Targeted therapy for melanoma: side effects to know

Depending on the medicines used, people may notice rash, dry or sensitive skin, diarrhoea, nausea, tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, or changes in blood pressure. Some effects can involve the eyes, liver, kidneys, lungs, or heart and may not be obvious at first. Regular review and blood tests help detect changes.

Side effects do not always mean treatment must stop. The team may recommend supportive care, pause a dose, change the dose, or choose another option. Never treat a new symptom as a routine effect without telling the oncology team.

Write down when a symptom began, how it changes, and what you have taken for it. Use gentle skin products, protect irritated skin from sun exposure, and drink fluids if your team says this is appropriate. Check before taking anti-diarrhoea medicines, painkillers, or supplements.

Attend planned blood tests and reviews even when you feel well. Tell the team about new medicines, allergies, pregnancy, or other health conditions, because these details can affect monitoring and treatment decisions.

Call promptly for severe or persistent diarrhoea, repeated vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, reduced urine, fever, a spreading blistering rash, eye pain or vision change, new cough, or breathlessness. Seek emergency care for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, or swelling of the face or throat.

Which symptoms are expected with my medicine? Which require a same-day call? What skin care is suitable? When are blood tests needed? What should I do if I miss a dose or develop diarrhoea?