Part of chemotherapy for cancer patients involves taking medications either orally or intravenously. With few exceptions, these cytotoxic medications can have significant side effects. Fortunately, there are medications that can temper the effects of chemotherapy
Bone Marrow Suppression
Bone marrow produces the red and white blood cells and also the platelets. Red blood cells carry oxygen and nutrients to the cells in the body. White blood cells fight infection and platelets prevent hemorrhaging. If the red blood cells are suppressed, the patient may experience significant fatigue, rapid heart rate and paleness due to the decreased number of cells. When white cells are suppressed, the patient becomes susceptible to infection and may have fever, chills or develop a rash. A decrease in platelets can cause nosebleeds that are difficult to stop as well as easy bruising; blood in the urine and/or blood in bowel movements.
Procrit and Aranesp are injectable medications that build red blood cells back up. Also a doctor may prescribe iron tablets or possibly a transfusion. For decreased white blood cells, Neupogen may be prescribed for injection, and Neulasta may also be prescribed for the same condition. For low platelet counts, Neumega or Oprelvekin may be used.
Nausea and Vomiting
A very common side effect of chemotherapy is nausea and vomiting. There are many medications that can help control gastrointestinal upset. Though many patients cannot keep food down, several medications can be given intravenously, injected or even placed under the tongue. Aloxi blocks the chemicals in the brain that cause nausea and vomiting; the drugs Zofran and Kytril work in a similar manner. Older medications such as Compazine and Phenergan are also good anti-emetics but can cause sedation. These medications can help control the nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy.
Hand-Foot Syndrome
Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysesthesia (PPE) is caused by the leakage of certain chemotherapy drugs from the small capillaries of the hands and feet. Chemotherapy drugs—such as capecitabine, or Xeloda; 5-Flurouracil, or 5FU; doxorubicin liposomal, or Doxil—leak from the small blood vessels in the hands and feet. When the surfaces of the hands and feet are exposed to heat or friction there is a reaction with the leaking medications and the surfaces become red, raw and irritated. According to Chemocare, it is important to reduce the activities that produce heat or friction in the area of the hands and feet. Avoiding hot water and aerobic-like activities can help prevent this problem. Physicians will often prescribe vitamin B6, for prevention, and emollients such as Aveeno Cream or Udder Cream for the hands and feet.
