

This medicine may also cause the following side effects that your doctor will watch for:

More common

Anemia; liver problems; low platelet counts

Less common

Kidney problems

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Diarrhea; headache; loss of appetite; muscle pain; nausea and vomiting; skin rash

Less common

Back pain; bloating or gas; constipation; dry skin; general feeling of discomfort or illness; itching; joint pain; weakness; weight loss

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.