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 reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; feeling faint; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Paclitaxel can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections and help your blood to clot. You may be at risk for infections or bleeding more easily. Call your doctor if you notice unusual bruising or bleeding, or signs of infection (fever, sore throat, mouth sores, cough).

You should not be treated with paclitaxel if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

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

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart problems; or
• liver disease.

Paclitaxel may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy, and inform your doctor if you become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using paclitaxel.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; feeling faint; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Paclitaxel may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• severe stomach pain or diarrhea;
• cold symptoms such as a stuffy nose, sneezing, or sore throat;
• flushing (warmth, redness, or tingling);
• 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;
• a cough with mucus, chest pain, or feeling short of breath;
• chest pain, shortness of breath, fast or slow heartbeats;
• feeling light-headed, as if you might faint;
• severe headache, blurred vision, or pounding in your neck or ears;
• a seizure;
• easy bruising, unusual bleeding, or purple or red spots under your skin;
• low red blood cells (anemia) causing pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet; or
• low white blood cell counts causing fever, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, or trouble breathing.

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

Common side effects of paclitaxel 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, or 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, or 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 the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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

paclitaxel 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.

Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when paclitaxel is injected.

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.

Call your doctor for guidance if you miss your appointment for your paclitaxel injection.

Since paclitaxel is administered by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to happen.

Paclitaxel contains alcohol and may make you feel drunk when it is injected into your vein. Do not drink alcohol on the day of your paclitaxel injection.

Stay away from people who are sick or have infections. Inform your doctor immediately if you notice any signs of infection.

Avoid activities that could raise your risk of bleeding or injury. Be extra careful to prevent bleeding while shaving or brushing your teeth.

Sometimes, it is not safe to use certain medications together. Some drugs can change the levels of other drugs in your blood, which may lead to increased side effects or make the medications work less effectively.

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.