Urinary, Kidney, and Bladder Changes
Some types of chemotherapy damage cells in the kidneys and bladder. Problems may include:
- Burning or pain when you begin to urinate or after you empty your bladder
- Frequent, more urgent need to urinate
- Not being able to urinate
- Not able to control the flow of urine from the bladder (incontinence)
- Blood in the urine
- Fever
- Chills
- Urine that is orange, red, green, or dark yellow or has a strong medicine odor
Some kidney and bladder problems will go away after you finish chemotherapy. Other problems can last for the rest of your life.
Drink plenty of fluids if you are getting chemotherapy that can damage the bladder and kidneys. |
Ways to manage
- Your doctor or nurse will take urine and blood samples to check how well your bladder and kidneys are working.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Fluids will help flush the chemotherapy out of your bladder and kidneys. See the lists of clear liquids and liquid foods.
- Limit drinks that contain caffeine (such as black tea, coffee, and some cola products).
Talk with your doctor or nurse if you have any of the problems listed above.
