Hematologic cancer, commonly known as blood cancer, is a type of condition in which blood cells multiply at a rapid rate. Sometimes, the blood cells that are responsible for fighting infection become elevated. In some instances, these cells can also become misshapen. Signs of hematologic cancer include easy bleeding or bruising, fatigue and unintentional weight loss. Fortunately, drugs for hematologic cancer exist.
Imatinib
Imatinib, commonly sold as Gleevec, treats a type of blood cancer known as the Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia. Sometimes, this medication can also treat tumors of the digestive tract and stomach. Specifically, imatinib halts the growth of cancer cells.
Imatinib's less concerning side effects include a skin rash, trouble sleeping, dizziness and a headache. Imatinib's additional side effects include muscle or joint pain, fatigue, a cough, a stuffy nose, nausea and stomach problems. Inform a doctor when imatinib's less serious side effects remain for greater than five days.
Imatinib's serious side effects include a sore throat, a fever, a headache, coughing up blood, easy bleeding or bruising and shortness of breath. Additional effects include black or bloody stools, weakness, clay-colored stools, a poor appetite and rapid weight gain. Notify a physician immediately when imatinib leads to these effects.
Having liver or kidney disease, congestive heart failure or a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding may require a decrease in imatinib's dose.
Imatinib is a tablet taken one or two times daily.
Daunorubicin
Daunorubicin, commonly sold as Cerubidine, is another medication that treats hematologic cancer. Drugs.com says that daunorubicin is an antineoplastic medication that slows the growth of these blood cancer cells.
Daunorubicin's less concerning side effects include hair loss and red urine. Talk to a doctor when daunorubicin's less serious side effects remain for more than seven days.
Daunorubicin's serious side effects include congestive heart failure and an allergic reaction. Signs of congestive heart failure include trouble breathing and swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat. Additional effects include diarrhea, a poor appetite and liver damage. Signs of liver damage include include stomach pain and yellowing of the skin or eyes. Phone a doctor when daunorubicin's serious side effects develop.
Reduce daunorubicin's dose when suffering from such diseases as heart, liver or kidney disease or receiving radiation treatment.
Daunorubicin is given as an intravenous (through the vein) infusion daily or as a doctor prescribes.
Lenalidomide
Lenalidomide, commonly sold as Revlimid, is another drug that manages hematologic cancer. Specifically, MedlinePlus says that lenalidomide treats myelodysplastic syndrome, a type of condition in which blood cells are abnormally shaped and a reduced amount of blood cells is made.
Lenalidomide's less concerning side effects include weakness, diarrhea, dizziness, a headache, blurry vision and depression. Additional effects include stomach pain, constipation, weakness, fatigue, itching and joint, back or muscle pain. Sometimes, lenalidomide can lead to weight loss, painful urination, blurry vision and trouble falling asleep. Talk to a doctor when lenalidomide's less serious effects last for more than five days.
Lenalidomide's serious side effects include shortness of breath, muscle cramps, a fast or pounding heartbeat, pale skin and shortness of breath. Talk to a doctor when lenalidomide's serious effects develop.
Lenalidomide is a capsule taken daily.
