If you have received a blood transfusion at the Cancer Care Center at Island Hospital, the following information is very important. We care about you. Following your transfusion, please monitor thsse conditions and symptoms and follow instructions carefully.

Although most transfusions are well tolerated, occasionally patients will experience side effects.  Usually these side effects occur during or immediately after the transfusion, but it is possible that they could occur after you leave the hospital.

Possible side effects include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Rash
• Hives
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Swelling of the ankles

Mild fever (up to 100.5°F or 38°C) will usually respond to Tylenol (acetaminophen).  Mild rash/hives will usually respond to antihistamines (i.e. Benadryl).

If you have any of the above symptoms, please alert the staff the next time you come in for a transfusion.

If you have any symptoms other than mild fever or rash/hives, call your physician.