This website has been developed and funded by Jazz Pharmaceuticals for members of the public, patients and carers. This section contains reference information. It is not intended to replace the advice of a healthcare professional.
WHAT IS THIS PAGE ABOUT?
This page is to inform you about a condition called veno-occlusive disease (VOD). VOD is not very common but it can happen. The information in this page will help you to understand signs and symptoms and the importance of reporting immediately to healthcare providers.
This page contains reference information. It is not intended to replace the advice of a healthcare professional.
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the package leaflet. For more information on how to report side effects, Click on Adverse Event Reporting above.
WHAT IS VOD?
VOD happens when the small blood vessels leading into the liver and that are found inside the liver become swollen, damaged and/or blocked. This prevents the liver from carrying out its job properly, such as removing waste products from your body, and can cause problems with other organs and systems in the body.
VOD can occur as a complication of stem cell transplant and is thought to be caused by chemotherapy drugs used and radiation therapy given before transplant.
What are the signs and symptoms of VOD?
Bloated abdomen, swollen legs or hands
Sudden weight gain
Pain in the top right quarter of your abdomen
Yellow eyes and skin
Dark pee
Bleeding
nose bleeds, bleeding from the gums (particularly when brushing your teeth) or blood in spit that is coughed up
Diagnosing and treating VOD
Healthcare teams will monitor for any signs or symptoms of VOD during stem cell transplantation.
Healthcare teams will ask questions, do tests and physical examinations to assess the risk of developing VOD. These tests will often include taking weight, measuring around the abdomen, blood tests and a physical examination including the skin.
Healthcare teams will be looking out for all the key signs and symptoms for VOD. This might involve them carrying out different tests and a physical examination.
Healthcare teams could offer a number of different therapies to help treat the symptoms and this can include providing you with pain killers.
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the package leaflet. You can also report side effects directly through your national medicines side effect reporting system or to Jazz Pharmaceuticals by email to medinfo-int@jazzpharma.com or phone via +353 1 968 1631 (may include an international call charge). By reporting side effect, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
INT-DEF-2200147
Date of Preparation: August 2023
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