Anti Cancer Medicines

Bleomycin Lyophilized

Bleomycin is one of the cancer chemotherapy drugs, used for the treatment of different types of cancer including testicular cancer, prostate cancer, non Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma and cancers of the head and neck area. It slows down or stops the growth of cancer cell in your body. The Bleomycin is freely soluble in water and form a clear fluid after being dissolved in water.

Dosage : 15 units

How it is Administered

• In the form of drip (infusion) through a fine tube into the vein, usually for 20 to 30 minutes. It may also be given through a central line of which is inserted under the skin into a vein near the collarbone or through a PICC line, which is inserted into a vein in the crook of the arm
• By injection into a large muscle (IM), a vein, or rarely under the skin (Subcutaneously)
• Injected through a chest drain after drainage of a plural effusion. The fluid builds up between the two layers of the lung, thereby stopping plural effusion from recurring.

Side Effects

Medicine and their side effects may affect individual persons in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. If you notice or experience any of the following side effects please discuss it with your doctor or chemotherapy nurse.

• Fever and chills
• Skin changes ( Rashes or itchy skin)
• Loss of appetite
• Tiredness and feeling weak
• Mouth sores and ulcers
• Taste changes
• Ridging of nails
• Hair loss
• Changes to the lung

Precautions

Must tell your doctor about your medical history and different medication that you take. Discuss your fertility and conception with your doctor before starting the treatment. Avoid pregnancy or becoming father during the course of the treatment, or at least after a month.

Methotrexate

Also known as Amethopterin, Methotrexate is a chemotherapy drug, which is used for the treatment of cancer and auto-immune diseases. These drugs are commonly used for the treatment of different types of cancers including breast, skin, lung etc.

Dosage : 2.5 mg, 5 mg How it is Administered

• The tablet is administered orally
• Swallow the tablet with plenty of water
• Stick to the schedule provided by your doctor

Side Effects

There may be a few side effects associated with the drug, particularly, in case of patients with poor lung function. However, patients are advised to immediately contact the doctor in case any of the symptoms given below.

• Lowered resistance to infection
• Bruising or bleeding
• Anaemia
• Sore mouth and ulcers
• Change of taste
• Diarrhoea
• Tiredness and weakness
• Kidney malfunction
• Gritty eyes due to inflammation of the cornea.

Precautions

• The high dosage of the drug or injection around the spinal cord or into the brain, can cause headaches, dizziness, tiredness, blurred vision etc. Report these effects to your doctor imediately.
• A rescue drug, Folonic acid may be given within 24 hours after Methotrexate treatment.
• Inform your doctor about all of the medications you are taking, including OTC drugs and natural remedies as these could increase the risk of Methotrexate toxicity.
• It is advisable to avoid pregnancy or becoming father during the course of treatment.
• Store in a cool dry place, away from heat or sunlight.
• Keep the tablets in the safe place, out of the reach of the children.

Etoposide

Etoposide Capsules is a chemotherapy drug used for treatment of different types of cancers including lung, ovarian, testicular etc. It works by blocking the enzymes ( topoisomerase 2), which is important for division of the cell. By blocking these enzymes, it stops the growth of the cancerous cells in the body.

Dosage : 50mg, 100mg

How it is Administered

Etoposide is available in the form of pale-pink capsule that should be swallowed whole.

Side Effects

Different individuasl react to the chemotherapy drugs in different ways. Many people may experience few side effects while the others may experience more. The side effects caused by these drugs are temporary and comes to an end with the treatment. Following are the few of the most common side effects:

• Bruising or bleeding
• Anaemia (low number of red blood cells)
• Hair loss
• Feeling sick (nausea) and vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Loss of appetite
• Sore mouth and ulcers
• Taste changes
• Tiredness and feeling weak.

Precautions

• After the course of the treatment there is a rapid increase in the blood cell that has to return to its normal count before the next course of chemotherapy. Contact your doctor immediately if:
  • Your temperature rises above 38ºC (100.5ºF)
  • You suddenly feel unwell even at the room temperature
• Tell your doctor about all the medicine you use including prescription & non-prescription drugs and herbal remedies.
• Your ability to become pregnant or father of the child might be affected by the use of the drug.
• It is not advisable to become pregnant or father with the course of the treatment. The use of drug pose a major risk of damage to the developing fetus.