paclitaxel protein-bound

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Pronunciation: PAK li TAX el PRO teen-bound

Brand: Abraxane

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

You should not receive paclitaxel protein-bound if you have a very low white blood cell count.

What is paclitaxel protein-bound?

Paclitaxel protein-bound is a cancer medicine that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Paclitaxel protein-bound is used in the treatment of breast cancer, lung cancer, and pancreatic cancer.

Paclitaxel protein-bound is sometimes given with other cancer medicines.

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

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

You should not receive paclitaxel protein-bound if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

  • a low white blood cell count; or
  • severe liver disease.

To make sure paclitaxel protein-bound is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • liver disease;
  • kidney disease;
  • heart disease, heart rhythm disorder; or
  • bone marrow suppression.

Do not use paclitaxel protein-bound if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy during treatment.

Use birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are receiving this medicine, whether you are a man or a woman. Paclitaxel protein-bound use by either parent may cause birth defects. Follow your doctor's instructions about how long to prevent pregnancy after your treatment ends.

It is not known whether this medicine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are receiving paclitaxel protein-bound.

How is paclitaxel protein-bound given?

Paclitaxel protein-bound is injected into a vein through an IV. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting.

Paclitaxel protein-bound is usually given for breast cancer once every 3 weeks. For lung cancer or pancreatic cancer, this medicine is given in a 21-day or 28-day treatment cycle, and you may only need to receive the medicine during the first 1 to 2 weeks of each cycle. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

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

Paclitaxel protein-bound 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?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your paclitaxel protein-bound injection.

What happens if I overdose?

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

What should I avoid while using paclitaxel protein-bound?

Paclitaxel protein-bound can be harmful if it gets in your eyes, mouth, or nose, or on your skin. If skin contact occurs, wash the area with soap and water or rinse the eyes thoroughly with plain water.

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 paclitaxel protein-bound?

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

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in your hands or feet;
  • sudden chest pain or discomfort, wheezing, dry cough, feeling short of breath;
  • low blood cell counts --fever, chills, flu-like symptoms, swollen gums, mouth sores, skin sores, rapid heart rate, pale skin, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, feeling light-headed;
  • signs of a blood clot in your leg --pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs;
  • dehydration symptoms --feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin; or
  • severe skin reaction --fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Common side effects may include:

  • dehydration, low blood cell counts, signs of infection;
  • pale skin, weakness, feeling tired;
  • irregular heartbeats;
  • swelling in your hands or feet;
  • muscle and joint pain;
  • abnormal liver function tests;
  • nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; or
  • hair loss, mild rash.

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 protein-bound?

Other drugs may interact with paclitaxel protein-bound, 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 paclitaxel protein-bound.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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