Chemotherapy Drug

Possible Side Effects (Not all side effects are listed. Some of those listed may be short-term side effects; others are long-term side effects.) decrease in blood cell counts hair loss (reversible) confusion

Carboplatin (Paraplatin) usually given intravenously (IV) used for cancers of the ovary, head and neck, and lung cisplatin (Platinol, Platinol-AQ) usually given intravenously (IV) used for cancers of the bladder, ovary, and testicles cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar) can be given intravenously (IV) or orally used for lymphoma, breast cancer, and ovarian carcinoma

nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea (usually a short-term side effect occurring the first 24 to 72 hours following treatment) decrease in blood cell counts allergic reaction, including a rash and/or labored breathing nausea and vomiting that usually occurs for 24 hours or longer ringing in ears and hearing loss fluctuations in blood electrolytes pain doses) kidney damage decrease in blood cell counts nausea, vomiting, abdominal decreased appetite hair loss (reversible) bladder damage fertility impairment lung or heart damage (with high

secondary malignancies (rare) decrease in blood cell counts nausea, vomiting, abdominal diarrhea decreased appetite hair thinning rash

docetaxel (Taxotere) (IV) given intravenously

used for breast cancer, lung, and prostate

pain

numbness and tingling in hands and feet doxorubicin (Adriamycin) (IV) given intravenously decrease in blood cell counts mouth ulcers hair loss (reversible) nausea and vomiting heart damage

used for breast cancer, lymphoma, and

multiple myeloma Erlotinib (Tarceva) given orally rash and other skin changes diarrhea

used for non small cell lung cancer etoposide (VePesid) can be given intravenously (IV) or orally used for cancers of the lung, testicles, leukemia, and lymphoma decrease in blood cell counts hair loss (reversible) nausea and vomiting allergic reaction mouth ulcers low blood pressure (during administration) decreased appetite diarrhea and abdominal pain bronchospasm fluorouracil (5-FU) (IV) given intravenously flu-like symptoms decrease in blood cell counts diarrhea mouth ulcers photosensitivity dry skin

used for cancers of the colon, breast, stomach, and head and neck gemcitabine (Gemzar) (IV) given intravenously

decrease in blood cell counts nausea and vomiting fever and flu-like symptoms rash

used for cancers of the pancreas, breast, ovary, and lung imatinib mesylate (Gleevec) given orally nausea and vomiting fluid retention (swelling around ankles, eyes) muscle cramps diarrhea gastrointestinal bleeding given intravenously rash decrease in blood cell counts diarrhea hair loss (reversible)

used for chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) irinotecan (Camptosar)

(IV) used for cancers of the colon and rectum methotrexate (Folex, Mexate, Amethopterin) may be given intravenously (IV), intrathecally (into the spinal column), or orally used for cancers of the breast, lung, blood, bone, and lymph system paclitaxel (Taxol, Abraxane) (IV) given intravenously decrease in blood cell counts nausea and vomiting mouth ulcers skin rashes and photosensitivity dizziness, headache, or drowsiness kidney damage (with a highdose therapy) liver damage hair loss (reversible) seizures decrease in blood cell counts allergic reaction nausea and vomiting loss of appetite change in taste thin or brittle hair joint pain (short term)

used with cancers of the breast, ovary, and lung

numbness or tingling in the fingers or toes sorafinib (Nexavar) given orally high blood pressure (during first few weeks of treatment) rash, other skin changes diarrhea fatigue hair loss sunitinib (Sutent) given orally nausea and vomiting

used for advanced kidney cancer

used for gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and kidney cancer

diarrhea nausea and vomiting mouth ulcers upset stomach skin changes, including skin discoloration and rash fatigue high blood pressure bleeding swelling taste disturbance decrease in blood cell counts diarrhea hair loss (reversible)

topotecan (Hycamtin) given intravenously

(IV) used for cancers of the ovary and lung vincristine (Oncovin, Vincasar PFS) usually given intravenously (IV) used for leukemia and lymphoma

nausea and vomiting

numbness or tingling in the fingers or toes weakness loss of reflexes jaw pain hair loss (reversible) constipation or abdominal cramping

1.nurse will assure that a full history and physical assessment is completed 2. looks at the patient's laboratory results from blood that has been drawn for anything abnormal to be reported to the oncologist 3.Confers with the oncologist to be sure that the patient has a full understanding of the risks and benefits to treatment suggests Cancer Medicine. An oncology nurse is physical and emotional. focused on the patient's well being both

4.

explain what chemotherapy treatment is and how it works in general terms Gives the patient more specific information about the drugs prescribed, their actions and side-effects, and how to manage any sideeffects

5.

6.

Discuses the importance of avoiding people with cough, and obvious infections

7.

It is important for patients to maintain a good diet during treatment so nutrition is also discussed.

8.closely monitored during the administration of chemotherapy and an oncology nurse is aware of the adverse reactions to look for during this time and the proper action
9.

Provide safe, competent, and ethical care

to patients in all practice settings.

10.

Teach the patient and family how to

manage these side effects when they are at

home. The patient and family must also learn what symptoms are considered an emergency