Hodgkin's disease is a type of cancer involving the lymph nodes, special vessels in the body that are responsible for carrying white blood cells. Specific symptoms of Hodgkin's disease include drenching night sweats, chronic fatigue, trouble breathing, a poor appetite and swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin, according to the Mayo Clinic. Fortunately, chemotherapy drugs for Hodgkin's disease exist to manage these symptoms.
Vinblastine
Drugs.com says that vinblastine is cancer drug that is used to stop the rapid growth of cancer cells. Specifically, it is used to manage lymphomas, testicular cancer, breast cancer and uterine cancer.
Vinblastine's common side effects include jaw pain, bone pain, tumor pain and menstrual irregularities. This drug also can cause vomiting, nausea, poor appetite and temporary hair loss. Call a physician if these effects last for more than one week.
Vinblastine's serious side effects include shortness of breath, pale skin, lightheadedness, severe constipation, fever, chills and chest pain. Other serious side effects include bronchospasm, easy bleeding or bruising, trouble concentrating, confusion and swelling. Phone a physician if you experience these serious side effects.
A change in vinblastine's dose may be necessary when suffering from such disorders as liver disease, skin ulcers, bed sores, coronary artery disease or cancer.
Vinblastine is given as an intravenous infusion in a clinic or hospital setting. Typically it is given once a week, according to Drugs.com.
Bleomycin
MedlinePlus says that bleomycin is another cancer medication that is used to treat Hodgkin's disease, squamous cell carcinoma, testicular cancer and malignant pleural effusions (fluid in the lungs).
Bleomycin's common side effects include vomiting, nausea, weakness, poor appetite and thickening or darkening of the skin. Phone a doctor if bleomycin's common side effects last for longer than seven days.
Bleomycin's serious effects include lightheadedness and itchiness, tenderness or swelling of the skin. This drug can also lead to breathing difficulties. Call a doctor immediately if you experience wheezing, fever, chills or shortness of breath.
Medications such as aspirin, filgrastim and cytokines may interact with bleomycin.
Bleomycin is available as an injection into the muscle, underneath the skin or into a vein, according to MedlinePlus. This medication can also be administered through a chest tube. Take this drug as a physician prescribes.
Dacarbazine
Drugs.com says that dacarbazine is another cancer medication that stops cancer cell growth. Specifically, it is used to treat Hodgkin's disease and skin cancer.
Dacarbazine's common side effects include diarrhea, facial flushing or numbness, muscle or joint pain, rash and hair loss. Call a physician if dacarbazine's common side effects last longer than a week.
Dacarbazine's serious side effects include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and poor appetite. People can also develop an allergic response to this medication. Signs of an allergic reaction include shortness of breath, trouble breathing and swelling of the lips, tongue or face. Dacarbazine can also lead to blood and bone marrow problems. Signs of this include easy bleeding or bruising, chills and fever. Contact a physician if dacarbazine causes any of these effects.
It is unclear whether dacarbazine can harm an unborn baby or pass into breast milk.
Dacarbazine is available as an intravenous injection.
