The prostate gland is a walnut-shaped structure that wraps around a man's urethra and produces the semen necessary to carry sperm. Prostate cancer refers to a condition in which cells in the prostate gland grow at a very fast rate. The Mayo Clinic says that symptoms of prostate cancer include difficulty urinating, swelling in the legs, bloody urine or semen, and bone pain. Fortunately, there are some common drugs used to treat prostate cancer.
Leuprolide
Leuprolide, commonly sold as Lupron or Viadur, is a medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists. This medication reduces the amount of gonadotropin-releasing hormones necessary to feed prostate cancer cell growth. Medline Plus indicates that leuprolide's less-concerning side effects include vomiting, nausea, a poor appetite and weight changes. Some of leuprolide's serious side effects include trouble breathing or swallowing, bone pain, prostate or testicular pain, hives and a rash. Phone a doctor when leuprolide leads to these effects. Taking such medications as methylprednisolone, cyclosporine, dexamethasone or lithium may interact with leuprolide. This medication is an injection given daily.
Bicalutamide
Bicalutamide, commonly sold as Casodex, is a nonsteroidal antiandrogen that also treats prostate cancer. Specifically, bicalutamide stops the effects of androgen, a male hormone, so that prostate cancer cells do not grow. Medline Plus says that some of bicalutamide's less-serious side effects include constipation, hot flashes, abdominal pain, bloody urine, increased blood pressure, diarrhea and swelling of the hands, legs or feet. Bicalutamide's serious effects include yellowing of the skin or eyes, a poor appetite, easy bleeding or bruising and pain in the upper part of the stomach. Phone a doctor when bicalutamide leads to these effects. Taking such medications as warfarin, aripraprazole, buspirone and alprazolam may interact with bicalutamide. Bicalutamide is a tablet taken daily.
Estramustine
Estramustine, commonly sold as Emcyt, is a type of cancer drug that specifically interferes with prostate cancer cell growth. Drugs.com says that estramustine treats metastastic, or spreading, prostate cancer. This medication's less-serious side effects include weakness, fatigue, breast swelling, diarrhea and a poor appetite. Some of estramustine's serious side effects include chest pain, confusion, easy bruising, shortness of breath and rapid breathing. Phone a doctor when estramustine leads to these effects. Suffering from high blood pressure, liver or kidney disease, migraines or diabetes may require a decrease in estramustine's dose. This medication is a tablet taken daily or as prescribed.
