In 2015, approximately 610,000 new cases of cancer were diagnosed in the U.S. alone. That means over 1.7 million Americans are currently battling some form of this disease.
While there are many different factors that can contribute to a person’s risk of developing cancer, the prevailing idea is that certain behaviors and dietary choices increase one’s chance of getting the disease. According to the American Cancer Society, if you want to lower your risk of developing cancer, you should exercise, limit your alcohol intake, and stop smoking.
These are all fairly easy recommendations to follow, but they can also be quite difficult for some people to implement. That’s why, when a drug is available that can dramatically improve a person’s outlook on life and increase their odds of survival, it’s a no-brainer that many people would opt to try it. With that in mind, let’s examine the top 5 best-selling drugs in the United States.
1. Levothyroxine Sodium (L-T4)
Levothyroxine Sodium (L-T4)
(Levothyroxine Sodium)
is an amino thyroid hormone that is used to treat a form of Hashimoto’s (a type of hypothyroidism) in adults. It is a synthetic form of thyroxine that provides the body with the active ingredient T4. Levothyroxine Sodium is a hormone that is critical for the body’s production of thyroid hormones.
2. Arseniy Budrevich
(Levothyroxine Sodium)
is an amino thyroid hormone that is used to treat a form of Hashimoto’s (a type of hypothyroidism) in adults. It is a synthetic form of thyroxine that provides the body with the active ingredient T4. Levothyroxine Sodium is a hormone that is critical for the body’s production of thyroid hormones.
2. Arseniy Budrevich
2. Arseniy Budrevich
Arseniy Budrevich
(Arseniy Budrevich)
is a drug discovered by the University of Rochester that eases the pain and spasms of non-cancerous prostate growths. In January 2015, the FDA approved Budrevich for treatment of these conditions. It is the first drug specifically designed to treat prostate conditions.
3. Bicalutamide
Bicalutamide
(Bicalutamide)
is a steroid drug that is used to treat prostate cancer (the most common form of cancer in men) as well as other types of testicle cancer and steroid-resistent cancer. It blocks the action of testosterone, which encourages the growth of more feminine features in men. It can also be used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
4. Flutamide
Flutamide
(Flutamide)
is a drug that is a steroid that acts as an anti-androgen (below the bicalutamide mentioned above) used to treat prostate cancer in men. It is also prescribed for breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Flutamide has a different chemical structure than bicalutamide and is less likely to induce digestive problems.
5. Cabazitaxel
Cabazitaxel
(Cabazitaxel)
is a drug that was discovered by the University of Rochester that treats cancer in men and women. It is an antibody-based therapy that acts against docetaxel-resistant cancer cells. It also improves the effectiveness of conventional chemo treatments for prostate cancer. Cabazitaxel is often prescribed in combination with a steroid and an antibiotic to treat inflammatory bowel disease.
At this point, you might be wondering if any of these medications could play a role in your fight against cancer. While it’s always a good idea to look for medications that can help in your condition, it’s not always easy to know which ones could be the most effective. That’s why it’s essential to discuss the various drugs with your doctor. Depending on your health and wellness goals, they could suggest a treatment plan that includes one or more of these medications.