Lymphoma is the type of cancer that originates from the lymphocytes or white blood cells. This condition can be classified as Hodgkin’s or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, each of them affecting different parts of the immune system.
Medical tests are always carried out in order to determine the presence of this condition. Although chemotherapy and radiation therapy are utilized in treating lymphoma, medications and drugs also play an important role in the treatment of this condition. Given below is a list of highly effective drugs and medications for treating lymphoma.
Best Drugs For Lymphoma
Arranon
Arranon is a medication that is considered beneficial in treating lymphoma. This medication works by decreasing the multiplication as well as growth of cancerous cells present inside the body. This medication is used mostly in the treatment of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma. Prior to using Arranon, you should inform your doctor about the presence of any underlying medical condition such as liver disease, nerve disorders, kidney ailments, or history of radiation treatment.
Arranon is mostly administered in the form of an injection. Mild side effects of arranon include cough, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, facial swelling or constipation. In cases of serious side effects such as loss of balance, shortness of breath, fever, chills, mouth sores, pale skin, seizure, numbness, weakness or loss of co-ordination, consult your doctor immediately.
Ontak
Ontak is another medication that is used for treating lymphoma symptoms. This medication is classified as a fusion protein, which deters growth of cancerous cells inside the human body. You should not use Ontak if you are allergic to any chemical compound present in it. Prior to using Ontak for treating lymphoma, it is important that you tell your physician if you suffer from heart disease, low albumin levels in the bloodstream, allergic reactions, or taking herbal or prescription medications.
Mild side effects of Ontak include diarrhea, sleeplessness, lightheadedness, weight loss, weakness, indigestion, cough, loss of appetite, headache and muscle ache. In certain cases, individuals using this drug may develop serious side effects such as vision problems, sudden weight gain, swelling of mouth, tightening of chest, leg pain, rapid heartbeat, and flu-like symptoms. In such cases, affected individuals should seek immediate medical help.
Leukeran
Leukeran is another medicinal drug that is used in the treatment of several forms of cancer, including lymphoma. This medication is classified as an alkalizing agent, which helps in decreasing growth of cancerous cells. Abstain from using this medicinal drug for treating lymphoma, if you suffer from allergic symptoms because of any of its ingredients. In most cases, individuals using this medication suffer from diarrhea.
Individuals who suffer from side effects such as facial swelling, tremors, fever, chills, frequent urination, liver disorders, weakness, vomiting and shortness of breath, should receive immediate medical help.
Meticorten
Meticorten is a medication that is considered highly beneficial in dealing with lymphoma. This medication is classified as a steroid, and contains prednisone, which is an ingredient that deters the production of chemicals responsible for inflammation inside the body. You should avoid using this steroid if you suffer from allergic symptoms due to prednisone, or fungal infection. In addition to that, it is imperative that you inform your physician if you are under medication or suffer from any health ailment.
You should take this medication only under the guidance of your physician, and should be kept in cool and dry place. You should not worry if you suffer from side effects such as sleep problems, excessive sweating, dizziness, stomach pain, bloating, acne or thinning hair. You should seek immediate medical help if you develop blurred vision, bloody stools, coughing up blood, pancreatitis, low potassium levels, shortness of breath, pancreatitis, severe depression, rapid weight gain, and confusion.
Sterapred
Sterapred is a drug that is used for treating lymphoma symptoms. Apart from dealing with lymphoma, this drug is also effective in treating multiple sclerosis, asthma, arthritis, and skin disease. Sterapred is classified as a corticosteroid, which helps in decreasing inflammation. You should avoid using sterapred if you currently suffer from a systemic fungal infection, take mifepristone, or allergic to any component of sterapred.
Health experts highly recommend that you avoid taking a live vaccine, while taking this medicinal drug. Mild side effects of sterapred include mood swings, nervousness, increased appetite, excessive sweating, difficulty in breathing, and dizziness. Individuals who develop side effects such as headache, increased eye pressure, dizziness, loss of appetite, convulsions, black stools, tightening of chest or swelling of mouth, it is imperative that they should seek immediate medical help from your doctor.
Velban
Velban is another cancer medication that can be utilized in the treatment of lymphoma symptoms. This medication is also used in treating Kaposi’s sarcoma, letterer-siwe disease, and testicular cancer. In many cases, this drug is used in conjunction with other medications. You should not use this drug if you suffer from very low blood count, liver disease, stomach ulcers, coronary heart disease, or wasting syndrome.
This medication is administered via injection, which is given once a week. Less serious side effects of velban include nausea, jaw pain, bone pain, weakness, vomiting and loss of appetite. If the affected individuals suffer from pale skin, burning, redness, severe constipation, numbness, tightness of chest, easy bruising, sore throat, fever, chills, vision problems, and chest pain, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.
Trexall
Trexall is a medication that is used for treating certain forms of cancer. Apart from that, this drug is also utilized in treating rheumatoid arthritis and intense psoriasis. In certain cases, this drug is also used along with other medications for treating cancer. You should not make use of this drug, if you suffer from alcoholism, liver disorders, allergic reactions, or taking medications containing acitretin.
If you develop side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, headache, loss of appetite, hair loss, or stomach pain, you do not need to consult your physician, as they are mild in nature. However, if you develop chest pain, discoloration of skin, extreme fatigue, inflammation of pancreas, peeling skin, vomiting, fever, chills, night sweats, muscle weakness, or mood swings, consult your doctor immediately.
Photo Credit : http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/AIDS-related-lymphoma/Patient/page1
