--- title: Chemotherapy drugs url: https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/treatment/chemotherapy/chemotherapy-drugs updated: 2026-08-04T00:07:25Z --- [Back to Chemotherapy](https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/treatment/chemotherapy) 1. [Home](https://breastcancernow.org/) 2. [About breast cancer](https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer) 3. [Treatment](https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/treatment) 4. [Chemotherapy](https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/treatment/chemotherapy) Drug # Chemotherapy drugs Many different chemotherapy drugs are used to treat breast cancer. Learn about who might have them, how they’re given and possible side effects. ## Speak to a nurse If you have any concerns about breast cancer, or just want to talk, our specialist nurses are here for you [0808 800 6000](tel:0808%20800%206000) We are open weekdays 9am to 4pm. Saturday 9am to 1pm ### Common chemotherapy drugs for breast cancer The most common chemotherapy drugs and combinations used to treat breast cancer are listed below in alphabetical order: Close Glossary term ## Chemotherapy A treatment that destroys cancer cells using anti-cancer drugs. It works by affecting their ability to divide and grow. ### [Capecitabine (Xeloda)](https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/treatment/chemotherapy/chemotherapy-drugs/capecitabine-xeloda) Learn about capecitabine (Xeloda), a chemotherapy drug used to treat breast cancer, including when it’s given, how it’s taken, and possible side effects. ### [Carboplatin](https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/treatment/chemotherapy/chemotherapy-drugs/carboplatin) Learn about carboplatin, a chemotherapy drug used to treat breast cancer, including how it's given, who might be offered it and possible side effects. ### [Docetaxel (Taxotere)](https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/treatment/chemotherapy/chemotherapy-drugs/docetaxel-taxotere) Learn about chemotherapy drug docetaxel (Taxotere) for breast cancer, including when it’s used and possible side effects. ### [EC chemotherapy](https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/treatment/chemotherapy/chemotherapy-drugs/ec-chemotherapy) Learn about EC chemotherapy for breast cancer, including what it is, how it's given and possible side effects. ### [EC-T chemotherapy](https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/treatment/chemotherapy/chemotherapy-drugs/ec-t-chemotherapy) Learn about EC-T chemotherapy, including what it is, how it’s given and possible side effects. ### [Eribulin (Halaven)](https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/treatment/chemotherapy/chemotherapy-drugs/eribulin-halaven) Read more about the chemotherapy drug eribulin (Halaven), including how it works and the possible side effects. ### [Gemcitabine](https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/treatment/chemotherapy/chemotherapy-drugs/gemcitabine) Read more about the chemotherapy drug gemcitabine, including what it is and how it's given. ### [Paclitaxel (Taxol)](https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/treatment/chemotherapy/chemotherapy-drugs/paclitaxel-taxol) Learn about chemotherapy drug paclitaxel (Taxol), including when it's used and its side effects. ### [Vinorelbine (Navelbine)](https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/treatment/chemotherapy/chemotherapy-drugs/vinorelbine-navelbine) Learn about the chemotherapy drug vinorelbine (Navelbine), including how it’s given, who might be offered it, possible side effects and medicines to avoid during treatment. Drug ### [Chemotherapy side effects](https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/treatment/chemotherapy/chemotherapy-side-effects) Learn about the possible side effects of chemotherapy for breast cancer, and how they can be managed or controlled. Your treatment team will decide which chemotherapy drug or combination will be best for you based on your individual situation. If you want to discuss chemotherapy drugs, you can call our free helpline below. You may also find it helpful to visit the [monthly chemotherapy threads](https://forum.breastcancernow.org/t5/Chemotherapy-monthly-threads/bd-p/Chemotherapy_monthy_threads) on our [forum](https://forum.breastcancernow.org/). ### Was this helpful? Thank you for your feedback ### Was this helpful? Was this helpful? Yes No Please tell us what you liked about it. Answered my questions Easy to understand Right amount of information Reassuring We’re sorry you didn’t find this helpful. Please tell us why. Didn't answer my questions Hard to understand Too much information Upsetting If you have any more feedback, please let us know. Please do not include personal details and be aware we cannot respond to comments. If you have a question please call our helpline on 0808 800 6000. Send feedback Print this page ### Quality assurance Last reviewed in July 2025. The next planned review begins in July 2028. ![Trusted information creator. Patient Information Forum](https://breastcancernow.org/_content/BreastCancerNow.UmbracoComponents/images/quality-assurance-logo.png) - ## Call our free helpline If you have any concerns about breast cancer, or just want to talk, our specialist nurses are here for you. [0808 800 6000](tel:0808%20800%206000) Lines open: Monday to Friday - 9am to 4pm; Saturday - 9am to 1pm - ## Explore ways to talk to our nurses It can be difficult to talk to someone in person about breast cancer concerns. Explore other ways you can ask a question. [Talk to a nurse](https://breastcancernow.org/all-services/talk-to-a-nurse) - ![Support, Services, Support Marketing](https://d24otazn342w10.cloudfront.net/externalApps/06f289b5-a938-410c-a4c1-ec23427f38f5/conversion/card/assets/31820) ## Someone Like Me You never have to face breast cancer alone. Find somebody who understands what you're going through with Someone Like Me. [Speak to someone who understands](https://breastcancernow.org/all-services/someone-like-me)