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Coping With Blood-Clotting Problems Related to Chemotherapy

by Editorial Staff And Contributors

En Español (Spanish Version)

 Chemotherapy can affect the bone marrow's ability to make platelets. Platelets are blood cell fragments that help stop bleeding by making your blood clot. If your blood does not have enough platelets, you may bleed or bruise more easily than usual, even without an injury.

Call your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:

  • Unexpected bruising
  • Small, red spots on the skin
  • Reddish or pinkish urine
  • Black or bloody stools
  • Nosebleeds
  • Bleeding gums
  • Heavy vaginal bleeding that lasts longer than a regular period or that is not related to your period
  • Headaches or vision problems
  • Warm to hot feeling of an arm or leg
  • Feeling confused or excessively tired

Your doctor may check your platelet count often while you are undergoing chemotherapy. If your platelet count falls too low, the doctor may give you a blood or platelet transfusion, or medications to build up the count.

Tips to Help Prevent Problems If Your Platelet Count Is Low    TOP

If your platelet count is low, do the following:

  • Check with your healthcare team before:
    • Taking any medication, including herbs, supplements, or over-the-counter drugs
    • Drinking any alcoholic beverages
    • Using dental floss
    • Having sex
  • Use a very soft toothbrush to clean your teeth.
  • When cleaning your nose, blow gently into a soft tissue.
  • Take extra care not to cut or nick yourself when using scissors, needles, knives, or tools.
  • Use an electric shaver instead of a razor.
  • Wear shoes all the time, even if you are indoors.
  • Be careful not to burn yourself when ironing or cooking.
  • Drink plenty of fluids and eat fiber to promote normal bowel movements.
  • Avoid contact sports and other activities that might result in injury.
RESOURCES:

American Cancer Society
https://www.cancer.org

National Cancer Institute
https://www.cancer.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

BC Cancer Agency
http://www.bccancer.bc.ca

Canadian Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.ca

REFERENCES:

Bleeding or low platelet count. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/low-blood-counts/bleeding.html. Updated February 13, 2017. Accessed November 9, 2017.

Chemotherapy and you. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/coping/chemotherapy-and-you.pdf. Accessed November 9, 2017.

Toxicities of chemotherapeutic agents. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115935/Toxicities-of-chemotherapeutic-agents. Updated October 23, 2017. Accessed November 9, 2017.

Understanding chemotherapy: a guide for patients and families. American Cancer Society website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed November 9, 2017.



Last reviewed November 2017 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Michael Woods, MD, FAAP
Last Updated: 12/21/2015

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