Lung cancer is a form of cancer that affects the lungs, which are present inside the chest. In most cases, individuals suffer from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), while small cell lung cancer is relatively less common. Although lung cancer can affect individuals of any age group, it mostly develops in those below the age of 45.
Smoking is considered one of the leading risk factors for lung cancer. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are mostly incorporated into the treatment plan for lung cancer patients. Drugs and medications are also included as a part of lung cancer treatment. Given below is a list of effective drugs and medications for treating lung cancer.
Lung Cancer Drugs And Medications
Gefitinib (Iressa)
Gefitinib is a medication that is effective in treating lung cancer. This medication is utilized in cases when other treatment options are not effective in dealing with lung cancer. This medication helps in deterring signals to cancer cells, which are responsible for multiplication of cells.
When this signal is not received by the cancer cells, it eventually leads to their death. In most cases, the recommended dosage of this drug is 250 mg per day. Mild side effects of gefitinib include nausea, anorexia, eye problems, breathing problems, and diarrhea. In cases of severe side effects such as tightness of chest, hives, dark urine, or bloody stools, seek immediate medical help.
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Erlotinib (Tarceva)
Erlotinib is another medication that is utilized in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. This medicinal drug helps in decreasing signals to the lung cancer cells, which eventually causes their death. In most cases, doctors recommend consuming 150 mg of this medication each day for treating lung cancer.
This medication should be consumed on an empty stomach. In most cases, individuals taking this drug experience mild side effects such as stomach upset, rash, anorexia, stomatitis, and fatigue.
Bevacizumab
Bevacizumab is a medication that is used in treating metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. This medication helps in deterring supply of nutrients to cancerous cells in the lungs, thereby killing them.
You should seek immediate medical attention if you suffer from bloody vomiting or diarrhea.
Carboplatin
Carboplatin is another medication that is helpful in treating lung cancer. This medication is classified as a chemotherapy drug that helps in deterring growth of cancer cells inside the body, which eventually leads to their death. This medication is administered via intravenous, in conjunction with an anti-nausea medication.
In most cases, this medication results in decreased red and white blood cells, and thinning of hair. Serious side effects of carboplatin include peripheral neuropathy and impaired kidney functioning.
Gemcitabine
Gemcitabine is a chemotherapy drug that is effective in dealing with lung cancer. This medication helps in deterring growth of cancerous cells inside the body, which is administered via intravenous for approximately 30 minutes.
In most cases, individuals using this drug suffer from side effects such as lowered red and white blood cell count, vomiting, loss of appetite, and nausea. Although rare, this medicinal drug may also have a negative impact on the liver; therefore, consult your physician before using Gemcitabine.
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