Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST) TKI Side Effects
Side Effects
If you experience side effects during treatment, do not be discouraged. Most patients will experience side effects at some time.
Your doctor will probably be able to help you address them.
Possible Side Effects and How They May Be Addressed
Possible side effect
How your doctor may address it
Diarrhea
What it feels like:
More bowel movements; loose stools
More bowel movements; loose stools
- An over-the- counter medication
Difficulty Breathing, fluid in chest cavity
What it feels like:
Feeling short of breath
Feeling short of breath
- Prescribe a diuretic or corticosteroid
- Interrupt treatment or reduce dosage
Fatique
What it feels like:
Feeling tired or weak
Feeling tired or weak
- Rule out other causes; provide supportive care, change dose if necessary
Muscle and bone pain
What it feels like:
Whole-body ache; twitching or burning muscles
Whole-body ache; twitching or burning muscles
- An over-the-counter pain reliever, or a prescription pain reliever
Muscle cramps
What it feels like:
Pain or spasms in the legs,feet, or calves
Pain or spasms in the legs,feet, or calves
- An over-the-counter pain reliever, or a prescription pain reliever
Nausea and vomiting
What it feels like:
Feeling queasy or like you have to throw up. You may also feel like you have indigestion
Feeling queasy or like you have to throw up. You may also feel like you have indigestion
- Taking medication with a meal and a large glass of water (If you have been instructed not to take medication with meals, contact your doctor before changing your dose to mealtimes.)
- Over-the-counter medications
- Dividing the dose and taking it twice a day (Do not make changes in your dosing unless instructed by your doctor.)
Rash
What it feels like:
Scaly skin; red, itchy bumps on skin
Scaly skin; red, itchy bumps on skin
- An over-the- counter antihistamine
- Prescribe a corticosteroid or stronger antihistamine
Swelling and fluid retention
What it feels like:
Swollen legs or feet and swelling around the eyes. Fluid retention can appear as quick weight gain or swelling in your lower legs or other parts of your body. Fluid retention can be serious or even life threatening.
Swollen legs or feet and swelling around the eyes. Fluid retention can appear as quick weight gain or swelling in your lower legs or other parts of your body. Fluid retention can be serious or even life threatening.
- Prescribe a topical steroid cream to reduce the swelling around your eyes
- Tell you to limit your salt intake
- Prescribe a diuretic (a medicine to help your body get rid of extra fluids)
*This information is provided to help patients understand how their physicians may help them address side effects they may experience. Always consult your doctor before starting any side effects treatment.
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