Cancer refers to the unrelenting growth of cells in the body. These cancer cells can grow to form solid tumors that eventually spread to certain organs. The most common cancers in men include prostate, lung and colon cancer, MedlinePlus says. The most common cancers in women include breast, colon and lung cancer. Cancers that have spread to the bones or organs, such as the stomach, may lead to severe pain. Medications can help manage this pain.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen, which belongs to a group of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, can be used to treat mild cancer pain. Ibuprofen is also used to treat the pain of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
The National Library of Medicine says that common side effects of ibuprofen include nausea, stomach pain, heartburn, constipation, indigestion, stomach cramps, headaches, dizziness and nervousness. Tell a physician when these side effects last for more than a week.
Ibuprofen can also severely irritate the gastrointestinal lining if used chronically. With chronic use, the bleeding, ulceration and perforation that can occur can potentially be fatal. Ibuprofen also increases the chances of having a heart attack or stroke. In some cases, this drug can cause high blood pressure, which occurs when the force of blood pushing against the vessel walls rises. Tell a physician when any of these effects occur. Signs of a severe allergic reaction to this drug include trouble breathing and swelling of the throat and face. Call 911 if these signs occur.
Ibuprofen should be avoided during pregnancy--especially late in pregnancy, as it can cause closure of a shunt called the ductus arteriosus that is needed for the baby's oxygenation.
Ibuprofen is an over-the-counter medication in which 400 mg is taken every four to six hours as needed for pain.
Oxycodone
Oxycodone is a narcotic used to relieve moderate to severe pain. This drug is also available in combination with other medications such as acetaminophen, aspirin or ibuprofen.
Oxycodone's common side effects include constipation, nausea, vomiting, headaches, weakness, sweating, itching and a dry mouth, MedlinePlus says. Call a physician when these effects remain for more than seven days. Oxycodone also causes flushing, loss of appetite, lightheadedness, drowsiness, changes in mood, red eyes, trouble breathing and a fast or slow heartbeat. Seizures, confusion, hallucinations, dizziness, loss of consciousness, trouble swallowing and fainting are oxycodone's more serious side effects. Notify your doctor when these effects occur.
Oxcodone's dose may need changing when taking drugs such as muscle relaxants, naloxone, tranquilizers, sleeping pills and sedatives.
Oxycodone is very habit-forming, so caution must be used, especially if a person has a history of drug or substance abuse.
Oxycodone is available as a capsule, tablet, extended-release tablet and liquid. The tablet, liquid and capsule form are taken every four to six hours or as prescribed. The extended-release tablet is taken every 12 hours.
Morphine
Morphine is also a narcotic used to manage severe cancer pain. Drugs.com says that the short-acting form can be taken as needed for pain, while the extended-release form can provide continuous pain relief.
Morphine's common effects include dizziness, anxiety, headaches, drowsiness, memory problems, trouble sleeping and confusion. Call a physician when these effects remain for more than six to seven days. Morphine also causes more serious side effects, including seizures, trouble breathing, weakness, fainting and lightheadedness. A slow heartbeat and difficulty breathing can also occur with morphine use. Call a physician right away when morphine causes these effects.
Morphine is available as a tablet, extended-release capsule, an injection and as a rectal medication, Drugs.com says. It should be used as directed by a doctor.
