The injection of suramin is a treatment for two kinds of illnesses: African trypanosomiasis, also known as African sleeping sickness, and onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness. Suramin weakens the parasites and they die. According to the Mayo Clinic, suramin is used only in hospitals for treatment and has some side effects that are serious.
Temporary Side Effects
Suramin causes a few side effects that aren't serious and generally disappear on their own as treatment progresses. You do not need to notify your doctor about these effects unless you are bothered by them or if they continue. Your physician may have options for treating them and reducing their effects. These problems include a taste of metal in the mouth, pain in the abdomen, a discomforting feeling and fever.
Serious Typical Side Effects
You may not experience these or any side effects from the use of suramin, but you should report even one of them to your doctor immediately. Suramin may cause you to have urine that is cloudy or other side effects such as vomiting, a crawling sensation on your skin, tiredness that happens easily, diarrhea, palm tenderness, foot tenderness, fainting, skin swelling, headaches, skin stinging sensations, skin discoloration, a rash, irritability, arm numbness or weakness, itching, hand weakness or numbness, pain in the joints of the body, feet or leg numbness, feet or leg weakness, decreased appetite and nausea.
Serious Non-Typical Side Effects
Suramin has caused certain non-typical or rare side effects. These also should be explained to a doctor as soon as possible. These types include skin yellowing, vision changes or vision loss, abnormal tiredness, abnormal weakness, light sensitivity to the extreme in the eyes, abnormal bleeding, pain in the glands, pain in the groin, swollen glands, pain in the armpits or neck, tenderness or swelling in the abdomen, unconsciousness, hypotension or low blood pressure, a fever, chills, a sore throat, skin paleness, abnormal bruising and skin changes such as reddening, scales or thickening, and rapid heartbeat.
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