Side Effects Of Breast Cancer Drugs

Chemotherapy, or chemo, is a form of treatment that uses medication to destroy cancer cells located both at the cancer site and any cells that might have spread throughout the body, according to BreastCancer.org. In the case of breast cancer, chemotherapy sometimes is used after surgery to destroy cancer cells that might have been left behind and to ensure there is no recurrence of cancer by blocking the growth of the cells. Dozens of chemotherapy drugs are used to treat breast cancer; the following are the most common ones and the side effects that can accompany them.

Arimidex

Arimidex, also known as anastrozole, was approved for breast cancer treatment by the FDA in 1996. Side effects can include headache, nausea, temporary thinning of the hair, decreased energy, diarrhea, hot flashes, feeling weak, vaginal dryness, hot flashes and sweating.

Ellence

Also known as epirubicin, this medication was FDA approved in 1999 to treat early-stage breast cancer after surgery. Common side effects associated with this medication include decreased production of white blood cells, which could result in infection; inflammation of the mouth; vomiting; diarrhea; nausea and hair loss.

Herceptin

Also known as trastuzumab, Herceptin was approved by the FDA to treat women who produce excess amounts of the HER-2 gene. This gene regulates cell growth; when there is an over production of it, women could be at greater risk of developing cancer due to the rapid growth and reproduction of cells. Common side effects include diarrhea, anemia, decreased production of white blood cells, abdominal pain and weakened heart muscles.

Taxotere

Taxotere, also known as docetaxel, was FDA approved in 1996 for the treatment of advanced breast cancer. The most common side effects include fluid retention, decreased production of white blood cells, fever due to infection, hair loss and allergic reactions to the drug.

Xeloda

Approved by the FDA in 1998, this drug is also referred to by its generic name, capecitabine. Some of the most common side effects include dehydration, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, sores in the mouth and throat, and complete loss of or decreased appetite.