Neuropathy secondary to drugs: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Get emergency help for:

   • New trouble breathing or swallowing
   • Rapidly worsening weakness or inability to stand
   • Sudden one-sided weakness, facial drooping, or speech difficulty
   • New loss of bladder or bowel control with numbness around the groin

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek prompt medical advice if symptoms are spreading quickly, pain is becoming difficult to manage, or weakness is interfering with walking or hand use.

   Repeated falls, fainting, a new foot wound, or signs of infection around an unnoticed injury also need timely assessment.

   These symptoms are not typical of mild drug-related neuropathy and may have another urgent cause.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • has a new severe headache unlike any they have had before
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Arrange a routine appointment if you develop new or persistent tingling, numbness, burning pain, or reduced sensation while taking a medicine.

   Mention symptoms even if they are mild, particularly during chemotherapy or prolonged antimicrobial treatment.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • is having side effects from a medicine, or is struggling to take it as prescribed
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Neuropathy secondary to drugs. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.