List of Lung Cancer Medications

1. List of effective Medications- Lung Cancer Cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells start to grow uncontrollably in the body. Lung cancer is the condition when the disease starts in the lungs. The uncontrollable cell growth in the lungs leads to the growth of tumours that reduce a person's ability to breathe. It is a medical condition that most commonly occurs in the people who smoke. Its symptoms include cough (usually with blood), weight loss, chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, appetite loss, change I'm voice such as hoarseness, etc. But these symptoms often appear in the later stage of the condition. There are mainly two types of significant lung cancer – ●Small-cell Lung Cancer (SCLC): It represents less than 20% of lung cancers. It is commonly caused by tobacco smoking and is also known as "oat-cell." ●Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): This type of cancer is the most common and accounts for about 9/10 cases. The five main treatments of lung cancer are: ● Chemotherapy ● Surgery ● Radiation therapy ● Immunotherapy ● Targeted therapy Medications Used for Lung Cancer Below mentioned are some medicinal drugs used for the treatment of lung cancer: 1. Gefitinib: Gefitinib is the drug used for the treatment of lung cancer. It blocks a particular type of protein called tyrosine kinase. This drug also slows down or stops the growth of cancer cells. Dosage: Gefitinib tablets are taken with or without food often once daily, or as directed by your doctor. Side-Effects: The drug may include side effects such as - diarrhea, hair loss, vomiting, nausea, sore throat or mouth, weakness, or nail problems. Consult your doctor and pharmacist immediately if the side effects continue.

2. 2. Erlotinib: Erlotinib is a cancer treatment drug used to treat certain types of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is called a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). Dosage: For NSCLC, the recommended dosage is erlotinib 150 mg, taken on an empty stomach. Or as directed by the doctor according to your medical condition. Side-Effects: Diarrhea, rash, fatigue, vomiting, nausea, cough, poor appetite, or shortness of breath. 3. Nintedanib: Nintedanib is an oral medication used to treat some types of lung cancer and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Dosage: 150 mg nintedanib is recommended to be taken twice daily, at the interval of approx 12 hours. 100 mg dosage is recommended to those patients who have less tolerance to 150 mg nintedanib dose. Side-Effects: Diarrhea, nausea, stomach or abdominal pain, vomiting, liver problems, liver enzymes elevation, etc. 4. Afatinib: Afatinib is a first-line effective treatment for certain types of lung cancer, such as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It belongs to a class of medications called tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Dosage:40 mg afatinib is to be taken daily on an empty stomach, usually 1 hour before a meal or 2 hours after a meal. Do not take another missed dose within 12 hours of the next dose. Side-Effects: The side effects of this drug include - diarrhea, skin conditions resembling acne (Acneiform eruption), mouth sores, dry mouth, or infection of nails (Paronychia). 5. Sirolimus: Sirolimus, along with other medications, is used to prevent the rejection of kidney transplants. It belongs to a class of drugs called immunosuppressants, that weakens the immune system so that the body can accept the new organ as its own. It is also used for the treatment of a certain lung disease called lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). Sirolimus is also called rapamycin. Dosage: The initial dosage is 2 mg sirolimus tablets a day. It is recommended to measure sirolimus whole blood trough concentrations in every 10 to 20 days for adjustment of dosage and to ensure the concentrations between 5 and 15 ng/mL. Side-Effects: Fever, cold, stuffy nose, sneezing, mouth sores, diarrhea, stomach, chest pain, nausea, headaches, muscle aches, dizziness, or acne.

3. Note: All the medications mentioned above must be taken as per the doctor's instructions and prescription. Do not consume any medicinal drugs on your own. One must go through the prescription and take medicine or dosage recommended by the doctor. Take your medications on time and only take the doctor's dosage as the condition varies from one patient to another. If the side effects of any of the above medications worsen, consult with your doctor or pharmacist immediately. Source url: https://ikrispharma.weebly.com/blog/list-of-five-effective-medications-for-lung-cancer