March 20, 2023

7 Immunotherapy Side Effects That You Need to Know About

Immunotherapy is an effective treatment for many diseases, including some allergies. Unfortunately, immunotherapy can cause some side effects. While these side effects can be managed with the help of a doctor, it is important to be aware of them so that you can take steps to minimize or prevent them. In this article, we’ll discuss seven of the most common immunotherapy side effects that you should know about.

1. Fatigue

If you're undergoing immunotherapy, it's important to be aware of the potential side effects, one of which is fatigue. This can range from mild to severe, and last for days or even weeks. This can make it difficult to carry out your day-to-day activities, so it's important to rest and take breaks as needed. If you're experiencing fatigue, talk to your doctor to see if there are any steps you can take to help manage it.

There are a few things that can help when it comes to managing fatigue during immunotherapy. First, it's important to get plenty of rest. This means getting enough sleep at night, and taking naps during the day if possible. It's also important to eat a healthy diet and to avoid alcohol. Exercise can also help to boost energy levels. If you're experiencing severe fatigue, your doctor may be able to prescribe medication to help.

If you're undergoing immunotherapy, fatigue is a potential side effect that you should be aware of. By knowing what to expect, you can be better prepared to manage it. If you're experiencing fatigue, talk to your doctor about ways to help you cope.

2. Fever

Fever is another common side effect of immunotherapy, and it can be a sign of infection or an allergic reaction. If you experience a fever while on immunotherapy, it is important to contact your doctor right away. Drinking plenty of fluids is essential for reducing a fever. Fluids help cool down the body and flush out toxins.

3. Chills

Chills are generally caused by a decrease in body temperature, and this is what happens when you receive immunotherapy. The immune system is activated, and it can cause a decrease in body temperature.  When the body’s temperature drops, the body’s natural response is to shiver in order to generate heat. This is why chills occur – as the body’s temperature is lowered, the body will start to shiver in order to generate heat and keep itself warm.

The chills associated with immunotherapy can be quite uncomfortable, and can last for several hours. In some cases, this can be accompanied by nausea, headaches, and fatigue. In order to help reduce the chills, your doctor may suggest taking anti-nausea medications, or drinking warm liquids to help warm up your body.

4. Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of many medications, including immunotherapy. They can be caused by the body's reaction to the medication or by the medication itself.

If you're receiving immunotherapy, it's important to talk to your doctor about ways to manage nausea and vomiting. There are a number of anti-nausea medications available, and your doctor can help you find the one that's right for you.

Staying hydrated is also essential for managing nausea. Drink plenty of water, ginger tea, or clear liquids such as apple juice or broth. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can make nausea worse.

5. Rash

A rash is another possible side effect of immunotherapy, and it can range from mild to severe. If you experience a rash, it is important to talk to your doctor right away. In some cases, a rash can be treated with over-the-counter medications or topical creams. However, if the rash is severe or doesn’t respond to treatment, your doctor may suggest a different course of action. Your doctor may recommend a different medication or stop the immunotherapy treatment altogether. 

6. Diarrhea

One of the most common side effects of immunotherapy is diarrhea, which can range from mild to severe. Not only can it be uncomfortable and disruptive to your daily activities, but it can also be a sign of something more serious.

Diarrhea is caused by the body's response to the immunotherapy drugs, as they work to stimulate the immune system to fight cancer. When the immune system is activated, it can cause inflammation and damage to the digestive system, resulting in diarrhea. The severity of the diarrhea can vary depending on the type of immunotherapy drugs used and the individual's response to them.

It is important to talk to your doctor if you experience any diarrhea while on immunotherapy, as it may be a sign of an underlying condition. Your doctor may recommend that you change your diet, take anti-diarrheal medications, or increase your fluid intake to help reduce the severity of the diarrhea. In some cases, your doctor may also recommend a different type of immunotherapy drug or a different treatment plan altogether.

7. Inflammation 

While it is generally a safe and effective treatment, immunotherapy can sometimes cause inflammation as a side effect. This is often due to the immune system becoming overactive and attacking healthy tissue.If you are receiving immunotherapy treatment and experience any signs of inflammation, it is important to talk to your doctor. They can prescribe medications to help reduce inflammation and manage any associated symptoms. Additionally, there are lifestyle changes that can help reduce inflammation, such as avoiding certain foods, getting regular exercise, and managing stress.

Conclusion

Hopefully this article helps you understand the different side effects associated with immunotherapy. Although immunotherapy can cause side effects, most of them are manageable with the help of a medical practitioner. It is important to be aware of the potential side effects so that you can take steps to minimize or prevent them. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to bring them up with your practicing allergy specialist.

Are you searching for allergy immunotherapy treatment? Curex is a top online allergy clinic that offers custom treatments to desensitize the body to allergies. Get started now.

Read more