Chemotherapy Drug | Possible Side Effects
(Not all side effects are listed. Some of those listed may be short-term side effects; others are long-term side effects.) |
carboplatin
(Paraplatin)- usually administered intravenously (IV) and used to treat lung, head and neck, and ovarian cancers
| - blood cell counts falling
hair fall (reversible)
confusion
nausea, diarrhoea, and/or vomiting (usually a short-term side effect occurring the first 24 to 72 hours following treatment)
|
cisplatin
(Platinol, Platinol-AQ)- used to treat bladder, ovarian, and testicular malignancies, and typically administered intravenously (IV).
| - reduction in blood cell counts allergic reaction, which may include a rash and/or difficulty breathing nausea and vomiting that often lasts for 24 hours or longer changes in blood electrolytes kidney damage
|
cyclophosphamide
(Cytoxan, Neosar)- For the treatment of ovarian carcinoma, breast cancer, and lymphoma, it can be administered intravenously (IV) or orally.
| - blood cell counts falling
nausea, vomiting, and stomach ache
reduction in appetite
hair fall (reversible)
bladder injury
fertility problems
Heart or lung injury (with high doses)
second-degree cancers (rare)
|
docetaxel
(Taxotere)- used to treat breast cancer, lung cancer, and prostate
| - blood cell counts falling
nausea, vomiting, and stomach ache
vomiting reduced appetite
hair loss, a rash, and tingling and numbness in the hands and feet
|
doxorubicin
(Adriamycin)- used to treat multiple myeloma, lymphoma, and breast cancer when administered intravenously (IV)
| - blood cell counts falling
gum disease hair loss
vomiting and nauseous heart damage
|
erlotinib
(Tarceva)- used orally in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer
| - Rash and other skin modifications
diarrhea
|
etoposide
(VePesid)- used for lung, testicular, leukemia, and lymphoma cancers and can be administered intravenously (IV) or orally.
| - blood cell counts falling
hair fall (reversible)
vomiting and nauseous allergic reaction
oral sores
reduced blood pressure (during administration)
reduction in appetite
diarrhea and tummy ache
Symptoms of the flu like bronchospasm
|
fluorouracil
(5-FU)- given intravenously (IV) and used to treat head and neck, colon, breast, and stomach cancers
| - blood cell counts falling
stomachaches mouth sores
photosensitivity
arid skin
|
gemcitabine
(Gemzar)- given intravenously (IV) and used to treat lung, pancreatic, breast, and ovarian cancers
| - blood cell counts falling
fever, symptoms of the flu, and nausea and vomiting
rash
|
imatinib mesylate
(Gleevec)- used orally for gastrointestinal stromal tumor and chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)
| - nauseous and dizzy
fluid accumulation (swelling around ankles, eyes)
muscular pain
stomach bleeding, diarrhea, and rash
|
irinotecan
(Camptosar)- given intravenously (IV) and used to treat rectum and colon cancers
| - blood cell counts falling
vomiting hair loss
|
methotrexate
(Folex, Mexate, Amethopterin)- breast, lung, blood, bone, and lymph system cancers may be treated using oral, intravenously (IV), intrathecally (into the spinal column), or a combination of these methods.
| - blood cell counts falling
nauseous and dizzy
oral sores
rashes on the body and photosensitivity
headache, grogginess, or sleepiness
kidney injury
liver injury
hair fall
seizures
|
paclitaxel
(Taxol, Abraxane)- given intravenously (IV) and used for lung, breast, and ovarian cancers
| - blood cell counts falling
allergic response
nauseous and dizzy
reduced appetite
altered taste, brittle or thin hair, and joint pain
tingling or numbness in the fingers or toes
|
sorafinib
(Nexavar)- used for advanced kidney cancer and administered orally
| - blood pressure is high (during first few weeks of treatment)
Other skin changes and a rash
diarrheal ill health hair loss
nauseous and dizzy
|
sunitinib
(Sutent)- administered orally and used for kidney cancer and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST)
| - diarrhea, vomiting, and mouth ulcers
stomach ache skin changes, such as a rash and skin discoloration fatigue
blood pressure is high.
bleeding, swelling, taste issues
|
topotecan
(Hycamtin)- used to treat lung and ovarian cancers when administered intravenously (IV)
| - blood cell counts falling
vomiting hair loss
nauseous and dizzy
|
vincristine
(Oncovin, Vincasar PFS)- typically administered intravenously (IV), used to treat lymphoma and leukemia
| - tingling or numbness in the fingers or toes
weakness
reduced reflexes
jaw ache
hair fall (reversible)
stomach pain or indigestion
|
vinblastine
(Velban)- used to treat head and neck, testicular, and lymphoid malignancies when administered intravenously (IV)
| - blood cell counts falling
hair fall
abdominal pain or indigestion
tingling or numbness in the fingers or toes and jaw pain
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RECENT COMMENTS