1. Methotrexate:
- Side effects of methotrexate can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth sores, hair loss, and skin rash. These side effects are due to the drug's effects on rapidly dividing cells in the body, such as those in the digestive tract, hair follicles, and skin. Methotrexate can also suppress the immune system, leading to an increased risk of infections.
2. Doxorubicin:
- Side effects of doxorubicin can include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and a decrease in blood cell counts. Doxorubicin can also cause damage to the heart muscle, leading to a condition known as cardiomyopathy. This side effect is dose-dependent and can be cumulative over time with repeated doses of the drug.
3. Cisplatin:
- Side effects of cisplatin can include nausea, vomiting, kidney damage, hearing loss, and nerve damage. Cisplatin works by binding to DNA and interfering with cell division, leading to cell death. However, this mechanism of action can also cause damage to healthy cells in the body, particularly those in the kidneys, inner ear, and nerves.
4. Carboplatin:
- Side effects of carboplatin can include nausea, vomiting, low blood cell counts, and kidney damage. Carboplatin is a platinum-based chemotherapy drug that works by interfering with DNA replication in rapidly dividing cells. This can lead to damage to healthy cells in the body, particularly those in the bone marrow (which produce blood cells) and the kidneys.