Breast cancer is a debilitating disease in which cells rapidly grow and form tumors. Left unchecked, this form of cancer can prove potentially fatal. The Mayo Clinic says that some signs of breast cancer include a breast lump or thickening, a bloody nipple discharge, an inverted nipple or redness or pitting of the breast's skin. Fortunately, medication treatments for breast cancer exist.
Tamoxifen
Tamoxifen, commonly sold as Soltamox, Tamone or Nolvadex, is a medication that blocks the effects of estrogen on the breast. Estrogen is responsible for feeding breast cancer cells and allowing them to grow. Drugs.com says that tamoxifen's less concerning side effects include a sore throat, a cough, vaginal itching or dryness, skin changes and a decreased sex drive. Sometimes, tamoxifen leads to trouble having an orgasm, thinning of the hair, weakness, depression, tumor or bone pain and swelling of the hands or feet. Tamoxifen's serious side effects include menstrual irregularities, shortness of breath, body aches, coughing up blood, yellowing of the skin or eyes and speech or balance problems. Notify a doctor when tamoxifen leads to these effects. Tamoxifen is a tablet taken one to two times daily.
Transtuzumab
Transtuzumab, commonly sold as Herceptin, is a cancer medication that specifically slows the progression of breast cancer cells. Drugs.com reports that transtuzumab also treats metastatic (spreading) breast cancer. Its less concerning side effects include a headache, fatigue and back, muscle or joint pain. It can also lead to vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, a sore throat and a headache. Transtuzumab's serious side effects include rapid weight gain, a cough, wheezing, fevers, chills, shortness of breath and chest pain. It can also lead to mouth sores and white patches in the mouth. Phone a doctor when transtuzumab causes these effects. Transtuzumab is an intravenous (through the vein) injection given once a week.
Lapatinib
Lapatinib, commonly sold as Tykerb, is a medication commonly used in conjunction with capecitabine to treat breast cancer. MedlinePlus states that lapatinib is a kinase inhibitor that blocks the proteins (kinases) needed for breast cancer cells to grow. Its less concerning effects include vomiting, heartburn, nausea, a poor appetite and dry skin. Lapatinib also leads to trouble sleeping, mouth, throat or lip sores and pain or numbness of the hands or feet. Some of its serious side effects include weakness, a fast or irregular heartbeat, swelling of the feet, ankles, legs or hands and a rash. Notify a doctor when lapatinib leads to these effects. Lapatinib is a tablet taken daily.
