L-asparaginase, Elspar--usually given IV; also can be given as an injection (a shot into muscle or skin)

• Drowsiness can occur during and continue for several weeks after treatment

• Nausea, vomiting, and cramping

• Allergic reaction: rash or increased breathing effort

Busulfan, Myleran--usually given orally

• Fatigue, tiredness

• Decreased appetite

• Hair loss (reversible)

• Nausea and vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Decrease in blood cell counts

Carboplatin (Paraplatin)--usually given IV

• Decrease in blood cell counts

• Hair loss (reversible)

• Dizziness

• Darkened skin coloration

• Ringing in ears and hearing loss

• Kidney damage

Cisplatin (cisplatinum, Platinol, Platinol-AQ)--usually given IV

• Decrease in blood cell counts

• Allergic reaction: rash and increased breathing effort

• Nausea and vomiting that usually occurs for about 24 hours

• Ringing in ears and hearing loss

• Fluctuations in blood electrolytes

• Kidney damage

Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar)--can be given IV or orally (by mouth)

• Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain

• Decreased appetite

• Sore mouth and taste changes

• Diarrhea

• Hair loss (reversible)

• Bladder damage

Cytarabine (Ara-C, cytosine arabinoside, Cytosar-U)--usually given IV and/or intrathecally (into the spinal column)

• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

• Decreased appetite

• Decrease in blood cell counts

• Fever and flu-like symptoms

Daunorubicin (Cerubidine), doxorubicin (Adriamycin PFS, Adriamycin RDF, Rubex)--usually given IV

• Nausea and vomiting

• Hair loss (reversible)

• Red colored urine (not bleeding but a drug effect)

• Decrease in blood cell counts

Etoposide (VePesid, VP-16)--may be given orally or IV, teniposide (Vumon)--usually given IV

• Nausea and vomiting

• Hair loss (reversible)

• Decrease in blood cell counts

• Low blood pressure

• Decreased appetite

• Diarrhea

Hydroxyurea (Hydrea)--usually given orally

• Decrease in blood cell counts

• Nausea and vomiting

• Diarrhea

Mercaptopurine (6-MP, Purinethol)--usually given orally

• Nausea and vomiting

• Decreased appetite

• Tiredness and weakness

• Decrease in blood cell counts

Methotrexate (MTX)--may be given IV, intrathecally (into the spinal column), or orally (by mouth)

• Nausea and vomiting

• Decrease in blood cell counts

• Diarrhea

• Skin rashes

• Dizziness, headache, or drowsiness

Thioguanine (6-TG)--usually given orally

• Nausea and vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Decreased appetite

• Decrease in blood cell counts (after several weeks)

Thiotepa (Thioplex, Tepa)--usually given IV, intrathecally (directly into the spinal column), may be instilled in bladder, or injected into the tumor

• Loss of appetite

• Nausea and vomiting

• Hair loss (reversible)

• Decrease in blood cell counts

• Temporary or permanent sterility (inability to have children)

Topotecan (Hycamtin)--given IV

• Muscle achiness

• Nausea and vomiting

Vincristine (Oncovin)--usually given IV, vinblastine (Velban, Velbe)--usually given IV

• Weakness

• Loss of reflexes

• Nausea and vomiting

• Hair loss (reversible)

• Diarrhea or constipation, abdominal cramping

• Decrease in blood cell counts