Plasma exchange - also known as plasmapheresis throughout the procedure. Adverse effects from plasma exchange During the treatment, unpleasant sensations may arise, including tingling around the mouth and in the fingertips, nausea, or general discomfort. Normally, a glass of water, which contains a fizzy chalk (calcium) tablet, can easily reduce these symptoms. A calcium drip through a cannula (intravenous infusion) is another effective treatment for this. In addition to the effects already mentioned, there is a lower risk, that there may be other adverse effects from the treatment. These effects will be short-lived in the vast majority of cases. They typically include: • Nausea and vomiting • Heart palpitations • Intense sweating • An allergic reaction (most often in the form of a rash, i.e. hives or urticaria) In some very rare cases, serious adverse effects could arise, including muscle spasms, a drop in blood pressure, or breathing difficulties. In order to minimize the risk of adverse effects, and to help you feel safe, we keep a close eye on you during the treatments. It is important that you tell us, if you experience discomfort. Adverse effects from the insertion of a cannula prior to the procedure There is a risk of adverse effects resulting from the insertion of a cannula into a vein prior to the treatment. Generally, these adverse effects are uncommon, but the risks vary with the method, which was used for the insertion of the cannula. The doctors on your ward can tell you about the choice of cannulation technique and about what the risk of various adverse effects would be. Further information If you have questions or you would like anything clarified further, at any time, you can ask a doctor on your ward. Otherwise, you can ask the doctor who comes to speak to you, just before the initiation of your first plasma exchange treatment. 2/2
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