Cancer refers to a potentially fatal disease in which cells within the body grow at a very rapid rate. The Mayo Clinic indicates that cancer symptoms include fatigue, a fever, difficulty swallowing, pain, a change in bladder or bowel habits and trouble swallowing. Fortunately, drugs used in cancer treatment exist.
Paclitaxel-Protein Bound
Paclitaxel-protein bound, commonly sold as Abraxane, is a cancer medication that specifically treats breast cancer. This medication stops cancer cell growth and thus, prevents its spread throughout the body. Drugs.com says that paclitaxel-protein bound's less concerning side effects include hair loss, mouth sores, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and muscle or joint pain. A few of its serious side effects include numbness or tingling, an irregular heartbeat, liver damage and an allergic reaction. Signs of liver damage include yellowing of the skin or eyes and abdominal pain. Signs of an allergic reaction include trouble breathing, swelling of the tongue, black or bloody stools and a fever. Go to the emergency room when paclitaxel-protein bound leads to these effects. This cancer drug is administered as an intravenous (through the vein) injection every three weeks or as prescribed.
Mechlorethamine
Mechlorethamine, commonly sold as Mustargen, is an alkylating agent that slows or actually halts the progression of cancer cell growth. MedlinePlus says that mechlorethamine specifically treats such cancers as lymphosarcoma, Hodgkin's disease and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. MedlinePlus indicates that mechlorethamine's common side effects include weakness and a poor appetite. Its serious effects include a fever, chills, easy bleeding or bruising, a sore throat and chills. Other side effects include a rash, shortness of breath and wheezing. Notify a physician when mechlorethamine leads to these effects. Mechlorethamine is an intravenous (through the vein) medication given every week or as prescribed.
Vincristine
Vincristine, commonly sold as Oncovin or Vincasar PFS, is another cancer medication that stops the growth of cancer cells in the body and prevents its spread. Drugs.com says that vincristine specifically treats such cancers as leukemia, rhabdomyosarcoma, neuroblastoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Some of its less serious side effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, missed periods and temporary hair loss. Vincristine's serious side effects include seizures, shortness of breath, a rapid heartbeat, chest pain, sweating and yellowing of the skin or eyes. Call a doctor when vincristine's effects develop. Vincristine is given as an intravenous injection once a week.
