Eflornithine Side Effects

Applies to eflornithine: oral tablet.

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:

• hearing problems such as ringing in your ears or hearing loss;

• 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

• 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:

• fever, diarrhea, vomiting;

• ear, sinus, or skin infections;

• pneumonia;

• urinary infection (UTI);

• cold or allergy symptoms such as cough, stuffy, runny, or itchy nose, sneezing, sore throat; or

• 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 adverse events

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

• Very common (10% or more): Diarrhea (15%), vomiting (11%)
• Frequency not reported: Colitis

Diarrhea included 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

See also:

Further information

Eflornithine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer