Cancer refers to an unrelenting growth of cells in the body. Cancerous cells are also known as malignant cells. MedlinePlus indicates that sunlight, tobacco, viruses, radiation and mushrooms can lead to cancer. Signs of cancer include unintentional weight loss, night sweats, fatigue, chills and a fever. Fortunately, drugs used for cancer exist.
Carmustine
Carmustine, commonly sold as BiCNU or Gliadel, specifically treats brain cancer, Hodgkin's lymphoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and multiple myeloma, says Drugs.com. Specifically, carmustine slows the progression of cancer cell growth.
Carmustine's less concerning side effects include darkening of the skin where the injection was administered. Notify a doctor if this does not go away with a week.
Carmustine's serious side effects include easy bleeding or bruising, a fever, a sore throat, chills and mouth sores. In some instances, carmustine also leads to yellowing of the skin or eyes, confusion, increased thirst, pale skin and a fast heartbeat. Sometimes this cancer drug also causes difficulty breathing, wheezing, and difficulty concentrating and swelling of the feet or ankles. Notify a physician immediately when carmustine causes these effects.
A doctor must decrease carmustine's dose in people who suffer from bone marrow suppression, kidney or liver disease and breathing problems.
Patients may receive an injection given one time every six weeks. Drugs.com says that current treatment with this medication includes either a single dose injection or many injections over a two day span.
Cladribine
Cladribine, commonly sold as Leustatin, slows cancer cell growth. Drugs.com says that cladribine specifically treats hairy cell leukemia, a form of blood cancer.
Cladribine's less concerning side effects include diarrhea, constipation, a cough, nausea and a headache. In some instances, this drug can lead to fatigue and swelling or pain at the injection site. Phone a physician when cladribine's less serious side effects last for more than seven days.
Cladribine's serious side effects include muscle weakness or tightness, fainting, lower back pain, confusion and numbness or tingling around the mouth. In some instances, cladribine leads to a slow or fast heartbeat, low back pain and burning, tingling or numbness around the fingers or toes. Inform a doctor right away when cladribine leads to these serious side effects.
Do not take cladribine while pregnant because it can harm the baby. It remains unclear whether cladribine passes into breast milk, so it is best not to breastfeed while taking cladribine.
Cladribine is administered as an intravenous (through the vein) injection given slowly over a period of seven days.
Fulvestrant
Fulvestrant, commonly sold as Faslodex, belongs to the category of medicines called estrogen receptor antagonists. It specifically treats breast cancer. Fulvestrant interferes with estrogen, a female hormone responsible for breast cell cancer growth.
Drugs.com says that fulvestrant's less concerning side effects include constipation, diarrhea, sweating, dizziness, trouble sleeping, a headache, weakness and flushing. In some instances, fulvestrant leads to a poor appetite, a sore throat and swelling of the ankles, feet, hands and legs. Additional effects include depression, nervousness and sweating. Call a physician when fulvestrant's less serious side effects remain for greater than a week.
Fulvestrant's serious side effects include chest pain, trouble breathing or swallowing, a rash, itching and shortness of breath. Go to the emergency room immediately when fulvestrant leads to these effects.
A decrease in fulvestrant's dose may prove necessary when suffering from liver disease or bleeding problems.
Patients receive an injection of fulvestrant into the buttocks once a month.
