Paclitaxel, Injection
What are other names for this medicine?
Generic and brand names: paclitaxel, injection; Onxol; Taxol
What is this medicine used for?
This medicine is given by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein) to treat:
- advanced cancer of the ovaries.
- breast cancer
- non-small cell lung cancer (Taxol along with cisplatin)
- AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma (Taxol).
How do I use it?
These infusions are given by your health care provider. Other medicines (by mouth and by injection) are given before this medicine to help prevent a serious allergic reaction and intestinal problems. The injections are usually given by intravenous drip over 24 hours every 3 weeks. Frequent blood tests are necessary to find out how the medicine is affecting your blood. Keep all appointments for injections and blood tests. Follow your health care provider's directions exactly for any medicines you may have to take by mouth. Take only the medicines approved by your health care provider.
What should I watch out for?
The most severe side effects of this medicine are decreases in white blood cells (which fight infection) and red blood cells (which carry oxygen). These effects may require changes in dosage, receiving injections less often, or stopping the medicine. Your health care provider will decide what to do based on the blood tests.
Hair loss is common during this treatment. Your hair will grow back after the treatments are stopped.
If you develop any signs of an allergic reaction (hives, itching, rash, tightness in your chest, trouble breathing), sores in your mouth, or nausea or vomiting that continues or is severe, contact your health care provider right away or get emergency medical care.
This medicine may cause tingling or burning in your hands or feet. If this condition becomes severe, contact your health care provider.
Females of childbearing age: This medicine is usually not given during pregnancy because it can harm the baby. Do not become pregnant during this treatment. If you become pregnant while you are receiving this medicine, contact your health care provider right away. Do not breast-feed while receiving this medicine.
What are the possible side effects?
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Serious (report these to your health care provider right away or get emergency medical care): Allergic reaction (hives, itching, rash, tightness in your chest, trouble breathing), sores in your mouth, severe nausea or vomiting, severe tingling or burning in your hands or feet.
Other: Nausea, vomiting, hair loss, infection, fever, joint pain.
What products might interact with this medicine?
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your health care provider if you are taking:
- ketoconazole (Nizoral)
- cisplatin (Platinol).
The effects of this medicine may be increased if you take it with grapefruit juice. Discuss this with your health care provider.
Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
