The treatment of breast cancer depends on a number of factors such as tumor type, tumor stage and the personal medical history of the patient. Breast cancer drugs, like most cancer drugs, can have many side effects. While these side effects are troublesome, the benefits of breast cancer drugs outweigh any associated short-term discomfort caused by side effects. A physician should explain potential side effects before initiating a drug-based treatment for breast cancer.
Nausea, Vomiting and Diarrhea
Almost all breast cancer drugs, regardless of type or pharmacological mechanism, cause digestive problems associated with nausea and diarrhea. Such side effects are very common and are typically not medically serious. Drug safety information reproduced by Drugs.com explains that Herceptin, a drug that specifically targets HER-2 positive breast tumors, causes nausea and vomiting. Tykerb, another drug that targets HER-2 positive breast cancers can also cause nausea and diarrhea, according to Breastcancer.org. Avastin, a breast cancer drug that blocks the formation of blood vessels that feed breast tumors, can cause diarrhea. Hormonal-based breast cancer drugs such as Tamoxifen and Faslodex also have common side effects of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Weakness and Fatigue
Weakness and fatigue are common side effects of chemotherapy drugs. Chemotherapy drugs that target many cancers, such as Taxol and Adriamycin, can cause general feelings of weakness, suggests Drugs.com. More specific breast cancer drugs like Tykerb and Avastin are also associated with side effects of fatigue and weakness. Chemotherapeutic drugs that target hormonal function, such as Faslodex and Tamoxifen, also cause weakness and fatigue. While such side effects can be troublesome, they are not considered dangerous and typically subside after treatment.
Headache and Dizziness
Breast cancer drugs such as Herceptin and Tykerb also commonly cause headaches and dizziness. Drugs that limit breast tumor blood vessel formation, like Avastin, also have reported headache and dizziness complications. Faslodex and Tamoxifen also commonly cause headaches and dizziness, according to Drugs.com. Chemotherapy patients commonly experience these side effects. They are considered to be a normal reaction to cancer medications and typically go away after the body adjusts to the medicine or after treatment is completed.
Flu-like Symptoms
Breast cancer drugs and other chemotherapeutic drugs can cause flu-like side effects such as fever, chills, muscle aches and general weakness. According to Drugs.com, Herceptin can cause fever, chills and muscle aches, though these side effects are not commonly reported with Tykerb. Drugs.com additionally explains that Avastin, Tamoxifen and Faslodex can cause flu-like symptoms as a side effect of treatment.
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