Medications to Treat Side Effects of Melanoma Treatment

Anti-nausea

Common names:

• Prochlorperazine
• Ondansetron
• Granisetron
• Metoclopramid

Anti-nausea medicines help treat or prevent nausea and vomiting. They are given in different ways such as a pill or shot.

Some problems are:

For prochlorperazine:

• Problems seeing clearly, in color, or at night
• Fainting
• Loss of balance
• Restlessness or need to keep moving
• Stiffness of arms and legs
• Trembling and shaking of hands and fingers

For ondansetron:

• Constipation
• Headache

For granisetron:

• Belly pain
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Feeling very tired or weak

For metoclopramide:

• Diarrhea (with high doses)
• Drowsiness
• Restlessness
• Higher risk of tardive dyskinesia—a serious nervous system problem that happens in people who take this drug longer than 3 months

Opioids

Common names:

• Hydromorphone
• Morphine
• Fentanyl
• Methadone
• Oxycodone
• Oxymorphone
• Hydrocodone and acetaminophen
• Oxycodone and acetaminophen
• Tapentadol

Opioids are used to ease pain. They work well, but can lead to addiction. If you take opioids, the doctor will watch you closely.

Some opioids are blended with acetaminophen. They work better than either one used alone. Lower doses of each drug are needed to achieve pain relief in some people.

Some problems are:

• Constipation
• Lightheadednes
• Feeling faint
• Drowsiness
• Nausea or vomiting

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Common names:

• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen

NSAIDs are used to relieve pain and inflammation.

Some problems are:

• Stomach pain, or discomfort
• Lightheadedness
• Headache
• Heartburn
• Nausea or vomiting
• Higher risk of a heart attack or stroke