Medications for Hodgkin Lymphoma
The information provided here is meant to give you a general idea about each of the medications listed below. Only the most general side effects are included, so ask your doctor if you need to take any special precautions. Use each of these medications as recommended by your doctor, or according to the instructions provided. If you have further questions about usage or side effects, contact your doctor.
Medications may help to either prevent or reduce side effects of treatment or to manage certain side effects when they occur. You can develop side effects from the treatment and/or from the cancer itself. Tell your doctor when you notice a new symptom, and ask if any of these medications are appropriate for you.
Prescription Medications
Prescription Medications
Antiemetics
Common names include:
- Prochlorperazine
- Odansetron
- Granisetron
- Metoclopramide
Antiemetics are given to help treat nausea and vomiting that may be caused by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery to treat cancer. Prochlorperazine can be taken by mouth, injection, or a suppository. Ondansetron and granisetron can be taken orally or as injections. Metoclopramide is usually given by injection.
Side effects may include:
-
For prochlorperazine:
- Blurred vision, change in color vision, or difficulty seeing at night
- 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 odansetron:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Headache
-
For granisetron:
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
-
For metoclopramide:
- Diarrhea—with high doses
- Drowsiness
- Restlessness
- Increased risk of a serious neurological condition called tardive dyskinesia in those who take metoclopramide for longer than 3 months
Corticosteroids
Common names include:
- Dexamethasone
- Prednisone
Corticosteroids help to minimize inflammation and to relieve pain due to inflammation. You may experience pain and inflammation for a variety of reasons, such as:
- Bone pain from cancer that has spread to your bones
- Swelling caused by tumors or treatment
Common side effects include:
- Increased appetite
- Indigestion
- Nervousness or restlessness
Opioids
Common names include:
- Hydrocodone
- Methadone
- Oxycodone and acetaminophen
Opioids act on the central nervous system to relieve pain. These drugs can be very effective, but they must be used with great caution because they can be mentally and/or physically addicting. If you are going to take one of these drugs for a long period of time, you will be closely monitored.
Percocet is a combination medication. An opioid analgesic and acetaminophen used together may provide better pain relief than either medication used alone. In some cases, lower doses of each medication are necessary to achieve pain relief.
The most common side effects of opioids include:
- Lightheadedness
- Drowsiness
- Nausea or vomiting
Blood Stem Cell Support Drugs
Common names include:
- Filgrastim
- Epoetin
During cancer treatment, blood cells can be destroyed along with cancer cells. Filgrastim helps your bone marrow make new white blood cells. White blood cells help your body fight infection. Therefore, filgrastim helps to reduce your risk of infection.
Epoetin helps your bone marrow to make new red blood cells. Low red blood cell levels can lead to anemia. Therefore, epoetin helps reduce your risk of anemia. Epoetin is effective, but it has a 2 week delay between the injection and when your red blood cell count starts to come back. It is not used as a quick fix for a low red blood cell count. A blood transfusion is usually performed if you need to recover your red blood cell count more quickly.
Both filgrastim and epoetin are given by injection in your doctor's office.
Common side effects include:
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—edema
- Weight gain
Over-the-counter Medications
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Common names include:
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
NSAIDs are used to relieve pain and inflammation. You may experience pain and inflammation for a variety of reasons, such as:
- Bone pain from cancer that has spread to your bones
- Swelling caused by tumors or treatment
Common side effects include:
- Stomach cramps, pain, or discomfort
- Lightheadedness
- Headache
- Heartburn, indigestion, nausea, or vomiting
Special Considerations
If you are taking medications, follow these general guidelines:
- Take the medication 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 medication.
- Do not share your prescription medication.
- Medications can be dangerous when mixed. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking more than one medication, including over-the-counter products and supplements.
- Plan ahead for refills as needed.
REFERENCES:
Adult Hodgkin lymphoma treatment (PDQ)—patient version. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/lymphoma/patient/adult-hodgkin-treatment-pdq. Accessed January 28, 2021.
Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T114957/Hodgkin-lymphoma-HL. Accessed January 28, 2021.
Last reviewed December 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Mohei Abouzied, MD, FACP Last Updated: 1/28/2021