Stomach cancer, medically known as gastric cancer, is a type of cancer that begins in the stomach. MedlinePlus says that signs of gastric cancer include vomiting, nausea, poor appetite, stomach pain and dark stools. Sometimes, this disease can lead to unintentional weight loss, vomiting of blood, fatigue and weakness. Fortunately, there are some drugs for stomach cancer.
Epirubicin
Epirubicin, sold as Ellence, is an antineoplastic medication that treats stomach cancer as well as breast cancer, and works to slow the growth of cancer cells.
Epirubicin's common side effects include hair loss, diarrhea, poor appetite and menstrual irregularities. In some cases, epirubicin leads to fatigue, skin changes, nausea and red-colored urine. Inform a physician when epirubicin's common side effects remain for more than seven days.
Epirubicin's serious side effects include a cough, dehydration, facial flushing, a fast or irregular heartbeat, and abnormal bleeding or bruising. Epirubicin can also cause joint pain, difficulty breathing, black stools and bloody urine. Call a doctor at once when epirubicin leads to these effects.
Cyclosporine, cimetidine, transtuzumab and quinolone medications may interact with epirubicin.
Epirubicin is given as an intravenous (through the vein) infusion every 14 days or as prescribed.
Methotrexate
Methotrexate, sold as Rheumatrex Dose Pack or Trexall, interferes with cancer cells' growth and prevents them from spreading throughout the body.
Methotrexate's less concerning side effects include blurry vision, headache, fatigue, bleeding of the gums and stomach problems. In some instances, methotrexate can lead to dizziness and blurry vision.
Methotrexate's serious side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath, dry cough and bloody urine. In some instances, this drug causes stomach pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, a poor appetite and clay-colored stools. A sore throat, body aches, and white patches on the lips or mouth are methotrexate's other side effects. Call a doctor when methotrexate leads to these serious effects.
Suffering from stomach ulcers, pneumonia and liver, kidney or lung disease may require a change in methotrexate's dose.
Methotrexate is given as an injection once or twice a week.
Etoposide
Etoposide, sold as Etopophos, Toposar or VePesid, also slows cancer cells' growth.
Etoposide's common side effects include stomach pain, diarrhea, changes in taste, poor appetite, vomiting and nausea. Tell a doctor when etoposide's common effects last for more than a week.
Etoposide's serious side effects include shortness of breath, rash, itching, sore throat, dizziness and pain at the injection site. Additional side effects include diarrhea for more than two days and faintness. Tell a physician when etoposide leads to these effects.
Etoposide may interact with aspirin and vitamins.
Etoposide is a capsule taken daily or as prescribed.
