Which of the following is NOT a typical side effect of antimetabolites?

Prepare for the ONS Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Certificate Exam with our comprehensive study tools, including flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question offers hints and thorough explanations to enhance your understanding and readiness!

Antimetabolites are a class of chemotherapy agents that mimic natural substances in the body and interfere with the synthesis of DNA and RNA. The side effects associated with antimetabolites stem primarily from their effect on rapidly dividing cells, which includes both cancer cells and normal cells in the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract, and other tissues.

Myelosuppression, or decreased bone marrow function, is indeed a common side effect of antimetabolites because these drugs can inhibit the production of blood cells, leading to conditions like anemia, leukopenia, or thrombocytopenia. GI toxicities, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, are also frequent side effects as the gastrointestinal lining is composed of actively dividing cells, making it susceptible to the effects of these agents.

Photosensitivity can occur with certain drugs but is not typically associated with antimetabolites. Instead, it is more relevant to drugs like some antibiotics or other types of chemotherapy agents. Elevated blood pressure does not have a direct correlation with antimetabolites; while some chemotherapy agents might lead to cardiovascular effects, this is not a typical side effect of antimetabolites specifically.

Given this understanding, elevated blood pressure stands out as a side effect that is not typically linked to the mechanism

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