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LEUCOVORIN
Action
drugs to enhance anti-cancer effects (with fluorouracil) or to help prevent or lessen side
effects (with methotrexate). Leucovorin is also used by itself to treat certain anemia
Indications:
In combination with fluorouracil to treat cancers such as; colon and rectal, head
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Side Effects:
Nursing Considerations:
Instruct patient to drink at least two to three quarts of fluid every 24 hours, unless
contraindicated.
symptoms or side effects. They can prescribe medications and/or offer other
Action:
are very similar to normal substances within the cell. When the cells incorporate these
substances into the cellular metabolism, they are unable to divide. Antimetabolites are
cell-cycle specific. They attack cells at very specific phases in the cycle.
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Indications:
Breast cancer.
(stomach).
Ovarian cancer.
Side effects:
Diarrhea.
Mouth sores.
Poor appetite.
Low blood counts. Your white and red blood cells and platelets may temporarily
decrease. This can put you at increased risk for infection, anemia and/or bleeding.
Serious adverse reactions to 5-FU are; chest pain, EKG changes and increases in cardiac
enzymes - which may indicate problems with the heart. These symptoms are very rare
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Nursing Considerations:
Instruct patient to suck on ice chips 10-15minutes before and after IV injections
Advise to observe good oral care and use soft toothbrush to help prevent mouth
sores.
Instruct to drink at least two to three quarts of fluid every 24 hours, unless
contraindicated.
Instruct patient to avoid sun exposure. Wear SPF 15 (or higher) sunblock and
protective clothing.
IRINOTECAN
"topoisomerase I inhibitor."
Action:
Topoisomerase inhibitors (such as ironotecan) are drugs that interfere with the action of
Indications:
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Administration:
the vein through which it is given. If the medication escapes from the vein it can cause
tissue damage. The nurse or doctor who gives this medication must be carefully trained.
Side effects:
Weakness.
Low white blood cell count. (This can put you at increased risk for infection).
Hair loss
Poor appetite
Fever
Weight loss
Nursing considerations:
Advise to notify health care professional and may apply ice at the infusion site if
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Instruct to take anti-nausea medications as prescribed by your doctor, and eat
small, frequent meals to reduce nausea. Sucking on lozenges and chewing gum
Advise to avoid crowds or people with cold and wash hands often to prevent
infections.
Avoid sun exposure. Wear SPF 15 (or higher) sunblock and protective clothing.
DEXAMETHASONE
Indications:
associated with tumors of the spine and brain, and to treat eye inflammation.
myeloma.
and has many uses in the treatment of cancer. One way that it works is to decrease
inflammation (swelling). It does this by preventing infection- fighting white blood cells
chemotherapy.
Side effects:
The following side effects are common (occurring in greater than 30%) for patients
taking dexamethasone:
Increased appetite
Irritability
Heartburn
Muscle weakness
Increased blood sugar levels. (Persons with Diabetes may need to have blood
medications).
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Nursing considerations:
Advise the patient not to receive any kind of immunization or vaccination without
period of time, (more susceptible to infection). Wash your hands well, and report
Instruct to take this medication with food to lessen an upset stomach. Also take
this medication early on in the day (before 12:00 noon, if possible), so patient will
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