Pharmacotherapy Newsletter

Volume 1, Issue 42, 11/02/2009

Question

Does Pharmacology Weekly have any reference tools to help clinicians recognize common side effects or toxicities associated with traditional chemotherapeutic medications?

Answer

Periodically, the editorial board will release an issue that explains general principles or terms that all clinicians should be familiar with, as they are frequently encountered in clinical practice.  It is common for many healthcare professionals not trained or specialized in oncology to take care of patients who are actively receiving traditional chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer.  Not only can the drug names, mechanisms of action and main indications be difficult to remember, but their side effects and toxicity profiles can be equally challenging.  Being able to recognize some of the more common or dose-related toxicities with these medications can help those caring for the patient to be able to identify potential complications before they arise and compromise the safety and care being provided during this difficult time in the patient's life.