Side Effect: Water Retention

What is Water Retention?

Water retention is characterized by the body holding on to extra fluid than normal. The medical term for water retention is "edema."

What does Water Retention look like?

Water retention can occur in various parts of the body. In most people, water retention appears in the lower extremities and causes arms and ankles to swell. Because of the swelling, your feet may not fit into your shoes. Socks, especially if tight fitting, can leave temporary imprints, or indentations, in your skin.

Who gets Water Retention?

Water retention may occur in people with:

• Heart failure
• Kidney problems
• Liver problems
• Chemotherapy requiring aggressive fluid hydration

How long does last?

• If the underlying cause of water retention cannot be reversed, at least in part, water retention may become a persistent, long-term problem.
• If the reason for water retention can be reversed, water retention may only last a few days.

How to prevent Water Retention

• Water retenton is best prevented by keeping your heart, liver, and kidneys healthy.

How to treat Water Retention

Depending upon the amount of swelling, the doctor may prescribe medication treatment to help your body get rid of the extra fluid.

Diuretics:

Also known as water pills, diuretics allow your kidney to release fluid that it would otherwise reabsorb. Examples of diuretics incliude:

• Furosemide (Lasix®)
• Bumetanide (Bumex®)
• Spironolactone (Aldactone®)
• Metolazone

If prescribe furosemide to help eliminate extra fluid, consider using the ChemoExperts Treatment Tracker to track what dose to take and for the duration prescribed by your doctor: