Breast Cancer Articles A-Z
In previous clinical studies, up to 7 percent of people taking Femara reported insomnia. This eMedTV Web page discusses some of the things that you can try if you're taking Femara and insomnia becomes a problem, such as napping no later than 3 p.m.
Femara has shown clear evidence of risk to the fetus in previous animal studies. This eMedTV resource further discusses Femara and pregnancy, explaining what to do if you become pregnant (or would like to become pregnant) while taking the drug.
Up to 11 percent of people who take Femara experience weight gain. This portion of the eMedTV archives lists some things you can try if you're on Femara and weight gain occurs (such as limiting your alcohol intake and eating heart-healthy foods).
This eMedTV article lists factors that can affect Femara dosing (such as the severity of the breast cancer) and some general tips on taking the drug. For most postmenopausal women, the recommended Femara dosage is 2.5 mg, taken once daily.
This eMedTV segment explains that if you take estrogens (among other forms of hormone replacement therapy) or birth control pills along with Femara, drug interactions can potentially occur. Drug interactions with Femara may make Femara less effective.
Women who are having trouble conceiving may be prescribed Femara in an "off-label" fashion. This eMedTV article explains when doctors may use Femara for infertility and the advantages the drug may have over Clomid, a common infertility medication.
The exact effects of a Femara overdose are unknown. This eMedTV resource lists factors that could effect Femara overdose effects (such as how much of the drug is taken) and discusses how an overdose on Femara may be treated.
Some common Femara side effects include nausea, dizziness, and weight gain. This eMedTV article lists other common side effects of Femara, as well as some serious side effects to report to your doctor (like chest pain or difficulty breathing).
This eMedTV resource explains that while Femara is used mainly to treat certain types of breast cancer in postmenopausal women, there are also several off-label Femara uses (such as treating excess estrogen in men).
Femara Warnings and Precautions
Femara can cause osteoporosis in some people. This page on the eMedTV Web site provides other Femara warnings and precautions, such as potential drug interactions and the safety of taking Femara while nursing or pregnant.
Femara is licensed to treat specific forms of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. This page on the eMedTV Web site provides a brief overview of the drug and includes a link to more detailed information. Femera is a common misspelling of Femara.
This eMedTV page offers a brief comparison of Femara vs. Clomid as infertility treatments. This article discusses the effectiveness of both drugs and provides a link to more information. Femera vs. Clomid is a common misspelling of Femara vs. Clomid.
Femara may be prescribed to postmenopausal women with certain types of breast cancer. This eMedTV article covers Femara side effects and precautions and warnings -- and links to more detailed information. Femora is a common misspelling of Femara.
Gemzar is a prescription medicine that is used for treating various types of cancer. This eMedTV article gives an overview of Gemzar, providing information on how the medication works, it potential side effects, and how it is administered.
It is generally not recommended that women take Gemzar while breastfeeding. This part of the eMedTV archives explains that there have been no human studies done on Gemzar and breastfeeding, but there are potentially serious side effects of the drug.
Hair loss is one of the most common side effects of Gemzar. This portion of the eMedTV archives offers more information on Gemzar and hair loss, explaining when hair loss typically occurs during treatment and some tips on dealing with hair loss.
Studies suggest that Gemzar could potentially cause miscarriages or birth defects to an unborn child. This eMedTV page explains that if you're taking Gemzar and pregnancy occurs (or you're thinking of becoming pregnant), you should tell your doctor.
The Gemzar dosage your doctor prescribes will be based on several factors (such as weight and height). This eMedTV article explains other factors that may determine your dosage and discusses some general Gemzar dosing guidelines.
In general, you should avoid live vaccinations while taking Gemzar or other chemotherapy drugs. This eMedTV resource lists other drugs that can potentially cause Gemzar drug interactions (including NSAIDs, warfarin, and salicylates).
A few of the common Gemzar side effects include hair loss, anemia, and drowsiness. This eMedTV segment lists other possible side effects of Gemzar, including infrequent but serious problems that should be reported to a healthcare provider right away.
As this eMedTV page explains, Gemzar is used for treating breast cancer, ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and pancreatic cancer. This page explains how the drug works to stop cancer cells from multiplying and covers off-label Gemzar uses.
Gemzar Warnings and Precautions
Gemzar can cause kidney damage or liver problems in some people. This portion of the eMedTV Web site offers other important Gemzar warnings and precautions you should be aware of before starting the medication, and explains who should not take Gemzar.
There is currently no generic Abraxane available on the market. As this eMedTV Web page explains, as soon as the patent for Abraxane expires in February 2013, several companies are expected to begin manufacturing a generic Abraxane drug.
At this time, generic Adriamycin is available and is manufactured by several companies. This eMedTV resource explains why the FDA has assigned an "AP" rating to the drug and what this means when compared to the brand-name medication.
Several drug companies currently manufacture a generic Aredia medicine. This article on the eMedTV Web site describes generic Aredia in more detail, offers information on its various manufacturers, and lists the different strengths available.