Leukeran is a medication used to treat several kinds of cancer and other conditions including Hodgkin’s disease (a type of lymphoma), malignant lymphoma (including lymphosarcoma), clasmocytoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, giant follicular lymphoma, hairy cell leukemia (a sub-type of chronic lymphoid leukemia), myeloma, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, Waldenstr?m macroglobulinemia (lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma), Letterer-Siwe disease (genetically stipulated proliferation of histiocytes), chorionepithelioma of the uterus, glomerular nephritis, Beh?et disease (a form of vasculitis), dermatomyositis, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, uveitis, nephrotic syndrome. Leukeran’s active substance is chlorambucil, a bifunctional alkylating agent.

Dosage and direction

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all instructions. The recommended initial dosage for short course of treatment is 0.1 to 0.2 mg/kg body weight (4-10 mg for an average patient) taken daily during 3-6 weeks. The daily dose may be taken as a single dose. In case of the sudden fall in th white blood count or bad tolerance by the patient the dosage should be carefully adjusted. Supporting course of treatment is administered individually.

Precautions

Carefulness should be exercised in the patients with inhibited bone marrow function (expressed as leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia, including ones associated with a malignant process and on the background of the previous radiotherapy or chemotherapy), severe liver disease and kidney failure, acute gastrointestinal disease, in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Blood cell count,leukocytes count, platelets count, and Hb examination should be performed at least once weekly.

Contraindications

Leukeran cannot be used in the patients with hypersensitivity to its components (including other alkylating agents).

Possible side effect

The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, changes in menstrual period. Contact your doctor immediately if you have following adverse reactions: painful or difficult urination, fever, chills, black, tarry or bloody stools, easy bruising or bleeding, blood in urine, swollen extremities, sores in mouth or on lips, small red spots on the skin, jaundice, cough, lower back or side pain, joint pain, abdominal pain, confusion, hallucinations, muscle twitching, agitation, trouble walking, weakness, paralysis.

Drug interaction

Inform your doctor about all prescribed and over-the-counter medications, herbal products and food supplements you use.

Missed dose

If you missed a dose take it as soon as you remember, but not if it is almost time of the next intake by your schedule. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time of your next dose. Do not try to compensate a missed dose by taking an extra one.

Overdose

If you suspect overdose inform your doctor immediately about it and seek immediate medical attention. Signs of overdose are agitation, seizures, loss of balance or coordination.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-77 F (15-25 C) away from light and moisture, kids and pets. Do not use after expiration term.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Xeloda is used to treat cancer. It is pro-medication, it turns into a cytotoxic compound 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). 5-FU is formed in the tumors with help of thymidine phosphorylase, thus systemic influence of 5-FU on healthy tissues is minimal. The medication is used to treat breast cancer or colon or rectum cancer (also one with metastases) including types of the cancer resistant to paclitaxel and anthracyclines.

Dosage and direction

Take the medication exactly as it was administered to you. Treatment usually consists in a treatment cycle of 2 weeks on and 1 week off. This cycle is repeated up to 8 times. Take it orally with a full glass of water, 30 minutes after a meal. The daily dose is 2.5 g/sq.m/day (the daily dose should be divided in two intakes).

Precautions

While you are on Xeloda use effective birth control. Notify your doctor about your liver or kidney disease, a history of coronary artery disease, or if you are treated by folic acid, a blood thinner (Coumadin, warfarin), phenytoin (Dilantin), leucovorin (Wellcovorin). Your doctor may want you to have regular blood tests while you are treated by Xeloda. Do not miss any appointments. E attentive while driving or operating machinery as this drug may make you dizzy or fainting.

Contraindications

Do not start treatment with Xeloda if you have allergy to capecitabine or fluorouracil (Adrucil), kidney disease or dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency, pregnant and breastfeeding women, adolescents under 18 years of age.

