Breast Cancer Articles A-Z
This eMedTV article explains why no generic Arimidex is currently available. Factors that affect the exclusivity period of the drug are listed, and a discussion of generic names versus active ingredients is also provided.
There is currently no generic Aromasin available because Aromasin is protected by a patent. This eMedTV segment explains that the earliest possible date that generic Aromasin could become available is in October 2008, when the patent expires.
Ellence is currently available in both brand-name and generic forms. As this eMedTV article explains, although generic Ellence has been given an "AP" rating and is equivalent to the brand-name version, it may contain different inactive ingredients.
It appears that a generic version of Faslodex will not appear until at least 2021. This eMedTV segment talks about generic Faslodex, including an explanation of why it may take so long for a generic version to be introduced.
June 2011 is the earliest possible date that a generic Femara drug could become available. This eMedTV resource lists circumstances that could push this date past 2011 (such as lawsuits or other patents for specific uses of Femara).
There is no generic Gemzar available at this time because the drug is protected by a patent. As this eMedTV page explains, once the patent for Gemzar expires in November 2010, several companies can begin manufacturing generic versions of Gemzar.
There may never be a generic Herceptin available because the medication is considered a "biologic." This eMedTV resource explains how certain laws do not allow generic biologics (including generic Herceptin) to be manufactured.
Generic Taxol, which is made by several companies, is sold under the names Paclitaxel Injection and Onxol. This eMedTV resource offers more information on generic Taxol products and lists the companies that currently manufacture the drugs.
A patent prevents any generic Taxotere from being manufactured at this time. This eMedTV page explains that May 2010 is the earliest date that a generic Taxotere could become available, unless certain circumstances (such as lawsuits) extend that date.
Generic Tykerb will not be available in the United States until July 2017 at the earliest. As this eMedTV Web page explains, as soon as the patent for Tykerb expires, several drug companies are expected to begin manufacturing generic versions of it.
At this time, there is no generic Xeloda available. This eMedTV page explains that a generic Xeloda may become available when the patent expires in 2011. However, as this page explains, there are circumstances that may extend the date past 2011.
Herceptin is a prescription medication approved for treating specific kinds of breast cancer. This part of the eMedTV site offers an in-depth look at Herceptin, including how it works, when it is used, dosing information, and possible side effects.
It is not known if Herceptin passes through human breast milk. This eMedTV article provides a discussion on Herceptin and breastfeeding, explaining why the manufacturer of the medication does not recommend taking Herceptin while breastfeeding.
For people taking Herceptin, depression may be a side effect of the medicine. This eMedTV resource takes a look at the possible connection between Herceptin and depression, offering some suggestions for people who experience symptoms of depression.
Insomnia is a common side effect of Herceptin. This eMedTV page explores the possible link between Herceptin and insomnia, explaining why it is hard to determine if insomnia is caused by Herceptin. This page also offers tips for better sleep habits.
Herceptin is generally considered safe to take during pregnancy. This part of the eMedTV Web site discusses the results of animal studies on Herceptin and pregnancy, explaining why the FDA has classified Herceptin as a pregnancy Category B drug.
This eMedTV segment discusses the factors that may affect the Herceptin dosage your doctor recommends. This page explains that the first Herceptin dose is about 1.8 mg per pound. This page also discusses information on when and how the drug is given.
This selection on the eMedTV Web site explains the potentially negative Herceptin drug interactions that can occur when Herceptin is combined with other medicines, such as anthracyclines, mitoxantrone, or warfarin.
While most people do not experience any problems while taking Herceptin, side effects are possible. This eMedTV segment highlights some of the common side effects of Herceptin, as well as side effects that may require immediate medical attention.
Herceptin is used to treat breast cancer by affecting the cancer cells' ability to grow and multiply. This eMedTV resource describes in more detail how Herceptin works to combat certain types of breast cancer and explains Herceptin uses in children.
Herceptin Warnings and Precautions
This page of the eMedTV site offers several Herceptin warnings and precautions to be aware of before taking the drug. This page discusses things such as the potential for drug interactions and situations in which the medication should not be taken.
Herceptin is a prescription medicine licensed for the treatment of breast cancer. This eMedTV resource describes Herceptin in more detail and offers general precautions for taking the medication. Herseptin is a common misspelling of Herceptin.
High-Dose Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer
High-dose chemotherapy for breast cancer may be a more effective treatment than standard chemotherapy. However, as this eMedTV article explains, high-dose chemotherapy for breast cancer may cause life-threatening side effects with bone marrow damage.
With inflammatory breast cancer, cancer cells block lymph vessels in the skin of the breast, causing it to appear red and swollen. This eMedTV article discusses inflammatory breast cancer in detail, including possible symptoms and treatment options.
Arimidex is used to treat breast cancer that is hormone receptor-positive in postmenopausal women. This eMedTV article provides a brief overview of the drug and links to more information. Irimidex is a common misspelling of Arimidex.