This is meant to give you a general idea about each of the medicines listed below. Only the most basic problems are listed. Ask your doctor if there are any other steps you need to take. Use each of them as your doctor tells you. If you have any questions or can’t follow the package instructions, call your doctor.
Medicines may help ease or prevent treatment side effects. It's best to try to control them as they happen. Talk to your doctor if you notice any changes.
Prescription Medicines
- Prochlorperazine
- Ondansetron
- Granisetron
- Metoclopramide
- Dexamethasone
- Prednisone
- Hydrocodone
- Methadone
- Oxycodone and acetaminophen
Blood Stem Cell Support Drugs:
- Filgrastim
- Epoetin
Prescription Medicines
- Prochlorperazine
- Ondansetron
- Granisetron
- Metoclopramide
These are given to help treat nausea or vomiting. These are common with any cancer treatments. They can be given as a shot or taken as a pill.
For prochlorperazine:
- Vision problems—may also involve night vision problems
- Fainting
- Loss of balance control
- Restlessness or need to keep moving
- Shuffling walk
- Stiffness of arms or legs
- Trembling and shaking of hands and fingers
For ondansetron:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Headache
For granisetron:
- Belly pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
For metoclopramide:
- Diarrhea (with high doses)
- Drowsiness
- Restlessness
- Higher risk of tardive dyskinesia in those who take it for longer than 3 months
- Dexamethasone
- Prednisone
These medicines ease inflammation and pain related to it. These problems can happen because of:
- Bone pain
- Fluid build-up in the body
Some problems are:
- Increased hunger
- Indigestion
- Nervousness or restlessness
- Hydrocodone
- Methadone
- Oxycodone and acetaminophen
Opioids ease pain by acting on the central nervous system. They can help but must be used with a doctor's care because they cause addiction.
An opioid mixed with acetaminophen may provide better pain relief than using either one alone. In some cases, lower doses of each medicine are needed for pain relief.
Some problems are:
- Lightheadedness or feeling faint
- Drowsiness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Constipation
Blood Stem Cell Support Drugs
- Filgrastim
- Epoetin
When you're getting treated, blood cells can be destroyed. Filgrastim helps the bone marrow make new white blood cells. These will help you fight off or lower the risk of getting infections.
Epoetin helps your bone marrow to make new red blood cells (RBCs). Low RBCs can lead to anemia. Epoetin helps lower this risk. It can take up to 2 weeks for it to work. If you need help faster, you may need a blood transfusion.
For filgrastim:
- Headache
- Pain in arms or legs
- Pain in joints or muscles
- Pain in lower back or pelvis
- Skin rash or itching
For epoetin:
- Cough, sneezing, or sore throat
- Fever
- Swelling of face, fingers, ankles, feet, or lower legs
- Weight gain
Over-the-Counter Medicines
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
NSAIDs ease inflammation and pain related to it. These problems can happen because of:
- Bone pain
- Fluid build-up in the body
Some problems are:
- Stomach cramps or pain
- Drowsiness
- Lightheadedness
- Headache
- Heartburn, indigestion, nausea, or vomiting
Special Considerations
If you are taking medicines:
- Take the medicine as directed. Don’t change the amount or the schedule.
- Ask what side effects could occur. Report them to your doctor.
- Talk to your doctor before you stop taking any prescription medicine.
- Don’t share your prescription medicine.
- Medicines can be dangerous when mixed. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking more than 1 medicine. This includes over the counter products and supplements.
- Plan for refills as needed.
References
Cancer pain. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T113832/Cancer-pain . Accessed October 1, 2020.
Toxicities of chemotherapeutic agents. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115935/Toxicities-of-chemotherapeutic-agents . Accessed October 1, 2020.
Treatments and side effects. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects.html. Accessed October 1, 2020.
Understanding and managing chemotherapy side effects. Cancer Care website. Available at: https://www.cancercare.org/publications/24-understanding%5Fand%5Fmanaging%5Fchemotherapy%5Fside%5Feffects. Accessed October 1, 2020.