CHEMOTHERAPY

COMMONLY USED DRUGS, ADMINISTRATION, AND SIDE EFFECTS

INFORMATION FOR PET OWNERS

 Adriamycin (Doxorubicin) is given as slow injection over about 20 minutes through an IV catheter. Potential side effects: bone marrow suppression (maximum effect 10-14 days), GI upset, allergic reactions, cardiomyopathy (weak heart muscle - can occur after >6 doses), and tissue damage if drug leaks outside of vein.

 Vincristine (Oncovin) and Vinblastine (Velban) are given as single, rapid, intravenous injections. Potential side effects: bone marrow suppression (maximum effect 4-5 days), GI upset, and tissue damage if drug leaks outside of the vein.

 L-Aspraginase (Elspar) is given as a single injection under the skin or into the muscle. Potential side effects: acute allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock), and pancreatitis.

 Cytoxan (Cyclophonsphamide) as given as a pill and sometimes as a single intravenous injection. Potential side effects: bone marrow suppression (maximum effect 7 days), GI upset, and bloody urine (sterile hemorrhagic cystitis).

 Carboplatin (Paraplatin) is given as on intravenous injection. Potential side effects: bone marrow suppression, nausea/vomiting (rare).

 Prednisone is given as a pill. Potential side effects: Increased thirst, increased urination, and increased appetite, panting (dogs). Long term treatment may result in liver enlargement, diabetes, increased susceptibility to infections, muscle weakness, pot-bellied appearance, and thin hair coat. Cats seem to be more resistant to the side effects of Prednisone than dogs, with the possible exception of diabetes.

 Leukeran (Chlorambucil) is given as a pill. Potential side effects: bone marrow suppression, GI upset.

 Methotrexate is given as an injection or as a pill. Potential side effects: GI upset, bone marrow suppression, allergic reactions (rare).

 CCNU (Ceenu, Lomustine) is given as a pill once every 3 weeks. Potential side effects: bone marrow suppression.