What are the different types of chemotherapy drugs used for breast cancer treatment and their potential side effects?
As each person’s individual medical profile and diagnosis is different, so is her or his reaction to treatment. Side effects may be severe, mild, or absent. Be sure to discuss with your cancer care team any possible side effects of treatment before the treatment begins. Most side effects disappear once treatment is stopped. The commonly administered drugs for breast cancer are: Adriamycin® (doxorubicin) – Doxorubicin is an intravenous medication. Doxorubicin is red in color, and it may turn urine red for several hours following treatment. Women who receive doxorubicin sometimes experience mouth sores, but always have hair loss. This drug is most often given with cyclophosphamide with or without 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). This drug combination is referred to as “AC or FAC.” Four to six cycles of treatment over 3 to 6 months are commonly administered for breast cancer. Cytoxan®, Neosar® (cyclophosphamide) – Cyclophosphamide is an anticancer drug that can be given either intravenously or oral
