Ovarian cancer is the fifth common cancer in women, states MedlinePlus. About 66 percent of women who die from ovarian cancer are 55 years old or older. Ovarian cancer symptoms include stomach or pelvic pain, bloating, menstrual irregularities, indigestion and a poor appetite. Chemotherapy medications exist to treat this potentially life-threatening cancer.
Paclitaxel
Paclitaxel is a chemotherapy medication that is used to disrupt the growth of ovarian cancer cells and to prevent its spread. This medication also treats breast and lung cancer as well as an AIDS-related medical condition called Kaposi's sarcoma, states Drugs.com. Paclitaxel is given slowly as an intravenous (through the vein) injection as prescribed.
Paclitaxel's common side effects include hair loss (alopecia), muscle or joint pain, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and pain, and swelling or redness at Paclitaxel's injection site. This medicine can also cause such serious side effects as body aches, fevers, chills, a slow heart rate (bradycardia), white patches or sores on the mouth or throat, and seizures. Paclitaxel can also cause easy bruising or bleeding, body aches, flu-like symptoms, and high blood pressure. Contact a doctor when Paclitaxel causes these reactions.
Carboplatin
Carboplatin belongs to a class of drugs called antineoplastic medications. It also stops the growth and distribution of ovarian cancer cells in the body. Carboplatin is also given as an intravenous injection. Drugs.com states that carboplatin's common side effects include weakness, numbness or tingling, vomiting, a loss of appetite, nausea, and hearing loss. It can also cause hair loss and ringing in the ears.
Carboplatin's serious effects include blurry vision, transient blindness, kidney damage, severe vomiting, nausea and appetite loss. Additionally, carboplatin can lead to bone marrow problems. Signs of kidney damage include decreased urination and blood in the urine. The bone marrow is located in the inner core of the hip bones and its responsible for making the different cells in the body. Malfunctioning bone marrow can cause fatigue, easy bruising or bleeding, and black or bloody stools. Tell a physician when carboplatin causes these conditions.
Melphalan
Melphalan is a medication that belongs to the alkylating agent family of medicines. According to MedlinePlus, melphalan is used to treat ovarian cancer and multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cells (makes proteins to defend against infection). Melphalan is a tablet that is taken daily or as directed.
Melphalan's common side effects include weakness, acne, blistering of the skin, a poor appetite and weight loss. Melphalan's side effects also include fatigue, mouth blistering, red urine, black or bloody stools, trouble breathing, and a sore throat. Abnormal bleeding or bruising, dizziness, a fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes, chills, dizziness, and trouble breathing are melphalan's other serious effects.
