Oncology

Targeted therapies, chemotherapy and hormonal cancer medicines

This category covers three broad kinds of cancer medicine. Targeted therapies act on specific signals that particular cancers depend on: imatinib, erlotinib, gefitinib, lapatinib, sorafenib, pazopanib and palbociclib among them, along with lenalidomide. Conventional chemotherapy includes mercaptopurine, cyclophosphamide, etoposide, temozolomide, cytarabine, melphalan, bleomycin and dactinomycin. Hormonal treatments for prostate cancer include bicalutamide, flutamide and estramustine. Fluorouracil cream and intravesical BCG are also stocked.

Prescribed and monitored by an oncology team

Every medicine here is part of a treatment plan set by an oncology team. Doses are often calculated from body surface area or weight and adjusted against blood counts and liver and kidney tests taken during treatment, so none of them is started, changed or paused without that team.

Handling cytotoxic medicines safely

Many of these medicines are cytotoxic. Tablets and capsules are swallowed whole rather than crushed or opened, handled with clean hands or gloves, and kept away from children and from anyone who is pregnant. Injectable products are prepared and given in a clinical setting.

Interactions, including food

Targeted therapies in particular interact with other medicines, with herbal products such as St John's wort and, in several cases, with grapefruit, which can raise levels considerably. Some are taken with food and others on an empty stomach, so follow the instructions for the specific product. Every listing shows the molecule, strength and pack size, with the guaranteed minimum expiry date. All stock ships from India through licensed distributors.