Possible side effect

Notify your doctor immediately if you have severe adverse reactions such as severe vomiting or diarrhea, abdominal pain, stomatitis, constipation, epigastric pain, dyspepsia, dry mouth, flatulence, loss of appetite, oral candidiasis, hyperbilirubinemia, pain or redness of your hands or feet, fever or flu symptoms, jaundice, angina, sudden numbness or weakness, fainting, itching, loss of fluid in the body, edema of extremities, difficulty breathing. Patients over 80 years of age are more likely to experience side effects from Xeloda.

Drug interaction

Appointment of anticoagulants of cumarine type should be done not earlier than 1 month after treatment with Xeloda due to possible hypocoagulation and bleeding. Xeloda increases effects of indirect anticoagulants, increases blood levels of phenytoin. Antacids which contain aluminum and magnesium hydroxide increase blood concentrations of capecitabine and metabolite 5′-Deoxy-5-fluorocytidine. Cyclophosphamide increases toxicity due to increase of thymidine activity. Calcium folinate increases toxicity of capecitabine due to increased toxicity of fluorouracil.

Missed dose

Take the dose you missed as soon as you remember. If it is almost time of your next intake just skip it and return to your regular schedule.

Overdose

Overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, bloody stools, coughing up blood.

Storage

Store in a dry place away from sunlight at room temperature between 15-30 C (59-86 F).

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Zofran is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to prevent nausea and vomiting due to several causes

Doses and directions

The dose of Zofran depends on the type of chemotherapy -high risk for nausea and vomiting or medium risk.

High-risk chemotherapy: The dose of Zofran for high-risk chemotherapy is Zofran 24 mg (taken as three 8 mg tablets) 30 minutes before chemotherapy.

Medium-risk chemotherapy: The dose of Zofran for medium-risk chemotherapy is Zofran 8 mg twice daily. The first dose should be taken 30 minutes before chemotherapy, and the second dose should be taken eight hours after the first dose. After that, Zofran should be taken twice a day (about every 12 hours) until one to two days after chemotherapy.

Precations

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Zofran if you have:

Liver problems, including cirrhosis,an arrhythmia (an irregular heart rhythm), especially long QT syndrome,phenylketonuria,any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.

Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant,breastfeeding,have severe or constant nausea or vomiting that is not helped by Zofran. Also talk with your healthcare provider if you are vomiting blood,Have severe vomiting and diarrhea. This combination of problems can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

Drug interactions

The following sections explain in detail the potentially negative interactions that can occur when Zofran is combined with any of the drugs listed above.

Apomorphine,Carbamazepine,Phenytoin,Rifampicin,drugs Containing Tramadol.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose of Zofran and are taking it regularly, you should take it as soon as you can remember it. If you miss for long time and it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at a time to compensate fro the missed dose.

Storage

Zofran should be stored at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store it away from heat, moisture, and direct light, in a tight, light-resistant container. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Zofran out of the reach of children.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Methotrexate is an antimetabolite used to treat certain types of cancer. It inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, an important enzyme responsible for the synthesis of nucleotides for DNA. This medication inhibits synthesis of DNA, DNA reparation and cell mitosis. Cells of malignant tumor, bone marrow, embryonic cells, epithelial cells of the intestinal mucosa, bladder, oral cavity are the most sensitive to it.

Methotrexate is used in treatment of breast cancer, squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, lung cancer, trophoblastic tumor, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, bladder cancer, colorectal cancer, esophagus cancer, stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer, testicular cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukemia and many others.

Dosage and direction

Take exactly as prescribed by your physician. Take Methotrexate orally with or without food. Do not chew or crush the tablet. To treat rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis Methotrexate is taken weekly. Starting dose 7.5 mg of the medication once a week or 2.5 mg each twelve hours three times also once weekly. Treatment of cancer requires individual dosage and treatment only under control of your doctor.

