Colon cancer is a chronic and potentially life-threatening disease in which colon cancer cells grow at a very rapid pace. The Mayo Clinic says that colon cancer signs include rectal bleeding, bloody stool, fatigue, weakness and unexplained weight loss. The exact cause of colon cancer is unclear. Medications for colon cancer exist to treat the condition and its symptoms.
Irinotecan
Irinotecan, commonly sold as Camptosar, is a cancer drug that specifically treats such cancers as colon cancer. Drugs.com says that irinotecan stops cancer cell growth and spread throughout the body. This drug's less serious effects include dizziness, a cough, constipation, peeling of the skin on the feet and hands and hair loss. Some of irinotecan's serious side effects include vomiting, nausea, black or bloody stools, stomach cramps and chest pain. Notify a doctor if irinotecan causes these effects. Suffering from diabetes, fructose intolerance and liver disease may require a decrease in irinotecan's dose. Irinotecan is available as an intravenous injection given once a week.
Cetuximab
Cetuximab, commonly sold as Erbitux, is a cancer drug that also treats colon and rectal cancer. Drugs.com says that cetuximab halts the growth of colon cancer and prevents its spread to other parts of the body. Its less serious side effects include a headache, trouble swallowing, weight loss and weakness. Cetuximab's serious side effects include chest pain, fever, chills, confusion and white patches or sores in the mouth. Notify a doctor if cetuximab's effects develop. Suffering from heart problems, congestive heart failure, lung disease and coronary artery disease may require a decrease in cetuximab's dose. This medication is an injection given through the vein once a week.
Panitumumab
Panitumumab, commonly sold as Vectibix, is another cancer medication that specifically treats rectal and colon cancer. Drugs.com says that panitumumab binds to the protein found on cancer cells to stop the growth of the cancer. This medication's less serious side effects include diarrhea, constipation and fatigue. Some of panitumumab's serious side effects include wheezing, drowsiness, cracking, bleeding, muscle stiffness and acne. Phone a doctor if panitumumab's side effects develop. This medication is also harmful during pregnancy because it can lead to birth defects. This drug is an intravenous medication given once every two weeks.
