The side effects of anti-cancer drugs vary depending on the drug type, administered dose and from one patient to another. If you want to know the side effect of the active ingredient you are given, look for it at the bottom of this page.
It is not uncommon that patients are worried about the side effects of chemotherapy drugs. Keep in mind that the most side effects are only temporary and disappear with the end of treatment. In addition, your doctor may prescribe medications that help alleviate the symptoms brought upon by chemotherapy treatment.
One of the side effects that worries patients about their physical appearance is alopecia, or hair loss. It is important to note that not all anticancer drugs cause alopecia and that above all, hair starts to grow back after the end of the chemotherapy treatment. Except in some rare cases, the hair comes back as thick as before in a few months.
Given that not all chemotherapy treatments cause alopecia, it is better to inquire first if your medication involves hair loss and if it does, you may shorten or cut them (but not shave completely): it is more acceptable to see locks of short hair falling compared to long ones.
During chemotherapy, washing the scalp with a delicate shampoo and moisturizing it with natural oils such as argan, sweet almond or shea butter is advised. Hairdryers, straighteners, colors, perms, hair rollers should be avoided, as with anything that may weaken the already fragile hair. Natural products can be used, such as ammonia-free dyes.