Medications for Colorectal Cancer

Common names are:

• Bevacizumab
• Cetuximab
• Panitumumab
• Nivolumab
• Pembrolizumab

Targeted therapy seek outs cancer cells and destroys them. They can be used alone or with other chemotherapy.

Some problems may be:

For bevacizumab:

• Tiredness
• Bleeding
• Headache
• Mouth sores
• Loss of hunger
• Diarrhea

For cetuximab:

• Skin rash
• Headache
• Tiredness
• Fever
• Diarrhea

For panitumumab:

• Skin rash
• Sensitivity to sunlight
• Tiredness
• Diarrhea

For nivolumab:

• Rash, or itching
• Belly pain
• Tiredness
• Joint paint
• Headache
• Cough

For pembrolizumab:

• Hair loss
• Constipation
• Joint pain
• Cough
• Tiredness

Common names are:

• Prochlorperazine
• Ondansetron
• Granisetron
• Metoclopramide
• Dronabinol

Antiemetics treat nausea and vomiting from cancer treatment. They may be taken by mouth, injection, or insertion into the rectum. It depends on the medicine.

Some problems may be:

For prochlorperazine:

• Blurred vision
• Sleepiness
• Lightheadedness
• 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
• Unusual tiredness or weakness

For granisetron:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Unusual tiredness or weakness

For metoclopramide:

• Diarrhea
• Sleepiness
• Restlessness
• Uncontrolled movements of the jaw, lip, or tongue

For dronabinol:

• Unusual happiness or excitement
• Fast heart beats
• Red face
• Confusion
• Nervousness
• Lightheadedness
• Seeing or hearing things that are not there
• Feeling threatened

Common names are:

• Dexamethasone
• Prednisone

Corticosteroids help reduce inflammation.

Some problems may be:

• Feeling very hungry
• Bloating, gas, or belly fullness
• Nervousness or restlessness

Common names are:

• Hydrocodone
• Hydromorphone
• Oxycodone

Opioids ease pain. However, they can lead to addiction. They need to be used carefully.

Some problems may be:

• Lightheadedness
• Sleepiness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Constipation

Common names are:

• Filgrastim
• Epoetin

Blood cells can be destroyed during cancer treatment. These medicines help the body make new white or red blood cells.

Both medicines are given by injection.

Some problems may be:

For filgrastim:

• Bone pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Skin rash or itching

For epoetin:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Injection site pain
• Cough
• Headache

Common names are:

• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen

NSAIDs are used to ease pain and inflammation.

Some problems may be:

• Stomach upset
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headache