Skip to main content
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.

Common chemotherapy drugs for breast cancer

The most common drugs and combinations used to treat breast cancer are listed below in alphabetical order:

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

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)

Learn about chemotherapy drug docetaxel (Taxotere) for breast cancer, including when it’s used and possible side effects.

EC chemotherapy

Learn about EC chemotherapy for breast cancer, including what it is, how it's given and possible side effects.

EC-T chemotherapy

Learn about EC-T chemotherapy, including what it is, how it’s given and possible side effects.

Eribulin (Halaven)

Read more about the chemotherapy drug eribulin (Halaven), including how it works and the possible side effects.

Gemcitabine

Read more about the chemotherapy drug gemcitabine, including what it is and how it's given.

Paclitaxel (Taxol)

Learn about chemotherapy drug paclitaxel (Taxol), including when it's used and its side effects.

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

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 on our forum.

Was this helpful?

Please tell us what you liked about it.

We’re sorry you didn’t find this helpful.

Please tell us why.

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.

Quality assurance

Last reviewed in July 2025. The next planned review begins in July 2027.

  • 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

    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.

    Ask our nurses
  • Portrait of Kate, volunteer wearing a Breast Cancer Now top, depicting how a Someone Like Me service would look, whilst holding a phone.

    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