- The adverse effect of a particular drug
Peripheral neuropathy is frequently an adverse effect of certain medications, particularly those used to treat cancer (chemotherapy) and HIV/AIDS. Certain cancer and HIV/AIDS patients may experience nerve injury due to the medication. When the nerves are compromised, the patient experiences a loss of sensation and movement, particularly in the hands and feet. Despite the fact that the condition can be uncomfortable and even agonizing in some cases, it is rarely life-threatening. The good news about neuropathy as a side effect of certain medications is that it always disappears when the drugs are altered or the treatment is stopped.
Depending on the severity of the condition to begin with, the patient may begin to feel better within a few weeks or months. In extremely uncommon instances, nerve damage may be permanent and irreversible. Anti-alcohol medications, anticonvulsants, phenytoin, cisplatin, and vincristine are among the drugs that may induce peripheral neuropathy.
