Docetaxel

Docetaxel is used to treat breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, stomach cancer, and head/neck cancer.

Docetaxel may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Docetaxel can cause serious side effects including death, especially if you receive high doses, have liver disease, or have non-small cell lung cancer and have previously been treated with chemotherapy that includes platinum (cisplatin, carboplatin, oxaliplatin).

You may experience a life-threatening allergic reaction. Seek emergency medical help if you have hives, a red skin rash, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

You may have swelling in your intestines, which could lead to death quickly. Contact your doctor immediately if you have stomach pain or tenderness, diarrhea, or fever.

You will receive steroid medication to help prevent fluid retention. Inform your doctor if you have swelling in your lower legs, rapid weight gain, or shortness of breath.

You should not receive docetaxel if you have:

• a low white blood cell (WBC) count; or
• a history of severe allergic reaction to docetaxel or to any medicine that contains polysorbate 80.

Tell your doctor about your complete health history and all medications you have used. Docetaxel can cause severe side effects, including death, especially:

• if you receive high doses;
• if you have liver disease; or
• if you have non-small cell lung cancer and you have been treated in the past with chemotherapy that contains platinum (cisplatin, carboplatin, oxaliplatin).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease;
• heart disease;
• tumor lysis syndrome (rapid breakdown of cancer cells);
• fluid retention; or
• if you drink alcohol.

Using docetaxel may increase your risk of developing other types of cancer (such as leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, or kidney cancer). This risk may continue for several months or years after you have received docetaxel. Ask your doctor about your specific risk.

Docetaxel can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects if the mother or the father is using this medicine.

• If you are a woman, do not use docetaxel if you are pregnant. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose.
• If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3 months after your last dose.
• Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using docetaxel.

It may be harder for you to get a woman pregnant while you are using this medicine. You should still use birth control to prevent pregnancy because the medicine can harm an unborn baby.

Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 1 week after your last dose.

You may have a life-threatening allergic reaction or a severe skin reaction. Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction: hives, burning eyes, skin pain, a red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling; fever, sore throat, wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing; feeling faint; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

You might experience swelling in your intestines, which could be life-threatening. Call your doctor immediately if you have stomach pain or tenderness, diarrhea, or fever.

Some side effects may happen during the injection. Inform your caregiver if you feel light-headed, or if you have trouble breathing or fast or irregular heartbeats.

Also contact your doctor right away if you have:

• pain, burning, irritation, or skin changes at the injection site;
• sudden vision issues 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 containing 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;
• feeling intoxicated--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.

Older adults may be more likely to experience side effects.

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

Common side effects of docetaxel may include:

• allergic reactions;
• tissue damage (if docetaxel leaks into tissues);
• swelling, warmth, tenderness, redness, dryness, or darkened skin at the injection site;
• low blood cell counts, infections;
• mouth or lip sores, changed 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 (which may be permanent in some cases); or
• changes in fingernails or toenails.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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

Docetaxel can be harmful if it gets on your skin during an IV infusion. If this happens, wash right away with soap and water. Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when docetaxel is injected.

You may need frequent medical tests to be sure this medicine is not causing harmful effects. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results. Your vision may also need to be checked.

You will be given steroid medication to help prevent fluid retention. Keep using the steroid for as long as your doctor has prescribed.

Call your doctor for guidance if you miss an appointment for your docetaxel injection or if you miss a dose of your steroid medication.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Avoid driving or doing dangerous activities until you know how docetaxel will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Avoid being close to people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any signs of infection.

Avoid activities that could increase your risk of bleeding or getting hurt. Be extra careful to prevent bleeding while shaving or brushing your teeth.

Docetaxel contains alcohol and may make you feel drunk when the medicine is injected into your vein. Avoid drinking alcohol on the day of your docetaxel injection.

Docetaxel contains alcohol. Using other medications that can cause drowsiness may increase the feeling of being drunk. Consult your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Other medications may impact docetaxel, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicines you begin or discontinue.