Cancer is a potentially fatal medical condition in which the cells in the body grow at an extremely rapid rate. According to the Mayo Clinic, cancer symptoms include a fever, fatigue, weight changes, trouble swallowing, a persistent cough, changes in bowel or bladder habits and pain. Sometimes, cancer leads to pain and yellowing or darkening of the skin. Fortunately, drugs for cancer treatment exist.
Bendamustine
Bendamustine is a cancer medication that specifically treats chronic lymphocytic leukemia. It also treats B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It prevents cancer cells from growing and spreading to the rest of the body. The website, Drugs.com states that bendamustine's less concerning side effects include drowsiness, fatigue, weight loss, vomiting, nausea, constipation and a decrease in taste. In some instances, bendamustine leads to weight loss and swelling, pain or itching at the intravenous (through the vein) needle site. Bendamustine's serious side effects include a slow heart beat, a cough, vomiting, hallucinations, muscle stiffness or weakness and body aches. Notify a physician when bendamustine leads to these effects. This cancer medication is given as an intravenous medication for two days every 21 to 28 days. Typically, up to eight treatments are given.
Exemestane
Exemestane, commonly sold as Aromasin, is a cancer drug that specifically treats breast cancer. It specifically reduces the amount of estrogen (a female hormone) necessary for breast tumor cells to grow. According to Drugs.com, exemestane's less serious side effects include a headache, weakness, joint stiffness or pain, trouble sleeping and increased sweating. Exemestane's serious side effects include swelling of the feet or hands, shortness of breath, a bone fracture, chest pain and visual problems. Call a doctor when this medication causes these effects. Exemestane is a tablet typically taken once a day.
Oxaliplatin
Oxaliplatin, commonly sold as Eloxatin, is a cancer drug that specifically treats colon or rectal cancer. Specifically, this drug destroys cancer cells. The website, MedlinePlus states that oxaliplatin's less concerning side effects include depression, anxiety, weight gain or loss, gas, constipation, sweating and flushing. Stomach pain, pain in the hands or feet, fatigue, dry skin, weight gain or loss, and hiccups are additional effects. Oxaliplatin's serious side effects include shortness of breath, chest pain, trouble speaking, nosebleeds, bloody urine and swelling of the arms, feet, ankles and lower legs. Call a doctor when oxaliplatin's side effects develop. Oxaliplatin is an injection given once every two weeks.
