Stomach cancer, medically known as gastric cancer, refers to a potentially fatal disease in which stomach cells grow at a rapid rate. The Mayo Clinic states that signs of stomach cancer include stomach pain, vomiting, weight loss, indigestion and feeling bloated after eating. Fortunately, drugs for stomach cancer are available to slow the progression of this disease.
Capecitabine
Capecitabine, commonly sold as Xeloda, is a cancer medication that treats cancer of the stomach, rectum and breast. Capecitabine specifically halts cancer cells from growing. Drugs.com states that its less serious side effects include a skin rash, eye irritation, a headache and dizziness. Some of capecitabine's serious side effects include chest pain, a poor appetite, severe diarrhea, body aches and a fever. Notify a physician when capecitabine leads to these effects. If you are suffering from coronary artery disease, kidney or liver disease, you may require a decrease in capecitabine's dose. Capecitabine is an intravenous (through the vein) injection given in a 3-week cycle for up to 24 weeks.
Mitomycin
Mitomycin, commonly sold as Mutamycin, is an antineoplastic drug that treats cancer of the stomach and pancreas. This drug stops the growth and spread of cancer cells in the stomach. Drugs.com states that mitomycin's less serious side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, blurry vision, weakness and confusion. Its serious side effects include shortness of breath, vomiting, nausea and pain, swelling or redness at the injection site. Notify a doctor when mitomycin leads to these effects. A change in mitomycin's dose may be required when suffering from such diseases as kidney disease or a blood or bleeding disorder. Mitomycin is given as an intravenous (through the vein) injection once, or as prescribed.
Doxorubicin
Doxorubicin, commonly sold as Adriamycin, Rubex or Doxil, is a cancer medication that treats cancers of the stomach, thyroid, acute lymphoblastic leukemia or bladder. According to MedlinePlus, some of doxorubicin's common side effects include a poor appetite, diarrhea, skin irritation and trouble swallowing. Some of doxorubicin's serious side effects include easy bleeding or bruising, chills, a fever, a sore throat and persistent diarrhea. Call a doctor when these side effects develop. Taking verapamil, streptozocin, aspirin or cyclosporine may require a decrease in doxorubicin's dose. Doxorubicin is an intravenous (through the vein) injection given daily, or as prescribed.
