Medications for Ovarian Cancer

Antiemetics

Common names are:

• Prochlorperazine
• Ondansetron
• Granisetron
• Metoclopramide

Antiemetics help treat nausea and vomiting caused by cancer treatments. Prochlorperazine can be taken by mouth, injection, or inserted into the rectum. Ondansetron and granisetron can be taken orally or as injections. Metoclopramide is usually given by injection.

Some problems from prochlorperazine may be:

• Changes in eyesight, such as blurring or color changes
• Fainting
• Loss of balance
• Restlessness
• Shuffling walk
• Stiffness of arms or legs
• Trembling and shaking of hands and fingers

Some problems from ondansetron may be:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Headache

Some problems from granisetron may be:

• Belly pain
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Unusual tiredness or weakness

Some problems from metoclopramide may be:

• Diarrhea (with high doses)
• Sleepiness
• Restlessness
• Increased risk of tardive dyskinesia (a serious neurological condition)—in those who use the medicine more than 3 months

Corticosteroids

Common names are:

• Dexamethasone
• Prednisone

Corticosteroids help to ease inflammation and related pain. Pain and inflammation can happen for many reasons, such as:

• Bone pain from cancer that has spread to the bones
• Edema (fluid buildup in cells) caused by tumors or treatment

Some problems from corticosteroids are:

• Increased hunger
• Upset stomach
• Nervousness or restlessness

Opioids

Common names are:

• Hydrocodone
• Morphine
• Oxycodone and acetaminophen

Opioids act on the central nervous system to ease pain. These drugs can be very effective. However, they must be used with great caution. They can be mentally and/or physically addictive. Long-term use needs to be monitored by the doctor.

Some problems from opioids may be:

• Lightheadedness or feeling faint
• Sleepiness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Severe constipation

Blood Stem Cell Support Drugs

Common names are:

• Filgrastim
• Epoetin

During cancer treatment, cancer cells are destroyed. Healthy blood cells can also be destroyed. Filgrastim helps the bone marrow make new white blood cells. White blood cells help the body fight infection.

Epoetin helps bone marrow to make new red blood cells. Low red blood cell levels can lead to anemia . Epoetin is quite effective, but can take 2 weeks to work. It is not used as a quick fix for a low red blood cell count. A blood transfusion helps increase red blood cell count more quickly.

Both filgrastim and epoetin are given by injection.

From problems from filgrastim may be:

• Headache
• Pain in arms or legs
• Pain in joints or muscles
• Pain in lower back or pelvis
• Skin rash or itching

Some problems from epoetin may be:

• Cough, sneezing, or sore throat
• Fever
• Swelling of face, fingers, ankles, feet, or lower legs
• Weight gain

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Common names are:

• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen

NSAIDs are used to ease pain and inflammation.

Some problems with NSAIDs are:

• Stomach cramps, pain, or discomfort
• Heartburn, indigestion, nausea, or vomiting
• Sleepiness or lightheadedness
• Headache