Precautions

Caution should be exercised in the patients with ascites, dehydration, obstructive diseases of the digestive tract, pleural or peritoneal effusion, chronic renal failure, parasitic and infectious diseases of viral, fungal or bacterial origin due to the possible high risk of severe generalized disease development. Methotrexate toxicity increases in the individuals with herpes simplex, herpes zoster, chickenpox, measles, amoebiasis, strongyloidiasis (helminthosis caused by threadworm with allergic symptoms at the beginning of the disease), gout (also in history), infection and inflammation of mucosa in the mouth, nausea and vomiting (due to dehydration), stomach and duodenal ulcerations, ulcerative colitis, prior chemotherapy or radiotherapy, asthenia. When Metheotrexate is used to treat cancer cautiousness is need in the patients with aciduria (urine pH less than 7) and inhibited bone marrow hematopoiesis. Do not expose yourself to sun rays. Immunization by vaccines should be avoided for 3-12 months since the course of treatment with Methotrexate was finished. Men and women should use safe contraception as this drug is very toxic for an unborn baby.

Contraindications

This medicine cannot be administered to the patients with hypersensitivity to its components, immune deficiency, pregnant and breastfeeding women. When Methotrexate is used to treat patents with psoriasis or rheumatic diseases it cannot be used if they also have heavy suppression of bone marrow hematopoiesis, severe kidney or liver failure.

Possible side effect

Methotrexate is usually well tolerated but some patients may develop mouth sores, stomach upset, and low white blood counts. Methotrexate is known to be toxic to the liver, kidneys, lung and bone marrow. Blood tests should be done on a regular basis while treatment with this drug. Other adverse reactions may include headache, drowsiness and allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching, dizziness, and hair loss.

Drug interaction

Missed dose

Consult your doctor if you miss a dose of this medicine.

Overdose

Contact your doctor immediately if you suspect overdose. Signs of overdose include nausea, vomiting, weakness, paleness, easy bruising or bleeding, mouth sores, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, vomit similar to coffee grounds, decreased urination or anuria.

Storage

Store in a dry tight container away from sunlight at room temperature between 15-30 C (59-86 F) away from children and pets.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Bicalutamide belongs to a group of non-steroidal anti-androgens. This medicine to treat metastatic prostate cancer and hirsutism in men.

It blocks the effects of testosterone (a male hormone), which helps stop the growth and spread of cancer cells. Bicalutamide is necessarily given together with a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogue (e.g., goserelin or leuprolide).

Dosage and direction

Take Casodex by mouth with a glass of water, with or without food. Avoid cutting, crushing or chewing this medicine.

Consult your doctor concerning proper dose for you.

Precautions

Before taking Casodex tell your doctor or chemist if you are allergic to Bicalutamide; or if you have other allergies.

As this medicament can be absorbed by skin, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not manipulate this medicine.

Contraindications

Casodex should not be used by women or children as well as by the patients having demonstrated a reaction of hypersensitivity to Bicalutamide.

This medicine should be carefully used by the patients with violations of function of liver.

Possible side effect

The most common side effects are dizziness, unusual weakness, drowsiness, trouble sleeping, blurred vision, runny nose, or problems ejaculating.

Stop using Casodex and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects: penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer, severe dizziness or fainting.

A very serious allergic reaction rarely occurs.

In case you notice the effects not listed here, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug interaction

No drug interactions of clinical importance have been identified.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use before using this medication.

Missed dose

If you have missed your dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you see that it is near the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not take your dose twice.

Overdose

If you think you have used too much of this medicine seek emergency medical attention right away. The symptoms of overdose usually include chest pain, nausea, irregular heartbeat, and feeling light-headed or fainting.

Storage

Store your medicines at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store them in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Eulexin prevents binding of dihydrotestosterone (androgen) with cell receptors and blocks effects of androgen in the target organs (including tumor cells of the prostate gland). This medication is used to treat a prostate cancer.

Dosage and direction

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Never exceed the recommended dose. Eulexin is recommended to take three times a day with 8-hour intervals. Its total daily dose is 750 mg.

