Docetaxel (By injection)
doe-se-TAX-el
Treats cancer, including breast, lung, prostate, stomach, and head and neck cancer.
Drug classes
Antineoplastic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Docetaxel injection is used to treat breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, head and neck cancer, gastric (stomach) cancer, and prostate cancer. Docetaxel might be used together with other cancer medicines.
Docetaxel 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 cells may also be affected by docetaxel, other unwanted effects will also occur.
This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your 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 the product labeling, docetaxel injection is used in certain patients with the following medical conditions:
Bladder cancer.
Esophageal cancer (cancer in the esophagus).
Ovarian cancer (cancer in the ovary).
Small cell lung cancer.
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.
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.
You will be given a steroid medicine for a few days to prevent side effects from docetaxel. Carefully follow the instructions about how to take the steroid. If you forget to take the steroid, tell your doctor before you receive the dose.
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 docetaxel works. Tell your doctor if you are using atazanavir, clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, telithromycin, or voriconazole.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to docetaxel or to a preservative called polysorbate 80, if you are pregnant, or if you have a low white blood cell count.
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, blood disorders, edema (fluid retention), or any type of infection.
This medicine can cause the following problems:
Serious allergic reactions Serious skin reactions Acute myeloid leukemia (a type of cancer) Changes in visionThis medicine contains alcohol, and may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects 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
Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
Blurred vision, loss of vision
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Severe tiredness or weakness
Unusual bleeding or bruising
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed
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
Docefrez, NovaPlus Docetaxel, Taxotere
There may be other brand names for this medicine.