Graft Versus Host Disease
What are the treatments for the disease?
The condition is treated by giving an affected person higher doses of the medications that suppress the donated white blood cells. Sometimes, additional medications to suppress the immune system are required.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
The medications used to prevent and treat graft versus host disease are powerful medications with many side effects. These may include:
stomach upset
kidney damage
liver damage
low blood cell counts
an increased risk of infection
What happens after treatment for the disease?
If a person recovers from graft versus host disease after a bone marrow transplant, he or she often will still need to take medications and have frequent check ups.
How is the disease monitored?
An individual will need to keep track of any symptoms that develop. He or she will also need regular physical exams and blood tests.
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