CAR-T Side Effects: What Caregivers Should Watch For and When to Call

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Recognizing side effects and knowing when to contact the care team is one of a caregiver's most important jobs after CAR-T cell therapy. This HealthTree video covers cytokine release syndrome (CRS), ICANS neurotoxicity, prolonged low blood counts, low immunoglobulin levels and infection risk, and rare delayed complications such as delayed neurotoxicity and severe diarrhea. You'll also learn which symptoms need an immediate call to the care team, including a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, and which may require calling 911.

Part of HealthTree University's Caring with Confidence: A Practical Guide for CAR-T Caregivers course.

Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

0:26 Most common CAR-T side effects

1:28 Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) symptoms

2:33 When CRS is most likely to occur

3:45 ICANS: neurological changes to recognize

6:24 Prolonged low blood counts

8:26 Low immunoglobulins and infection risk

10:02 Rare or delayed side effects

12:36 Symptoms that need an immediate call

This video is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always follow your CAR-T care team's instructions.

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