Anemia
One of the most serious side effects of chemotherapy is myelosuppression, or damage to the bone marrow, which can lead to blood cell deficiencies. When this affects red blood cells and their oxygen-carrying hemoglobin protein, it can lead to anemia, one of the most common causes of fatigue. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, headache, irregular heartbeat and dizziness or fainting. Treatment for anemia may include interruption or cessation of chemotherapy medications as well as iron therapy, blood transfusions and drugs that stimulate erythropoietin, which prompts the bone marrow to make red blood cells.
