Chemotherapy is a common cancer treatment that uses medications to stop the proliferation and replication of cancerous cells. There are more than 50 different chemotherapy drugs, each targeting a specific cancer type and each capable of causing side effects. Administered as a pill, injection, topically, or intravenously, a combination of different chemotherapy drugs are used for cancer treatment, according to Stanford Medicine Cancer Center.
Doxorubicin
Doxorubicin, or Adriamycin, is a chemotherapy drug used to treat lymphoma, breast cancer and multiple myeloma. It is a red liquid, given intravenously and causes side effects such as nausea and vomiting, total hair loss, sores in the mouth and on the lips, red urine color, light sensitivity and darkening skin and nail beds, according to Baylor College of Medicine and Stanford Medicine Cancer Center.
Cyclophosphamide
Cyclophosphamide, also called Cytoxan or Neosar, is a drug administered orally or intravenously to treat lymphoma, breast and ovarian cancers. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, complete hair loss, lung or heart damage in response to high doses, decreased blood cell counts, abdominal pain, bladder damage and secondary cancers, notes Stanford Medicine Cancer Center.
Carboplatin
Carboplatin, or Paraplatin, treats ovarian, lung, head and neck cancers. Given intravenously this drug can cause side effects such as minor hair loss, decreased blood cell counts, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea or constipation, according to Baylor College of Medicine.
Gemcitabine
Gemcitabine, or Gemzar, is administered intravenously to treat lung, breast, ovarian and pancreatic cancers. This drug can cause nausea, vomiting, flu-like symptoms, fever, decreased blood cell count and a rash, says Stanford Medicine Cancer Center.
Vincristine
Vincristine, also called Oncovin or Vincasar PFS, is an intravenous drug to treat leukemia and lymphoma. Side effects are weakness, jaw pain, abdominal cramping, constipation, total hair loss and numbness and tingling of the fingers and toes, according to Baylor College of Medicine and Stanford Medicine Cancer Center.
Taxol
Taxol, or Paclitaxel, is an intravenous drug that stops cancer cell reproduction. Given intravenously, Taxol can cause two to three days of muscle and joint pain following treatment, total hair loss, decreased blood cell counts, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet and minor nausea and vomiting, notes Baylor College of Medicine.
Irinotecan
Irinotecan, or Camptosar, is an intravenous chemotherapy drug used to treat colon and rectal cancers. Side effects from this medication include diarrhea, total hair loss and decreased blood cell counts, according to Stanford Medicine Cancer Center.