Precautions

Inform your doctor if you had blood disorders, liver problems, any allergies in your history or if you are a smoker before to take Eulexin. This medication is able to cause photosensibilization so you should limit exposure of your body to sunlight. Drowsiness and dizziness caused by Eulexin may interfere with ability to concentrate attention and influence such activities as driving or operating with machinery.

Contraindications

Women should never take this medication. Other contraindications include hypersensitivity to the Flutamide or any components of the drug, severe hepatic impairment in patients.

Side effects

Side effects include gynecomastia, diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, rash, drowsiness, weakness, hives, swelling of face and tongue, easy bleeding or bruising, bluish skin.

Drug interaction

Inform your doctor about all medications and herbal products you are taking as they may affect efficiency of Eulexin, especially about mibefradil, warfarin, sleep medicine, sedatives, psychiatric medicine, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs, narcotic pain relievers (codeine), anti-seizure drugs, muscle relaxants, certain antihistamines.

Missed dose

If you forgot to take your dose in time, please do it as soon as you remember. But do not take if it is too late or almost time for your next dose. Do not take double or extra doses. Take your usually dose next day in the same regularly time.

Overdose

Sings of Eulexin overdose are breast development, hypoactivity, slow respiration, anorexia and increased level of methemoglobin. If you suspect that took too much of this medication notify your doctor as you may need immediate medical help.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 20-25 C (68-77 F).

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Hydrea is used to treat certain types of cancer (melanoma, chronic myelocytic leukemia, cancer of the ovary, and primary skin cancer of the head and neck) or sickled red blood cells. Active ingredient of this drug is hydroxyurea. The exact mechanism of its action is unknown, it is supposed that it is cell cycle specific for the S phase of cell division, it interfere with synthesis of DNA, with no effect on synthesis of RNA or protein.

Dosage and direction

Take this potent medication exactly as prescribed. Drink plenty of water during treatment to assist your kidney to remove the drug from the blood and diminish side effects. The medicine may be taken with or without food. You may be advised by your doctor to poor the content of Hydrea capsule into a glass of water, if so mix it throughly and drink whole immediately. Do not touch or inhale the drug powder from the capsule. Even if such symptoms as nausea or vomiting appear, do not stop taking this medication. Contact your doctor if you are immediately vomiting after the dose. This drug may increase the risk of sickness and inflammation due to its effect on amount of blood cells which control immunity.

Precautions

Before to take Hydrea consult your doctor if you are being treated with radiation therapy or are currently on interferon (Actimmune, Betaseron, Roferon, Intron, Infergen, Alferon, Rebetron, Rebif). Notify your doctor about diseases you have and especially about poor bone marrow function, liver disease, or kidney disease.

Contraindications

Do not take Hydrea if you are allergic to the components of the drug. This medicine is contraindicated in the patients with bone marrow depression (leukopenia or thrombocytopenia). This medicine may be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Hydrea if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Possible side effect

Besides signs of allergic reaction such as facial swelling, skin rash and eruptions, hives, and pinpoint red spots on your skin Hydrea may cause skin ulcers, red patches, or darkened skin, symptoms of fever, flu, chills, white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips, body aches, nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness.

Drug interaction

Do not start or stop treatment with any medication without your doctor’s permission. Inform your health care advisor about all drugs, health products, vitamins, minerals, and supplement substances you are currently taking and especially about anti-cancer drugs, didanosine, stavudine, to treat gout.

Missed dose

Never take a double dose of this medication. If it is almost time of the next dose just skip the missed portion and continue to take the medicine according to the schedule.

Overdose

Immediate medical help is needed if excessive amount of this drug was taken. Contact your doctor the soonest if somebody swallowed too much of Hydrea by chance or you suspect overdose. Symptoms of overdose are worsened side effects such as violet erythema, soreness, severe generalized hyperpigmentation of the skin, edema on palms and soles followed by scaling of hands and feet, and stomatitis.

Storage

Store Hydrea at room temperature between 20 and 25 C (68 and 77 F) away from moisture and heat.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.