An infusion reaction can happen while you’re receiving immunotherapy through the vein or shortly after. Symptoms may feel flu-like, such as fever, chills, or body aches. Some people notice a rash, itching, redness or warmth in the skin, or wheezing.
These reactions happen when your immune system responds strongly to the medication and sees it as something foreign, says Robert Alter, MD, the co–division chief of head and neck oncology and urology oncology at Hackensack Meridian John Theurer Cancer Center in New Jersey. Most reactions occur during the infusion and are treated right away by stopping or slowing the medication and giving supportive treatment like antihistamines or steroids to ease symptoms. But some can occur days or even weeks later, says Dr. Alter.
Tips to Manage Infusion Reactions at Home
Alter recommends keeping the following tips in mind.
- Watch for delayed symptoms like rash, itching, fever, or dizziness.
- Call your cancer care team or their 24-hour hotline right away if you notice anything unusual, even if it seems mild.
- Call 911 for trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat.
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