Paclitaxel (By injection)
pak-li-TAX-el
Treats lung, ovary, and breast cancer and Kaposi sarcoma.
Drug classes
Antineoplastic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Paclitaxel injection is used to treat advanced cancer of the ovaries, breast, non-small cell lung cancer, and Kaposi sarcoma. Kaposi sarcoma is a cancer of the skin and mucous membranes that is commonly found in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Paclitaxel belongs to the group of medicines called antineoplastics. It interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected, other unwanted effects will also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor. Other effects may not be serious but may cause concern. Some effects may not occur until months or years after the medicine is used.
Before you begin treatment with paclitaxel, you and your doctor should talk about the good this medicine will do as well as the risks of using it.
This medicine is to be administered only by or under the immediate 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 product labeling, paclitaxel is used in certain patients with the following medical conditions:
Cancer of the bladder. Cancer of the cervix. Cancer of the endometrium. Cancer of the esophagus. Cancer of the fallopian tube or lining of the abdomen (spreading from the ovary). Cancers of the head and neck. Cancer of the prostate. Cancer of the stomach Cancer of the testes. Cancer of unknown primary site. Small cell lung cancer (a certain type found in the tissues of the lungs).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.
You may also receive other medicines to help prevent allergic reactions and nausea or vomiting from paclitaxel.
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 and foods can affect the way this drug works. Tell your doctor if you are also using atazanavir, buspirone, carbamazepine, clarithromycin, eletriptan, felodipine, gemfibrozil, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, lovastatin, midazolam, nefazodone, nelfinavir, repaglinide, rifampin, ritonavir, rosiglitazone, saquinavir, sildenafil, simvastatin, telithromycin, or triazolam.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to paclitaxel or polyoxyl 35 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, heart disease, or heart rhythm problems. Also tell your doctor if you had an allergic reaction to cyclosporin or teniposide.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Severe allergic reaction Heart rhythm problems High blood pressure Severe reaction where the needle is placed (may happen up to 10 days later)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
Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
Severe redness, pain, swelling, or peeling where the needle is placed
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Mild redness, tenderness, swelling, or color changes 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
Nov-Onxol, Onxol, Paclitaxel Novaplus, Taxol
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
