This is meant to give you a general idea about each of the medicines listed below. Only the most basic problems are listed. Ask your doctor if there are any other steps you need to take. Use each of them as your doctor tells you. If you have any questions or can’t follow the package instructions, call your doctor.

Medicines may help ease or prevent treatment side effects. It's best to try to control them as they happen. Talk to your doctor if you notice any changes.

Prescription Medicines

Antiemetics:

Prochlorperazine
Ondansetron
Granisetron
Metoclopramide

Corticosteroids:

Dexamethasone
Prednisone

Opioids:

Hydrocodone
Methadone
Oxycodone and acetaminophen

Blood Stem Cell Support Drugs:

Filgrastim
Epoetin

Over-the-Counter Medicines

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Ibuprofen
Naproxen

Prescription Medicines

Antiemetics

Prochlorperazine
Ondansetron
Granisetron
Metoclopramide

These are given to help treat nausea or vomiting. These are common with any cancer treatments. They can be given as a shot or taken as a pill.

Some problems are:

For prochlorperazine:

Vision problems—may also involve night vision problems
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 ondansetron:

Constipation
Diarrhea
Fever
Headache

For granisetron:

Belly pain
Constipation
Diarrhea
Headache
Unusual tiredness or weakness

For metoclopramide:

Diarrhea (with high doses)
Drowsiness
Restlessness
Higher risk of tardive dyskinesia in those who take it for longer than 3 months

Corticosteroids

Dexamethasone
Prednisone

These medicines ease inflammation and pain related to it. These problems can happen because of:

Bone pain
Fluid build-up in the body

Some problems are:

Increased hunger
Indigestion
Nervousness or restlessness

Opioids

Hydrocodone
Methadone
Oxycodone and acetaminophen

Opioids ease pain by acting on the central nervous system. They can help but must be used with a doctor's care because they cause addiction.

An opioid mixed with acetaminophen may provide better pain relief than using either one alone. In some cases, lower doses of each medicine are needed for pain relief.

Some problems are:

Lightheadedness or feeling faint
Drowsiness
Nausea or vomiting
Constipation

Blood Stem Cell Support Drugs

Filgrastim
Epoetin

When you're getting treated, blood cells can be destroyed. Filgrastim helps the bone marrow make new white blood cells. These will help you fight off or lower the risk of getting infections.

Epoetin helps your bone marrow to make new red blood cells (RBCs). Low RBCs can lead to anemia. Epoetin helps lower this risk. It can take up to 2 weeks for it to work. If you need help faster, you may need a blood transfusion.

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 Medicines

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Ibuprofen
Naproxen

NSAIDs ease inflammation and pain related to it. These problems can happen because of:

Bone pain
Fluid build-up in the body

Some problems are:

Stomach cramps or pain
Drowsiness
Lightheadedness
Headache
Heartburn, indigestion, nausea, or vomiting

Special Considerations

If you are taking medicines:

Take the medicine as directed. Don’t 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.
Don’t share your prescription medicine.
Medicines can be dangerous when mixed. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking more than 1 medicine. This includes over the counter products and supplements.
Plan for refills as needed.

References:

Cancer pain. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T113832/Cancer-pain. Accessed October 1, 2020.

Toxicities of chemotherapeutic agents. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.... Accessed October 1, 2020.

Treatments and side effects. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects.html. Accessed October 1, 2020.

Understanding and managing chemotherapy side effects. Cancer Care website. Available at: https://www.cancercare.org/publications/24-understanding_and_managing_chemotherapy_side_effects. Accessed October 1, 2020.

Last reviewed September 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Mohei Abouzied, MD, FACP
Last Updated: 12/4/2020

EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at healthlibrarysupport@ebsco.com. Our Health Library Support team will respond to your email request within 2 business days.