Effective Cancer Drugs

Anti-cancer medications inhibit DNA production and slow cell growth. Anti-cancer drugs combat quick-growing cancerous cells, but in doing so they also affect healthy cells. The manner in which the healthy cells are affected is the determining factor in the type of side effects that will accompany treatment. These medications can work on cells that fight infection, making you susceptible to infection and sickness; they can hinder clotting of the blood and make you feel exhausted and extremely weak. Most of the time hair root cells are also affected, which is why most people lose their hair while undergoing cancer treatment.

Altretamine

• Altretamine is the generic name for Hexalen, a cancer-treating drug that hinders or stops cancer cells from growing. There are a number of side effects associated with altretamine, such as blood issues, neurological problems, a loss of bone marrow function and hives. Altretamine should not be taken by pregnant women, as there is a link between altretamine and birth defects. Commonly, doctors prescribe altretamine to be taken four times per day. Altretamine can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to a number of infections.

Topotecan

• Topotecan is the generic name for hycamtin, which is a common cancer medicine that slows the growth of cancerous cells. This drug is most effective when used to treat small-cell lung cancer, cervical cancer and ovarian cancer. Pregnant women should not use this drug. It is common for topotecan to stunt the immune system, making you susceptible to certain infections and disease. While taking this medication, you will likely need regular checkups with your doctor to monitor your blood. It is imperative that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed. It is usually prescribed to be taken once per day for five consecutive days and then repeated every 21 days, with a total of four treatments. Topotecan comes in a capsule form and is taken orally. Topotecan can also be administered through an injection by a doctor. Topotecan should be stored in a cool, dark place. Side effects associated with topotecan include flu-like symptoms, body aches, stomach cramps, fatigue, muscle pain, skin rash, nausea and hair loss.

Hydroxyurea

• Hydroxyurea is the generic name for Droxia, Hydrea and Mylocel. This cancer treatment fights off cancer cells and is primarily used to treat certain melanomas, ovarian cancer, neck and head cancer, sickle cell anemia and chronic myelocytic leukemia. Pregnant women should not use this drug. Side effects include red spots on the skin, skin ulcers, flu-like symptoms, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite.

Irinotecan

• Irinotecan is the generic name for Camptosar, used to treat cancer by slowing the growth of cancerous cells. Irinotecan is primarily used for treatment of rectal and colon cancers and is normally used in conjunction with chemotherapy. Irinotecan is administered through an IV infusion in a hospital. It is offered very slowly, and one dose will take about 90 minutes to complete. These injections are given weekly for a number of weeks. Irinotecan can make you feel quite ill, so doctors will usually prescribe medications to take before these treatments to combat the side effects. The doctor will also have you take an over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medicine. Other side effects include easy bruising, loose stools, black stools, pale skin and weakness.

Cyclophosphamide

• Cyclophosphamide is the generic name for Cytoxan, Cytoxan Lyophilized and Neosar. This medication hinders cancer growth by slowing the spread of cancer cells. Many cancers respond well to cyclophosphamide. This drug can be taken orally or given by IV injection. When taken orally it is important to drink a large amount of water, as this medication can cause irritation of the bladder. Some of the known side effects include difficulty breathing, bloody urine, tarry stools, jaundice, chills and sore throat.