Medications for Breast Cancer
Here are the basics about each of the medicines below. Only the most common reactions are listed. Ask your doctor if you need to take any special steps. Use each of these drugs as advised by your doctor or the booklet they came with. If you have any questions, call your doctor.
Medicines are used to treat side effects. You can have them from cancer or its treatment. Talk to your doctor if you have any of these problems so they can be controlled.
Prescription Medications
- Prochlorperazine
- Odansetron
- Granisetron
- Metoclopramide
- Cannabinoids
- Dexamethasone
- Prednisone
- Hydrocodone
- Methadone
- Oxycodone and Acetaminophen
- Denosumab
- Pamidronate
- Zoledronic acid
- Filgrastim
- Epoetin
Over-the-Counter Medications
- Acetaminophen
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
Prescription Medications
Anti-nausea
- Prochlorperazine
- Odansetron
- Granisetron
- Metoclopramide
- Cannabinoids
Anti-nausea medicines help treat or prevent nausea and vomiting. They are given in different ways such as a pill or shot.
Cannabinoids are also used to treat nausea and vomiting. Medical marijuana can be used in food, taken as a pill, or inhaled.
Some problems are:
For prochlorperazine:
- Problems seeing clearly, in color, or at night
- Fainting
- Loss of balance
- Restlessness or need to keep moving
- Shuffling when walking
- Stiffness of arms or legs
- Trembling and shaking of hands and fingers
For odansetron:
- Constipation
- Mild headache
For granisetron:
- Belly pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Feeling very tired or week
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
For cannabinoids:
- Rapid heart beat
- Low blood pressure, which may result in lightheadedness and fainting
- Blood shot eyes
- Depression
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
Corticosteroids
- Dexamethasone
- Prednisone
Corticosteroids ease inflammation and pain. These may be caused by:
- Bone pain
- Fluid buildup
Some problems are:
- More hunger
- Heartburn
- Nervousness or restlessness
Opioids
- Hydrocodone
- Methadone
- Oxycodone and acetaminophen
Opioids are used to ease pain. They work well, but can lead to addiction. If you take opioids, the doctor will watch you closely.
Percocet is a blend of 2 drugs. An opioid and acetaminophen are blended together. They work better than either one used alone. In some cases, lower doses of each drug are needed to achieve pain relief.
Some problems are:
- Constipation
- Lightheadedness
- Feeling faint
- Drowsiness
- Nausea or vomiting
Blood Stem Cell Support Drugs
- Filgrastim
- Epoetin
Cancer treatment ruins healthy blood cells. Filgrastim helps your bone marrow make new white blood cells so the body can better fight infections.
Epoetin helps your bone marrow to make new red blood cells to help prevent anemia. This drug has two-week delay after the first shot. If blood cells need to be restored quickly, a blood transfusion may be done.
Some problems are:
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 Medications
Special Considerations
If you are taking medicine:
- Take medicine as directed. Do not 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.
- Do not share your prescription medicine.
- Medicine can be dangerous when mixed. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking more than one medicine. This includes over-the-counter products and supplements.
- Plan for refills as needed.
REFERENCES:
Managing cancer-related side effects American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects.html. Accessed March 12, 2019.
Breast cancer. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gynecology-and-obstetrics/breast-disorders/breast-cancer. Updated January 2018. Accessed March 12, 2019.
Breast cancer in women. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T113654/Breast-cancer-in-women. Updated November 26, 2018. Accessed March 12, 2019.
Cannabis and cannabinoids (PDQ). National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/patient/cannabis-pdq. Updated February 15, 2019. Accessed March 12, 2019.
Last reviewed December 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Mohei Abouzied, MD, FACP Last Updated: 3/12/2019