oncology meds

Vincristine

Prevents cell division and blocks mitosis.

Side effects of Vincristine

Peripheral neuropathy (numbness, tingling, especially in feet), hypersensitivity, especially if plant allergy.

Key nursing consideration for Vincristine

Assess breath sounds for bronchospasm, monitor deep tendon reflexes, neurologic status, and LOC.

What to teach patients on Vincristine

Inform the nurse of any chest pain or shortness of breath (SOB) due to potential hypersensitivity reaction.

Bleomycin

Used for head and neck, testicular, and ovarian cancers.

Side effects of Bleomycin

Pulmonitis in 10% of patients, pulmonary fibrosis, cardiac toxicity, dysrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, bone marrow suppression, alopecia.

What to do in case of extravasation with Bleomycin

Stop chemotherapy ASAP and use a cool compress.

Tamoxifen

Competes with estrogen for receptors on target tissues.

Uses of Tamoxifen

Adult patients with estrogen receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer, early stage breast cancer, and at high risk for breast cancer.

Black box warning for Tamoxifen

Increased risk of uterine cancer and thromboembolic disease (stroke, PE, DVT).

Key nursing consideration for Tamoxifen

Contraindicated in patients undergoing anticoagulant therapy, history of thromboembolic disease, and pregnancy.

What to monitor in patients on Tamoxifen

Monitor fluid status, bleeding, and get yearly PAP test due to risk of uterine cancer.

Common side effects of Tamoxifen

Hot flashes, fluid retention, vaginal discharge.