Some anticancer drugs can irritate the bladder or cause temporary or permanent damage to the bladder or kidneys. If you are taking one or more of these drugs, your doctor may ask you to collect a 24-hour urine sample. A blood sample may also be obtained before you begin chemotherapy to check your kidney function. Some anticancer drugs cause the urine to change color (orange, red, green, or yellow) or take on a strong or medicine-like odor for 24-72 hours. Check with your doctor to see if the drugs you are taking may have any of these effects.
Important signs and symptoms to report to your doctor or nurse
- Pain or burning when you urinate
- Frequent urination
- Not being able to urinate
- A feeling that you must urinate right away ("urgency")
- Reddish or bloody urine
- Fever
- Chills, especially shaking chills
What you can do at home
- Drink 10 eight-ounce glasses of water per day.
- Drink cranberry juice to help ease minor symptoms.
- Drink plenty of other fluids. Juice, soft drinks, broth, ice cream, soup, popsicles, and gelatin are all considered fluids.
- Limit activities and get a lot of rest.
- Take showers instead of tub baths.
- Cleanse genital area from front to back after intercourse.
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