This patient-friendly article is about chemotherapy drug, Pentostatin (Nipent) which is used in the treatment of leukaemia. The drug is given as an intravenous injection. It is one of a group of chemotherapy drugs known as anti-metabolites. These stop cells making and repairing DNA. Cancer cells need to be able to do this so they can grow and multiply.
Side effects are usually mild but can include: lowered resistance to infections, which may need to be treated with antibiotics, nausea, skin rashes, high temperatures (fever) and temporary changes in kidney function.
Go to: 10 ways to improve your chemotherapy success and reduce side-effects
Other articles that you may find interesting are:
- A diet for Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy overview
- A to Z Guide to Complementary Therapies
Go to: Return to the CANCERactive drug list