docetaxel

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

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).

Docetaxel 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 is docetaxel?

Docetaxel is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

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

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

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

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).

To make sure docetaxel is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• kidney disease;
• a history of liver disease or alcoholism;
• heart disease, congestive heart failure;
• fluid retention or swelling problems;
• an allergy to any medicines;
• if you need to limit your alcohol intake; or
• if you have lung cancer and you have received docetaxel in the past.

Using docetaxel may increase your risk of developing other types of cancer, such as leukemia. Ask your doctor about your specific risk.

How is docetaxel given?

Docetaxel is injected into a vein through an IV, usually once every 3 weeks. A healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may receive other cancer medicines at the same time.

You may also need to take an oral steroid medicine to help prevent certain side effects of docetaxel. The steroid is usually taken within 12 to 24 hours before your docetaxel injection, and may be continued for a day or two afterward. Try not to miss any doses of your steroid medication.

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

Docetaxel 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.

You may need to have your vision checked if you have any vision problems while receiving docetaxel.

What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while receiving docetaxel?

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

This medicine can pass into body fluids (urine, feces, vomit). For at least 48 hours after you receive a dose, avoid allowing your body fluids to come into contact with your hands or other surfaces. Caregivers should wear rubber gloves while cleaning up a patient's body fluids, handling contaminated trash or laundry or changing diapers. Wash hands before and after removing gloves. Wash soiled clothing and linens separately from other laundry.

What are the possible side effects of docetaxel?

• sudden vision problems;
• extreme weakness, severe vomiting or diarrhea;
• redness or peeling of the skin on your hands and feet;
• numbness, burning pain, or tingly feeling;
• a feeling of being drunk --confusion, stumbling, extreme drowsiness;
• signs of infection --fever, swollen gums, painful mouth sores, pain when swallowing, skin sores, cold or flu symptoms, cough, trouble breathing;
• low red blood cells --pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating;
• low platelets in your blood --easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;
• fluid retention --little or no urinating, swelling of your ankles or feet, rapid weight gain; or
• liver problems --upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medicine.

Common side effects may include:

• mild weakness;
• altered sense of taste;
• nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
• constipation, diarrhea;
• hair loss (may be permanent in some cases);
• muscle pain;
• mild skin rash; 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.

What other drugs will affect docetaxel?

Other drugs may interact with docetaxel, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about docetaxel.