Side Effects in People Receiving Immunotherapy

This list of side effects can be a helpful reference as you learn more from your health care team about what to expect, based on the treatment you will be receiving.

Side effects are more common in these organs and systems:

• Digestive system: Inflammation to organs in your digestive system, called colitis, may cause stomach or abdominal pain, diarrhea, and black or bloody stools. Some people have mild hepatitis, which is diagnosed during a blood test.
• Endocrine system: When hormone-producing glands are inflamed you may have some of the problems listed below. Your doctor will check your hormone levels regularly to detect and diagnose these problems.
  • Pituitary gland inflammation is the most common endocrine system-related inflammatory problem; it may cause headaches and fatigue.
  • Adrenal gland inflammation may cause fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, and abdominal pain.
  • Thyroid gland inflammation can cause problems such as hypothyroidism (which may cause weakness, constipation, dry skin, weight gain, and sensitivity to cold) and hyperthyroidism (which may cause diarrhea, weight loss, sweating, sensitivity to heat, and, in rare cases, atrial fibrillation).
  • Pancreatic inflammation, called pancreatitis, may cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
• Musculoskeletal system: Inflamed joints and muscles may cause you to feel pain and weakness. Inflammation of the muscles is referred to as myositis. You may also have rheumatologic problems.
• Respiratory system (lung problems): Inflammation in the lungs, called pneumonitis, can cause you to feel short of breath and have a bad cough.
• Skin: Skin inflammatory problems may include rashes, itchy skin, blisters, and sores. Learn more about how to manage skin and nail changes.

Side effects are less common in these organs and systems:

• Blood (hematologic problems): You may bleed or bruise easier, a condition called thrombocytopenia. Other blood-related problems include anemia and neutropenia.
• Eyes: You may have vision changes and/or eye pain caused by inflammatory problems such as uveitis or episcleritis.
• Heart inflammation, called myocarditis, may lower your blood pressure. In rare cases, it may lower your heart’s ability to pump blood, disrupt your heartbeat, and cause a heart attack.
• Kidney inflammation, called nephritis, may decrease the amount of urine you produce. You may see blood in your urine.
• Liver inflammation, called hepatitis, may cause your skin and eyes to be yellowish. You may also have nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, fatigue, darker urine, and bleeding or bruising.
• Nervous system inflammation may cause your hands, feet, and sometimes your face to tingle and feel numb or weak. Inflammation to the brain, called encephalitis, may cause mild flu-like symptoms or more serious side effects, such as a sudden and high fever, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, and vomiting.