Managing Side Effects of Beqalzi

Tell your health care provider if tiredness becomes severe, suddenly worsens, or interferes with daily activities. They may check for other possible causes, such as infection or low blood cell counts.

3. Fluid retention

Fluid retention or edema is a possible side effect of Beqalzi. This happens when extra fluid builds up in the body.

Symptoms may include swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, hands, or face. Some people may also notice tight skin, puffiness, or rapid weight gain.

Your health care provider may prescribe medicine for edema, such as a diuretic (“water pill”). They may also recommend other things you can do at home to reduce fluid retention:

• Prop your legs up when sitting or resting.
• Wear support or compression stockings.
• Avoid standing or sitting in one position for long periods.
• Limit salty foods if recommended by your health care provider.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing and shoes.

Beqalzi may affect your blood cell counts. This can include low neutrophils, which are white blood cells that help fight infections, and low platelets, which are blood cells that help control bleeding.

Low neutrophils may increase your risk of infections, while low platelets may increase your risk of bruising or bleeding. Symptoms to watch for include:

• Fever
• Frequent infections
• Unusual bruising, nosebleeds, or bleeding gums
• Tiny spots on the skin that may look red or purple

Your health care provider will do regular blood tests to monitor your blood counts during Beqalzi treatment. Tell your health care provider right away if you have a fever, signs of infection, unusual bruising, or bleeding. Your provider may pause or lower your dose of Beqalzi or recommend additional treatments depending on the severity.

5. Tumor lysis syndrome

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is a serious side effect that can happen when cancer cells break down too quickly. TLS is more likely to happen during the first several weeks of treatment, after dose increases, or when restarting Beqalzi after a treatment interruption.

Possible symptoms of TLS include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle cramps, weakness, confusion, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, or decreased urination.

Your health care provider will take steps to help lower your risk of TLS before and during treatment. This may include:

• Slowly increasing your dose during the first four weeks of treatment
• Ordering frequent blood tests
• Recommending extra fluids
• Prescribing medicines to help protect your kidneys and manage uric acid levels

Keep all scheduled blood test appointments while taking Beqalzi. Contact your health care provider right away if you develop symptoms of TLS. Severe cases may require emergency medical care or hospitalization.

6. Diarrhea or constipation

Diarrhea or constipation may happen while taking Beqalzi. In studies, 10% of people reported constipation and 14% of people reported diarrhea, and some cases of diarrhea were severe.

The following tips may help with constipation or diarrhea:

• Drink plenty of fluids to help manage constipation and prevent dehydration.
• Avoid foods that worsen symptoms.
• If you have constipation, increase your fiber intake slowly and try to be more physically active, unless your provider recommends otherwise.
• Ask your health care provider or pharmacist if an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine, such as an antidiarrheal or laxative, is right for you.

Tell your health care provider if diarrhea or constipation lasts more than a few days, becomes severe, or causes dehydration. Your provider may recommend medicines or changes to your treatment plan.