any lainak's List: Cancer

Casodex is used for:
Treating prostate cancer.Casodex is intended for use with other medicines. It may be used for conditions as determined by your doctor.Casodex is a nonsteroidal antiandrogen. It works by blocking the action of testosterone.

How to use Casodex:
Use Casodex as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

* Take Casodex by mouth with or without food.
* Take Casodex with your other prostate cancer medicine at the same time each day.
* If you miss a dose of Casodex , take it as soon as possible. If 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 once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Casodex.

Possible side effects of Casodex:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

* Abnormal skin sensations; anxiety; arthritis; back pain; bone pain; breast growth or pain; bronchitis; constipation; decreased sexual ability; depression; diarrhea; dizziness; frequent urination; gas; hot flashes; impotence; increased cough; indigestion; infection; loss of bladder control; muscle weakness; nausea; pain; pelvic pain; rash; runny nose; sleeplessness; sore throat; sweating; urinary retention; weakness; weight change.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

* Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; dark urine; difficulty breathing; flu-like symptoms; loss of appetite; muscle aches; nausea; pneumonia; stomach pain; tenderness of the right upper quadrant; tiredness; vomiting; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Cytoxan is used for:
Treating certain types of the following cancers: lymphoma, multiple myeloma, leukemia, mycosis fungoides, neuroblastoma, ovarian cancer, eye cancer, and breast cancer. It is usually used in combination with other medicines. It may also be used to treat certain kidney problems (nephrotic syndrome) in children or for other conditions as determined by your doctor.Cytoxan is an antineoplastic. It works by stopping or slowing the growth or spread of certain cancer cells.

How to use Cytoxan:
Use Cytoxan as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

* Cytoxan is usually administered as an injection at your doctor"s office, hospital, or clinic. If you are using Cytoxan at home, carefully follow the injection procedures taught to you by your health care provider.
* If Cytoxan contains particles or is discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged in any way, do not use it.
* If you experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite, contact your doctor to discuss ways to reduce these side effects.
* Drinking extra fluids and emptying your bladder regularly while you are taking Cytoxan is recommended. Check with your doctor for instructions.
* Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and away from pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain local regulations for proper disposal.
* If you miss a dose of Cytoxan , contact your doctor immediately.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Cytoxan.

Possible side effects of Cytoxan:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

* Appetite loss; absence of menstrual periods; color change in skin; diarrhea; general unwell feeling; hair loss; nausea; skin rash; stomach discomfort or pai

What is the most important information I should know about Generic Eulexin (Flutamide)?
In rare cases, flutamide has caused severe liver damage resulting in death or hospitalization. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, "flu-like" symptoms, yellow skin or eyes, itching, clay-colored stools, or dark urine. These symptoms may be early signs of liver damage.Your doctor will need to monitor your liver function with blood tests before starting treatment with flutamide, every month for the first 4 months of treatment, and periodically thereafter.Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor.

How should I take Generic Eulexin (Flutamide)?
Take flutamide exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.Take each dose with a full glass of water. Flutamide is usually taken three times a day (every 8 hours). Follow your doctor"s instructions.Your doctor will need to monitor your liver function with blood tests before starting treatment with flutamide, every month for the first 4 months of treatment, and periodically thereafter.In rare cases, flutamide has caused severe liver damage resulting in death or hospitalization. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, "flu-like" symptoms, yellow skin or eyes, itching, clay-colored stools, or dark urine. These symptoms may be early signs of liver damage.Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor. Store flutamide at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Generic Eulexin (Flutamide) side effects:
Stop taking flutamide and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).In rare cases, flutamide has caused severe liver damage resulting in death or hospitalization. No

What is the most important information I should know about Hydrea?
* Hydrea can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
* Do not use this medication if you are pregnant. It could cause harm to the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
* Talk with your doctor if you have trouble swallowing the capsule. Your doctor may instruct you to open the capsule, pour the medicine powder into a glass of water, and drink this mixture. If you open a capsule, do not inhale the powder or let it come in contact with your skin. Wash your hands before and after handling the pills, and wear disposable gloves when opening the capsule. If any of the medicine is spilled, wipe up the spill with a damp cloth and throw the cloth away in a sealed plastic bag. Keep all medicine and empty capsule shells out of the reach of children and pets.
* Handle the tablets and capsules with extreme care. The medicine from a crushed or broken tablet or capsule can be dangerous if it gets in your eyes, mouth, or nose, or on your skin. Wash your hands before and after handling the pills or the medicine bottle. For best protection, wear disposable gloves whenever handling the bottle or the pills. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to safely dispose of any unused tablets or capsules.
* Call your doctor promptly if you have any skin changes such as pinpont red spots, red patches, skin ulcers, or darkened skin (especially on your legs or feet). These may be early signs of a serious side effect.

What is Hydrea?
* Hydrea affects certain cells in the body, such as cancer cells or sickled red blood cells.
* Hyd

What is methotrexate?
Methotrexate interferes with the growth of certain cells of the body, especially cells that reproduce quickly, such as cancer cells, bone marrow cells, and skin cells.

Methotrexate is used to treat certain types of cancer of the breast, skin, head and neck, or lung. Methotrexate is also used to treat severe psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Methotrexate is usually given after other medications have been tried without successful treatment of symptoms.

Methotrexate may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about methotrexate?
Methotrexate can cause serious or life-threatening side effects on your liver, lungs, kidneys, and bone marrow (immune system). Do not take this medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than prescribed. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Do not use methotrexate to treat psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis if you have liver disease (especially if caused by alcoholism), a blood cell or bone marrow disorder, or if you are breast-feeding a baby. This medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use methotrexate to treat psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, whether you are a man or a woman. Tell your doctor if you or your sexual partner become pregnant during treatment.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

There are many other medicines that can interact with methotrexate. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider

olvadex is used for:
Treating breast cancer that has spread to other sites in the body. It is also used along with other medicines to treat other types of breast cancer. It is used in women who are at high risk for breast cancer and in women with DCIS (after surgery and radiation) to decrease the risk of developing breast cancer. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.Nolvadex is an antiestrogen. It works by blocking the effect of estrogen on certain tumors. This may prevent the growth of tumors that are activated by estrogen.

How to use Nolvadex:
Use Nolvadex as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

* Nolvadex comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Nolvadex refilled.
* Nolvadex may be taken by mouth with or without food.
* Take Nolvadex with water or another nonalcoholic liquid.
* Swallow this medication whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
* Continue to take Nolvadex even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. Taking Nolvadex at the same time each day will help you to remember to take it.
* If you miss a dose of Nolvadex , take it as soon as possible. If 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 once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Nolvadex.

Possible side effects of Nolvadex:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

* Bone pain; constipation; coughing; hot flashes; muscle pain; nausea; tiredness; vaginal discharge; weight loss.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

* Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, l