Ovarian cancer refers to a type of cancer that affects the female reproductive system. According to MedlinePlus, this cancer leads to more deaths than any other type of female reproductive cancer. Signs of ovarian cancer include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, constipation, and vaginal bleeding. There are medications available for treating for ovarian cancer.
Gemcitabine
Gemcitabine, commonly sold as Gemzar, is a medication used to manage ovarian cancer, as well as other types of cancers. Drugs.com says that gemicitabine actually interferes with the growth of cancer cells. Gemcitabine is given as an injection through the vein. Typically, it is administered once a week.
Gemcitabine's less concerning side effects include drowsiness, hair loss, diarrhea, constipation and swelling of the feet, ankles or hands. Sometimes, this medication can also lead to numbness or tingling, nausea, or vomiting. Inform a physician when these side effects remain for greater than seven days.
Gemcitabine's serious effects include weakness, chest pain, easy bleeding or bruising, stomach pain, a poor appetite, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. This medication can also lead to body aches, chills, fever, difficulty breathing and bloody urine. Notify a doctor when gemcitabine leads to these effects.
A reduction in gemcitabine's dose may be needed when suffering from such diseases as liver or kidney disease and radiation treatment.
Cyclophosphamide
Cyclophosphamide, commonly sold as Cytotoxan or Neosar, is another medication used to manage ovarian cancer. It can also treat other cancers and nephrotic syndrome (a kidney disease). Cyclophosphamide is available as a tablet or as an injection. This medication is given two times a week or as a doctor prescribes.
Drugs.com says that cyclophosphamide's less concerning effects include stomach pain, mouth sores, diarrhea, temporary hair loss, vomiting, nausea and decreased appetite. This drug can also promote a rash and changes in skin color. Inform a physician when cyclophosphamide's less serious effects remain for greater than one week.
Cyclophosphamide's serious side effects include chest pain, trouble breathing, yellowing of the skin or eyes and lower back pain. In some instances, this medication can also lead to black stools, chest pain, painful urination and easy bleeding or bruising. Call a doctor when cyclophosphamide's serious effects develop.
A change in cyclophosphamide's dosage may be necessary when suffering from such diseases as kidney or liver disease, low white blood cell or platelet counts, and heart disease.
Topotecan
Topotecan, commonly sold as Hycamtin, is yet another medication used to manage ovarian cancer. It can also be taken to manage lung cancer. MedlinePlus says that this medication belongs to a class of drugs known as topoisomerase type I inhibitors. It works to eliminate cancer cells. Topotecan is available as an injection that is typically given once daily for three days, every 21 days.
MedlinePlus says that topotecan's less serious side effects include mouth sores, headache, nausea, vomiting, thinning of the hair, back pain or stomach pain, constipation, and redness. Call a physician when topotecan's less concerning side effects develop.
Topotecan's serious side effects include shortness of breath, pale skin, trouble breathing or swallowing, chest pain, and fast or irregular heartbeat. This drug can also cause shortness of breath and easy bleeding or bruising. Call a physician when topotecan leads to these effects.
Do not take topotecan while pregnant or breast-feeding, as it can harm the baby.
