A diagnosis of mesothelioma will normally be followed by several discussions with your oncologist. Such topics of discussion will cover prognosis and treatment options to battle the disease. More often than not, the course of treatment can include a variety of mesothelioma medications.
Mesothelioma & Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy medications have been used to treat cancer since the 1950s. Many of the older ones are obsolete and have been replaced by newer, more successful drugs. An oncologist will determine which chemotherapy medication is best for you. In addition to chemotherapy, surgery or radiation may also be recommended.
Chemotherapy can be administered at a hospital, doctor's office, or in a clinic setting that caters only to cancer patients. Such treatment is most commonly administered intravenously through a catheter or directly into a vein. Some chemotherapy medications come in pill or liquid form and will be swallowed under the supervision of a doctor. Others can be taken at home following the strict instructions of a medical professional.
The dosage of the medication will be determined by your doctor and may include daily treatments for a specific time. Though chemotherapy can be very helpful, it can carry a number of side effects. Some mesothelioma patients will experience none at all while others may be shouldered with several uncomfortable side effects. These include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, hair loss, bruising or bleeding, and an increased susceptibility to infection.
Chemotherapy Medications for Mesothelioma Patients
Today's most commonly used chemotherapy medication for mesothelioma is Alimta. Currently, this drug is the only FDA-approved medication specifically designed for the treatment of malignant mesothelioma when surgery is not an option. It is generally used in combination with another chemotherapy drug called cisplatin, a platinum-based drug. Together, the two have shown promise in prolonging and improving the quality of life of mesothelioma patients. Other chemotherapy drugs sometimes used for mesothelioma treatment include carboplatin, onconase, gemcitabine, and navelbine.
Other Medications for Mesothelioma Patients
Most mesothelioma patients' drug regimens are not limited to chemotherapy medications. It is often necessary to take other medications to help combat the symptoms and side effects of the disease. Those who take the time to find the right combination of pain medications indicate a marked difference in their quality of life. However, patients should never take pain medications without consulting their doctor. In some cases, doctors will also recommend the use of anti-nausea drugs for chemotherapy patients. Anti-nausea drugs for nausea include Compazine, Torecan, Zofran and Kytril.
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