What is oral chemotherapy? The term refers to the way of administering chemotherapy, namely taking chemo drugs by mouth. There are multiple ways of applying the principles of chemotherapy for the treatment of various health conditions. Nowadays, due to progress in cancer treatments and research, patients benefit from many different types of chemotherapy that can be taken in as tablet, liquid or capsule. Nevertheless oral chemotherapy refers to any drug administered by mouth. The health impact of pills remains identical to that of intravenous medication for instance, with the mention that they are more likely to trigger adverse reactions because of the impact on the digestive tract.

Some chemotherapy drugs can never be taken orally as they cannot be absorbed in the stomach or they can cause harm if swollen. So as to avoid side effects, many anti-cancer drugs are administered intravenously through a line. In the case of oral chemotherapy, the treatment has the advantage that the patient can follow it at home.

A good way to organize oral chemotherapy is in cycles of administration. Thus, risk of damaging normal healthy cells gets lower and the drugs only target the cancerous formations. Obviously, the doctor is the one who will decide how frequently (daily, weekly, monthly, etc) medication will be taken. Anyway, the anti-cancer treatment scheme proposed by the specialist ought to be discussed with the patient so that she/he may know what lies ahead in terms of challenges, difficulties and success rate. Only when one informed and convinced of the efficiency of the treatment, can one decide to begin it.

Even if oral chemotherapy drugs have a lower intensity in terms of adverse reactions and impact on the stomach, side effect do exist. Tiredness for a few days after beginning the treatment, nausea and vomiting, possible change in the amount of blood cells – anemia, lower capability of the blood to clot, diarrhea or constipation, flu-like symptoms, hair loss, increased risk of infection, kidney or bladder problems, mouth, gum and throat sores, pains, and nerve and muscle problems, are some of the long list of side effects of oral chemotherapy, just the same as those of any other form of chemotherapy treatments. For any of these side effects it is advisable that patients address their doctors for advice and help.

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