Eflornithine Side Effects
Applies to eflornithine: oral tablet.
Warning
Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
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hearing problems such as ringing in your ears or hearing loss;
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liver problems--loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
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low blood cell counts--fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath.
Your cancer treatments may change, be delayed, or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.
Common side effects may include:
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fever, diarrhea, vomiting;
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ear, sinus, or skin infections;
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urinary infection (UTI);
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cold or allergy symptoms such as cough, stuffy, runny, or itchy nose, sneezing, sore throat; or
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red or swollen eyes (pinkeye).
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to eflornithine: oral tablet.
General
The most frequently reported side effects included allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, cough, diarrhea, hearing loss, otitis media, pneumonia, pyrexia, skin infection, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, and vomiting.
The most frequently reported grade 3 or 4 laboratory abnormalities included decreased hemoglobin, decreased neutrophils, increased ALT, and increased AST.[Ref]
Dermatologic
Common (1% to 10%): Skin infection
Frequency not reported: Alopecia, rash
Gastrointestinal
Diarrhea included colitis.
Very common (10% or more): Diarrhea (15%), vomiting (11%)
Frequency not reported: Colitis
Hematologic
Common (1% to 10%): Decreased hemoglobin, decreased neutrophils, decreased platelets, decreased white blood cells
Frequency not reported: Myelosuppression
Hepatic
Common (1% to 10%): Increased ALT, increased AST
Frequency not reported: Hepatotoxicity
Musculoskeletal
Frequency not reported: Pain in extremity
Ocular
Very common (10% or more): Conjunctivitis (11%)
Other
Very common (10% or more): Otitis media (32%), pyrexia (11%)
Common (1% to 10%): Decreased glucose, decreased potassium, decreased sodium, hearing loss, increased alkaline phosphatase, increased potassium, increased glucose
Respiratory
Very common (10% or more): Allergic rhinitis (11%), cough (15%), infection (11%), pneumonia (12%), sinusitis (13%)
Common (1% to 10%): Upper respiratory tract
Genitourinary
Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection
More about eflornithine
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: miscellaneous antineoplastics
- Breastfeeding
- En español
Patient resources
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References
1. Product Information. Iwilfin (eflornithine). US WorldMeds LLC. 2023.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.