Ixabepilone (By injection)
ix-ab-EP-i-lone
Treats advanced breast cancer. Used alone or with another cancer medicine called capecitabine.
Drug classes
Antineoplastic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Ixabepilone injection belongs to the group of medicines called antineoplastics (cancer medicines). It is used to treat advanced or metastatic breast cancer (breast cancer that has already spread) after other treatments have failed. Ixabepilone is given alone or with another cancer medicine called capecitabine.
Ixabepilone interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. Since the growth of normal cells will also be affected by this medicine, other side effects may occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor right away.
This medicine is to be given only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Missed dose: This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how ixabepilone works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Verapamil, dexamethasone, nefazodone, or St John’s wort Antibiotics, such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, rifabutin, rifampin, telithromycin Medicine to treat fungal infections, such as fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole Medicine to treat HIV or AIDS, such as amprenavir, atazanavir, delavirdine, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir Medicine to treat seizures, such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoinDo not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to ixabepilone or polyoxyethylated castor oil, or if you are pregnant.
Warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, or a history of heart disease.
This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
Cancer medicine can cause nausea or vomiting, sometimes even after you receive medicine to prevent these effects. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control any nausea or vomiting that might happen.
This medicine contains alcohol, which may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Burning pain during urination
Chest pain or discomfort
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
Pain, scaling, redness, tenderness, or sores on your hands and feet
Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet, trouble breathing, tiredness
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain
Loss of appetite, weight loss
Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Ixempra
There may be other brand names for this medicine.