Side effects of immunotherapy for melanoma

You might develop an itchy rash, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, cough, breathlessness, nausea, dark urine, yellow skin, unusual thirst, headaches or marked tiredness. Thyroid, adrenal or pituitary changes can affect energy, weight, temperature control and blood pressure. Symptoms may arise during treatment or later, and a mild early change can become more serious without assessment.

Write down new symptoms, medicines and the date of each infusion. Use gentle, fragrance-free skin care and protect treated or sensitive skin from strong sunlight. Take only medicines approved by your team, particularly steroids or anti-inflammatory products. Keep follow-up blood tests and tell every healthcare professional that you receive immunotherapy.

Call your oncology team promptly for persistent diarrhoea, a spreading rash, severe headache, new weakness, reduced urine, yellowing of the eyes or a new cough. Breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, severe abdominal pain or sudden vision changes require urgent medical attention. Do not wait for a routine review if symptoms are escalating.

Which symptoms should I report immediately? What blood tests will monitor hormone glands, liver and other organs? Could another medicine explain my symptoms, and when might immunotherapy be paused while the cause is checked?