Colorectal cancer, commonly known as colon and rectal cancer, is a type of cancer in which cells grow at a rapid rate in the colon and rectum. MedlinePlus says that symptoms of colorectal cancer include bloody stool, unintentional weight loss, diarrhea, and stomach pain and tenderness. Fortunately, drugs for colorectal cancer exist.
Cetuximab
Cetuximab, commonly sold as Erbitux, treats colorectal cancer. Drugs.com says that cetuximab also treats head and neck cancer. This drugs slows cancer cell growth and prevents it from moving to other body parts.
Cetuximab's less concerning side effects include dry or cracked skin, a headache, stomach pain, vomiting and nausea. In some instances, cetuximab also leads to a cough, a sore throat, weight loss and weakness.
Cetuximab's serious side effects include confusion, a fever, body aches, chest pain, trouble breathing, a slow heart rate and fainting. Additional effects include dizziness, weakness, confusion, easy bleeding or bruising and white patches or sores in the mouth or lips. Inform a doctor when cetuximab's serious effects develop.
A change in cetuximab's dose may be necessary when suffering from congestive heart failure, lung disease, coronary artery disease or a breathing disorder.
Cetuximab is given as an intravenous (through the vein) injection typically once a week.
Irinotecan
Irinotecan, commonly sold as Campstosar, is another medication used to treat colorectal cancer. MedlinePlus says that this medication is a topoisomerase I inhibitor that stops cancer cell growth.
Irinotecan's less serious side effects include nausea, constipation, vomiting, weakness, hair loss, back pain and a poor appetite.
Irinotecan's serious effects include chest pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, trouble breathing or swallowing, hives and weight gain. Additionally, irinotecan can also lead to swelling of the feet, arms, hands or legs, diarrhea, increased saliva production and flushing. Go to the emergency room when irinotecan leads to these effects.
Taking such medications as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, rifabutin and rifampin with irinotecan may require a change in irinotecan's dose.
Irinotecan is an intravenous infusion given once a week.
Bevacizumab
Bevacizumab, commonly sold as Avastin, is yet another medication that treats colorectal cancer. Drugs.com indicates that bevacizumab can also treat cancer of the kidney, lung or breast.
Bevacizumab's less serious side effects include dizziness, hair loss, dry mouth, increased thirst, stomach pain and a loss of appetite.
Bevacizumab's serious side effects include stomach pain, body aches, a fever, chills, rapid weight gain, shortness of breath, black or bloody stools, and increased blood pressure. Signs of an elevated high blood pressure include an excruciating headache, chest pain, trouble concentrating and seizures. Bevacizumab's additional side effects include speech problems and unsteadiness. Phone a doctor immediately when bevacizumab leads to these effects.
A change in bevacizumab's dose may be required when suffering from such diseases as liver or kidney disease, heart disease, blood clots or a stroke.
Bevacizumab is available as an intravenous injection given once every 14 days.
