While biological therapy drugs have shown great benefits in treating some cancers, they may also cause side effects. These may include:

• Rashes or swelling at an injection site
  
  
• Flu–like symptoms, including fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, fatigue, bone pain and muscle aches
  
  
• Low blood pressure
  
  
• Allergic reactions

Patients who experience any of these side effects should consult a physician.

The types and frequency of side effects associated with biological therapy drugs varies between drug classes and can include:

• Interferons:
• Decreased appetite
• Seizures
• Changes in taste, and dry mouth or throat
• Partial hair loss
• Impotence
• Menstrual irregularities
  
  
• Interleukins:
• Decreased red blood cell count (anemia)
• Decreased urine output
• Mouth or lip sores
• Impaired memory
• Difficulty talking
• Fluid in the lungs
• Peeling of skin on hands and feet
  
  
• Monoclonal antibodies:
• Swelling of the tongue or throat
• Generalized pain
• Abdominal or bone pain
• Cough with shortness of breath
  
  
• Colony-stimulating factors:
• Swelling of feet
• Weight gain
• Bone pain
  

Patients who are receiving biological therapy and experience these symptoms should promptly advise their physicians.