What are the possible side effects of docetaxel?
You may have a life-threatening allergic reaction or a severe skin reaction. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling; fever, sore throat, wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing; feeling like you might pass out; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
You may have swelling in your intestines, which could cause death quickly. Call your doctor right away if you have stomach pain or tenderness, diarrhea, or fever.
Some side effects may occur during the injection. Tell your caregiver if you feel light-headed, or if you have trouble breathing or fast or irregular heartbeats.
Also call your doctor at once if you have:
- pain, burning, irritation, or skin changes where the injection was given;
- sudden vision problems including blurred vision or loss of vision;
- redness or swelling in your arms or legs;
- skin rash, redness, blistering, peeling, bleeding, or small red or white bumps that contain pus;
- numbness, burning, or tingling in your hands or feet;
- muscle weakness in your arms, legs, feet, or hands;
- swelling, rapid weight gain, shortness of breath;
- signs of tumor cell breakdown --weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fast or slow heart rate, tingling around your mouth;
- a feeling of being drunk --confusion, stumbling, extreme drowsiness;
- liver problems --upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
- low blood cell counts --fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed.
Side effects may be more likely in older adults.
Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.
Common side effects may include:
- allergic reactions;
- tissue damage (if docetaxel leaks into tissues);
- swelling, warmth, tenderness, redness, dryness or darkened skin where the injection was given;
- low blood cell counts, infections;
- mouth or lip sores, altered sense of taste;
- nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
- constipation, diarrhea;
- feeling short of breath;
- eye redness, watery eyes;
- feeling weak or tired;
- swelling in your hands, feet, or face;
- muscle or joint pain;
- hair loss (may be permanent in some cases); or
- fingernail or toenail changes.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.