Cancer refers to a medical condition in which cells within the body multiply rapidly and form tumors. Sometimes, these tumors can spread to the rest of the body. The Mayo Clinic states that symptoms of cancer include unintentional weight loss, trouble swallowing, pain, a fever, fatigue, hoarseness and persistent indigestion. Many types of chemotherapy drugs exist, but there are a few common ones that prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Bleomycin
Bleomycin, commonly sold as Blenoxane, is a cancer drug that belongs to the category of medications known as antineoplastics. Drugs.com states that bleomycin treats cancer of the uterus, cervix, neck, head, penis and testicles. This medication stops cancer cell growth and eventually destroys them. Bleomycin's common side effects include darkening of the skin, swelling of the fingers, a fever, vomiting and a poor appetite. Its serious but rare side effects include, shortness of breath, chest pain, and leg or arm weakness. Consult a doctor when bleomycin leads to these effects. Suffering from lung, kidney or liver disease while taking bleomycin may worsen these conditions. Bleomycin is an intravenous (through the vein) injection given once or twice weekly.
Doxorubicin
Doxorubicin, commonly sold as Adriamycin, Doxil or Rubex, is an antibiotic drug used to treat such cancers of the breast, stomach, ovaries, thyroid, bone and lungs. It stops the growth of cancer cells. MedlinePlus states that doxorubicin's common side effects include a poor appetite, difficulty swallowing, diarrhea and think or brittle hair. Some of doxorubicin's serious side effects include easy bleeding or bruising, trouble breathing, a fever and chills. Call a doctor when doxorubicin leads to these effects. Medications such as verapamil, streptozocin or paclitaxel may interact with doxorubicin. Phone a doctor when this medication leads to these effects. Doxorubicin is an intravenous medication given for three days, or as prescribed.
Vinblastine
Vinblastine, commonly sold as Velban, is also another medication that belongs to the class of drugs called antineoplastic agents. This medication also halts the growth of cancer cells and eliminates them from the body. Drugs.com states that vinblastine's frequent side effects include a fever, chills, a coughing, painful urination and lower back pain. Some of its less common side effects include bloody or urine stools, easy bleeding or bruising, and pain or redness at the injection site. Consult a physician when vinblastine leads to these effects. Suffering from shingles, gout, liver disease or an infection may require a decrease in vinblastine's dose. This medication is an intravenous medication given once every seven days, or as prescribed.
