Hemodialysis Side Effects and Warnings

Possible Complications

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have hemodialysis, your doctor will review a list of possible complications. These may include:

• Lowering your red blood count and causing anemia
• Drop in blood pressure during hemodialysis
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea, vomiting
• Headaches
• Infection
• Feeling hot, sweaty, weak, and/or dizzy
• Inflammation of the heart sac ( pericarditis )
• Neurologic problems
• Disruption of calcium and phosphorus balance, resulting in weakened bones

Also, having heart problems is a factor that may increase the risk of complications from hemodialysis.

Call Your Doctor

After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills
• Redness, swelling, warmth, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge at the catheter or tube insertion site
• Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Dizziness or weakness

In case of an emergency, CALL 911.