Chemotherapy drugs are used to kill or destroy cancer cells that have spread away from the original tumor, to other areas of the body, according to the American Cancer Society. It can be taken orally, administered intravenously or as an injection. More than 100 chemotherapy drugs are available, however some are used frequently than others.
Carboplatin (Paraplatin)
Carboplatin is a chemotherapy drug primarily used in the treatment of ovarian cancer, according to Chemocare.com. It may also be used to treat breast and cervical cancer, as well as cancer of the head and neck. It is typically administered intravenously, and the dose depends on your overall health, your height and weight and your response to the medication. The dose may be adjusted as you progress through your treatment.
Low blood counts are a common side effect of carboplatin. Within the first 24 hours of treatment, you may experience nausea and vomiting. Additional side effects include changes in your sense of taste, feeling weak, hair loss and low magnesium levels. If your magnesium levels become too low, you may need to receive fluids, fortified with magnesium,on an outpatient basis.
Docetaxel (Taxotere)
Because no oral form of docetaxel is available, the only form of administration is intravenously. However a corticorsteroid pill is given three days before beginning your docetaxel treatment to help reduce the severity of allergic reaction and fluid retention that docetaxel may cause.
According to Chemocare.com, docetaxel is used to treat breast cancer, advanced stomach cancer, metastatic prostate cancer (prostate cancer that has spread), non-small cell lung cancer and head and neck cancer.
The most common side effects of docetaxel is reduced red blood count, which increases your risk of anemia, and decreased white blood cell count, which increases your risk of infection. Additional side effects include fluid retention accompanied by weight gain and swelling of your ankles and feet; diarrhea, temporary hair loss; nausea; fatigue and mouth sores. Your doctor can give you advice on how to manage these side effects, should you experience them.
Etoposide (VePesid)
Etoposide is available in tablet form, or can be given intravenously (IV). When administered through an IV, it may be given as a short infusion on an outpatient basis, or as a continuous infusion over a period of 24 hours, which would require a hospital stay. Etoposide can irritate your veins, and if the medication leaks from the veins, it cause tissue damage.
Etoposide is used primarily in the treatment of testicular, bladder, lung, uterine, prostate and stomach cancers. It may also be used Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Wilm's tumor and brain tumors, according to Chemocare.com.
As with any chemotherapy drug, the two most common side effects are a decrease in both your white and red blood cell counts. Additional side effects of etoposide include reversible hair loss, loss of fertility, low blood pressure, when administered too quickly, early menopause, and nausea and vomiting when higher doses are given. Not every patient will experience all of these side effects. Speak with your doctor about your risk factors and how best to manage them should they occur.
Methotrexate (Folex, Mexate)
Methotrexate is used to treat a variety of cancers including breast, lung, esophageal, lung, head, neck, sarcomas and T-cell lymphoma, according to Chemocare.com. It is administered in several ways. While intravenously is at the top of the list, it can also be injected into the muscle, taken orally or administered intrathecally; this means it is delivered directly into the spinal fluid. The method of delivery and the dose is at the discretion of your doctor and what he feels is best for you and your situation.
Drops in both your red and white blood cell counts remain at the top of the list for side effects. You may also be at risk for kidney toxicity, especially with high doses of methotrexate. This makes it vital for you to remain well hydrated over the course of your treatment. You may also experience, nausea, vomiting, a skin rash with higher doses, a loss of fertility and temporary hair loss. All side effects are manageable. For this reason, you should discuss the possible side effects in full detail with your doctor and prepare ahead of time for them.
