What are the possible side effects of stem cell therapy?

The possible side effects of stem cell therapy can vary widely depending on the type of treatment and the administration method. Some of the side effects may be caused by the method used to deliver the treatment while others may be caused by the stem cell treatment itself.

Some of the side effects of stem cell therapy may include blood clots, vein damage, air embolism, or infection associated with improper IV administration or unhygienic procedures. Some types of stem cells can make it easier for cancerous growths to manifest by suppressing the immune response to cancerous cells. 

Using contaminated stem cells can result in infections. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are developing synovial fibroblasts and joint inflammation as a result of injecting stem cells directly into joint tissue. 

The risks of severe side effects occurring are highest when undergoing stem cell therapy procedures that have not yet been extensively tested and are not yet approved by the FDA.