Friday, September 21, 2012

What to Expect After All-Trans Retinoic Acid for Acute Myeloid Leukemia

You may have side effects from the chemotherapy drugs you take when also getting all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). You could also experience retinoic acid syndrome. Within the first three weeks of treatment, this potentially fatal syndrome causes these symptoms:

• Fever

• Chest pain

• Breathing problems due to backup of fluid in the lungs

• Low blood pressure

• Kidney damage

• Severe fluid retention

If you develop symptoms of retinoic acid syndrome, your doctor may prescribe steroids or have you stop ATRA treatment for a few days.

These are other possible side effects of ATRA. Discuss how best to manage them with your doctor or nurse:

• Bleeding

• Headache

• Drowsiness

• Dry skin, dry mouth, or cracking at the corners of the mouth

• Bone pain