SACT side effects: Diarrhoea
This is when your bowel motions are loose or watery. You may need to go to the toilet more often than normal or find it difficult to control your bowels. If you have a stoma, you may notice that you have to change the bag more often and that the motions are more watery.
Some cancers and treatments can cause diarrhoea. You may also get diarrhoea from infections.
Patients having immunotherapy can develop inflammation of the bowel. This can be a serious side effect.
Monitor your bowel movements for any changes while having treatment.
Advice if you have diarrhoea:
- Drink plenty of fluids to keep well hydrated
- Avoid fibre in your food
- Obtain advice about suitable medication from your local pharmacist or CNS team
Call the Acute Haematology Oncology Unit (AHOU) if you are experiencing:
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- More than 4 loose or watery stools in 24 hours.
- Have an increased stoma output with a change in the consistency of your stool.
- Abdominal pain or cramps.
- Have blood or mucus in your stools.
- Feel unwell or have a fever and diarrhoea.
- Experience a new loss of bowel control.
- Any other change in your stool you are concerned about.
Information:
For more information and advice for coping with diarrhoea please visit Macmillan, Maggies and Cancer Research.