paclitaxel

What is the most important information I should know about paclitaxel?

What is paclitaxel?

Paclitaxel is used to treat breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and lung cancer. It is also used to treat AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma.

Paclitaxel is sometimes given after other treatments have failed.

Paclitaxel may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving paclitaxel?

• low white blood cell (WBC) counts; or
• an allergy to castor oil (contained in paclitaxel and other medicines such as cyclosporine or teniposide).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart problems; or
• liver disease.

How is paclitaxel given?

Paclitaxel is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

This medicine must be given slowly, and the infusion can take 3 to 24 hours to complete.

Paclitaxel is usually given once every 2 to 3 weeks. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

You may be given other medications to prevent an allergic reaction while you are receiving paclitaxel.

Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, kidney function, and other vital signs will be watched closely while you are receiving paclitaxel.

Paclitaxel can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections and help your blood to clot. Your blood will need to be tested often. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests.

What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I overdose?

Since this medicine is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid while using paclitaxel?

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Use extra care to prevent bleeding while shaving or brushing your teeth.

What are the possible side effects of paclitaxel?

• severe stomach pain or diarrhea;
• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat;
• flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
• numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands or feet;
• severe redness or irritation, swelling or a hard lump, or other skin changes where the injection was given (may occur 7 to 10 days after an injection);
• pain or burning when you urinate;
• cough with mucus, chest pain, feeling short of breath;
• chest pain, shortness of breath, fast or slow heartbeats;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears;
• a seizure;
• easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red spots under your skin;
• low red blood cells (anemia) --pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet; or
• low white blood cell counts --fever, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing.

Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.

Common side effects may include:

• fever, chills, or other signs of infection;
• anemia;
• feeling weak, tired, or light-headed;
• bleeding;
• trouble breathing or swallowing;
• hair loss, skin rash, hives;
• numbness, tingling, or burning;
• swelling in your face, hands, or feet;
• sores or white patches in or around your mouth;
• joint or muscle pain;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; or
• tenderness or irritation where the medicine was injected.

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.

What other drugs will affect paclitaxel?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Many drugs can affect paclitaxel. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about paclitaxel.