Side Effects

Amyloidosis and its treatment can cause a variety of side effects. However, doctors have made major strides in recent years in reducing pain, nausea and vomiting, and other physical side effects of treatments. Many treatments used today are less intensive but as effective as treatments used in the past. Doctors also have many ways to provide relief to patients when such side effects do occur.

Fear of treatment side effects is common after a diagnosis of amyloidosis, but it may be helpful to know that preventing and controlling side effects is a major focus of your health-care team. Before treatment begins, talk with your doctor about possible side effects of the specific treatments you will be receiving. The specific side effects that can occur depend on a variety of factors, including the type of amyloidosis, its location, the individual treatment plan (including the length and dosage of treatment), and the person’s overall health.

Below are some of the side effects that are more common to amyloidosis and its treatments.

Anemia. Anemia is common in people with amyloidosis, especially those receiving chemotherapy. Anemia is an abnormally low level of red blood cells (RBCs). RBCs contain hemoglobin (an iron protein) that carries oxygen to all parts of the body. If the level of RBCs is too low, parts of the body do not get enough oxygen and cannot work properly. Most people with anemia feel tired or weak.

Depression. A normal reaction to an amyloidosis diagnosis is one of shock, disbelief, and denial. Symptoms of anxiety or depression, irritability, and problems with sleep or appetite often follow. Usually, patients begin to feel better within weeks or several months and experience an increased sense of control. However, if these symptoms persist, serious depression can develop that requires treatment.

Fatigue. Fatigue is extreme exhaustion or tiredness, and is a common problem that people with amyloidosis experience. Patients who feel fatigue often say that even a small effort, such as walking across a room, can seem like too much.

Ask your doctor which side effects are most likely to happen (and which are not), when side effects are likely to occur, and how they will be addressed by the health-care team if they do happen. Also, be sure to communicate with the doctor about side effects you experience during and after treatment. Learn more about the most common side effects of disease and different treatments, along with ways to prevent or control them.

In addition to physical side effects, there may be psychosocial (emotional and social) effects as well. Learn more about the importance of addressing such needs, including concerns about managing the cost of your medical care.

Learn more about late effects or long-term side effects by reading the After Treatment section or talking with your doctor.