What are potential adverse effects of antineoplastic drugs?

Antineoplastic drugs, used primarily in the treatment of cancer, can lead to a variety of adverse effects due to their mechanism of action, which often targets rapidly dividing cells. Among these potential adverse effects, anaphylactic reactions and hair loss are particularly significant.

Anaphylactic reactions can occur as a response to the administration of certain antineoplastic agents. This severe allergic reaction can result in symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling, and a drop in blood pressure, requiring immediate medical intervention. Hair loss is another common side effect associated with many chemotherapy agents. These drugs disrupt the normal cycle of hair follicle growth, leading to hair thinning or complete loss, which is often temporary but can be distressing for patients.

While other choices present possible health issues, they do not align as closely with the known side effects of antineoplastic medications. Weight gain, elevated cholesterol, hypoglycemia, increased appetite, headaches, and insomnia are not typically associated with the pharmacological action of antineoplastic drugs, making them less relevant in this context.