Paclitaxel Protein-bound (By injection)
pak-li-TAX-el PROE-teen – bownd
Treats cancer, including cancer of the breast, lung, or pancreas.
Drug classes
Antineoplastic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Paclitaxel protein-bound injection is used to treat metastatic breast cancer (cancer that has already spread) after other treatments have failed. It is used together with carboplatin, a cancer medicine, to treat advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer in patients who cannot receive radiation therapy or have surgery. Paclitaxel protein-bound is used together with gemcitabine, a cancer medicine, to treat metastatic pancreas cancer.
Paclitaxel belongs to the group of medicines called antineoplastics (cancer medicines). It interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed by the body. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected by paclitaxel, other unwanted effects will also occur.
This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although these uses are not included in product labeling, paclitaxel protein-bound is used in certain patients with the following medical condition:
Metastatic breast cancer, used alone for the treatment of breast cancer that has spread.
Recurrent ovarian cancer that is platinum-resistant.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
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.
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.
Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
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 foods and medicines can affect how paclitaxel works. Tell your doctor if you are using cimetidine, fluoxetine, gemfibrozil, rifampicin, verapamil, medicine to treat an infection (such as erythromycin, ketoconazole), medicine to treat HIV infection (such as efavirenz, indinavir, nelfinavir, nevirapine, ritonavir, saquinavir), or medicine to treat seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin).
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive this medicine if you had an allergic reaction to paclitaxel protein-bound, or if you are pregnant.
Warnings
This medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease or an infection.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Nerve damage in the arms or legs Immune system problems Lung or breathing problems Severe infectionThis medicine is made from donated human blood. The blood is tested before the medicine is prepared. Although the risk is low, some people have received viruses from human blood products. Talk with your doctor if this concerns you.
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.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
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
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, or body aches
Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
Ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, extreme thirst
Trouble breathing, dry cough
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed
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
Abraxane
There may be other brand names for this medicine.