DOCETAXEL-INJECTION (cont.)
SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section. Pain or swelling at the injection site, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive tearing, fatigue and loss of appetite may occur. Nausea and vomiting can be severe. In some cases, drug therapy may be necessary to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Not eating before your treatment may help relieve nausea and vomiting. Changes in diet such as eating several small meals or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Temporary hair loss and nail changes may occur. Normal hair growth and nail appearance should return after treatment has ended. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: swelling of the hands, unexplainable weight gain, numbness or tingling of the hands or feet, muscle or joint pain, persistent weakness or fatigue, eye pain. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, irregular heart beat, severe stomach pain, black or bloody stools, severe headache, decrease in amount of urine. This medication can lower the body's ability to fight an infection. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop any signs of an infection such as fever, chills or persistent sore throat. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before receiving docetaxel, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or other drugs containing polysorbate 80; or if you have any other allergies. Docetaxel should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: liver problems, lung problems (e.g., pulmonary effusions), heart problems (e.g., congestive heart failure), weak immune system (e.g., neutropenia). Before receiving docetaxel, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: pregnancy, blood problems (e.g., anemia, thrombocytopenia), blood pressure problems. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine. Use caution with sharp objects like razors or nail cutters and avoid activities such as contact sports to lower the chance of getting cut, bruised or injured. Wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infections. The pre-medications that you take before you take docetaxel may make you dizzy or drowsy. Use caution and limit activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages as it may aggravate some of the side effects and make your stomach and intestines more likely to bleed. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially diarrhea, swelling, and mouth sores. This drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may cause fetal harm. Consult your doctor before taking docetaxel and discuss the use of reliable birth control methods during therapy and for 3 months afterwards. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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