What are the common side effects of chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy can affect healthy cells that grow and divide quickly — such as those lining the mouth and intestines and those that make hair grow — so it may cause side effects. According to the National Cancer Institute, common ones can include fatigue (the most common), hair loss, nausea and vomiting, mouth or throat sores, an increased risk of infection from low white blood cell counts, anemia, and easy bruising or bleeding. Which side effects occur, and how severe they are, depend on the drug, the dose, and the person. Many can be managed, and they often get better or go away after treatment ends. This is general information, not personal medical advice.

Last updated: 2026-07-13

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