HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Does Gleevec Taken For Inoperable Tumor In Liver Cause Lightheadedness?

default
Posted on Fri, 3 Jan 2014
Question: I have a inoperable tumor in my liver. I have been taking Gleevec for 4 months. I have been lightheaded for a couple of weeks. Is this normal for my situation?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Jorge Brenes-Salazar (30 minutes later)
Brief Answer: Orthostatic hypotension likely Detailed Answer: Dear patient, Thanks a lot for your query. I am sorry for the difficult times you are enduring. With cancer patients, given the progressive course of disease, the most common cause of lightheadedness is orthostatic hypotension, meaning a drop in the blood pressure when you change body positions (for example from sitting to standing up), many times exacerbated by poor appetite and lack of fluid intake, along with the nausea and side effects from chemo. It is relatively easy to check for orthostatic hypotension, your nurse or provider can take a set of blood pressures while you lay down, then while you sit and finally after you stand up. If that is not the case, then other possibilities for lightheadedness should be considered, such as low blood sugar from liver dysfunction, heart arrhythmias, etc. Hope this is helpful, wish you the best, Dr Brenes-Salazar MD Mayo Clinic MN
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Jorge Brenes-Salazar

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 1198 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Does Gleevec Taken For Inoperable Tumor In Liver Cause Lightheadedness?

Brief Answer: Orthostatic hypotension likely Detailed Answer: Dear patient, Thanks a lot for your query. I am sorry for the difficult times you are enduring. With cancer patients, given the progressive course of disease, the most common cause of lightheadedness is orthostatic hypotension, meaning a drop in the blood pressure when you change body positions (for example from sitting to standing up), many times exacerbated by poor appetite and lack of fluid intake, along with the nausea and side effects from chemo. It is relatively easy to check for orthostatic hypotension, your nurse or provider can take a set of blood pressures while you lay down, then while you sit and finally after you stand up. If that is not the case, then other possibilities for lightheadedness should be considered, such as low blood sugar from liver dysfunction, heart arrhythmias, etc. Hope this is helpful, wish you the best, Dr Brenes-Salazar MD Mayo Clinic MN