Different chemotherapy drugs have varying common side effects, and patients may respond differently to chemotherapy.

Common side effects of lung cancer chemotherapy include constipation, diarrhea, easy bruising or bleeding, fatigue, hair loss, increased risk of infection, loss of appetite, change in taste, mouth and throat sores, nausea, vomiting, and peripheral neuropathy (sensitivity to cold or heat or weakness, usually in the hands and feet).

While most side effects typically stop after treatment, some may persist or develop later, including heart disease, other cancers, thyroid hormone imbalances, fertility issues, and cognitive problems. It is therefore crucial for individuals receiving chemotherapy to be regularly monitored by a healthcare team aware of potential treatment side effects throughout their lives.