Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: docetaxel
BRAND NAME: Taxotere
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Docetaxel is a cancer
drug that
is used for treating breast cancer. Docetaxel works by
attacking cancer cells. Different medications attack cancer
cells in different ways. Every cell in your body contains a
supporting structure (almost like a skeleton) called the
microtubular network. If this "skeleton" is changed or
damaged, the cell can't grow or reproduce. Taxotere makes
the "skeleton" in cancer cells unnaturally stiff, so that
these cells can no longer grow.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: No
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Concentrate liquid for intravenous
injection. The concentrate requires dilution prior to
administration
STORAGE: Store refrigerated, 2° to 8°C (36° to
46°F). Retain in the original package to protect from
bright light.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Docetaxel (Taxotere) for Injection
Concentrate is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or
metastatic breast cancer
after failure of prior chemotherapy. Docetaxel (Taxotere)
has recently been approved for the 2nd-line treatment of patients
with locally
advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer after failure of
prior platinum-based chemotherapy.
DOSING: Docetaxel
(Taxotere) for Injection
Concentrate is given intravenously (by a needle that is put
into your vein) every 3 weeks. Each treatment takes about 1
hour. Again, every patient is different. Your doctor will
determine what dose of Taxotere is right for you and how
often you should receive it.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Some medications should not
be taken because they can interact with docetaxel (Taxotere). Interactions can cause side effects and they
may keep your medications from working. Take only
medications that your doctor prescribes for you.
Caution should be exercised with cyclosporine, terfenadine,
ketoconazole, erythromycin, and troleandomycin when
treating patients receiving docetaxel (Taxotere) as there
is a potential for a significant interaction.
Be sure that the doctor who is giving you docetaxel
(Taxotere) knows about all other medications you are
taking, including nonprescription drugs and those
prescribed by other doctors. Likewise, make sure any other
doctors who treat you know you are receiving chemotherapy.
PREGNANCY: Docetaxel
(Taxotere) can cause fetal
harm when administered to pregnant women. If docetaxel (Taxotere) is used during pregnancy, or if the patient
becomes pregnant while receiving this drug, the patient
should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus or
potential risk for loss of the pregnancy. Women of
childbearing potential should be advised to avoid becoming
pregnant during therapy with docetaxel (Taxotere).
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known whether
docetaxel (Taxotere) is excreted in human milk. Because
many drugs are excreted in human milk, and because of the
potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants
from docetaxel (Taxotere), mothers should discontinue
nursing prior to taking the drug.
SIDE EFFECTS: Following are some of the common
side effects associated with docetaxel (Taxotere) for
Injection Concentrate. If you have these or any other side
effects, be sure to tell your doctor or nurse.
Low White Blood Cell Count
Usually, you will not feel it if you have a low white blood
cell count, since there are no specific symptoms associated
with this side effect unless an infection develops. Your
nurse or doctor will check your blood count if he or she
thinks it is necessary. Your white blood cells protect your
body against infection. Like many agents used to treat
cancer, docetaxel (Taxotere) may cause a temporary drop in
the number of white blood cells (a condition known as
neutropenia) and may increase the risk of infection.
However, most people receiving docetaxel (Taxotere) don't
develop infections, even when their white blood cell count
is low.
Fever
Fever is one of the most common and earliest signs of
infection. If you have a fever over 100°F, make sure to
call your doctor or nurse immediately. You should also tell
your doctor about other symptoms of infection, such as a
sore throat or cough or a burning sensation while
urinating.
Allergic Reactions
This type of reaction, which occurs during the
infusion of docetaxel (Taxotere), is infrequent. If you feel a warm sensation,
difficulty in breathing, or itching during or shortly after your treatment, tell
your doctor or nurse immediately. If you have a mild allergic reaction to the
first few infusions of docetaxel (Taxotere), such as flushing or a rash, notify the nurse. The doctor will
generally stop treatment for a few minutes and then restart
the infusion.
Fluid Retention
Fluid retention is a term used to describe an accumulation
of fluid in body tissues and/or body cavities. It is
important for you to let your doctor or nurse know if you
have any signs of fluid retention. Watch for shortness of
breath, swelling of your feet or hands, or unexplained
weight gain.
In severe cases, shortness of breath may develop due to
fluid accumulation in body cavities such as the area
surrounding your lungs, the space around your heart, or in
your abdomen.
Dexamethasone is used to prevent or reduce fluid retention
in patients taking docetaxel (Taxotere). It is important
that you take your dexamethasone exactly as your doctor or
nurse advises you. If you forget to take your
dexamethasone, it is very important that you tell your
doctor or nurse before you receive your docetaxel (Taxotere) treatment.
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.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Breast Cancer - Get the facts on breast cancer symptoms, signs, stages, types, research, risk factors, diagnosis, prevention information and treatment options: mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy.
- Drugs: What You Should Know About Your Drugs - Find out what you should know about your drugs such as side effects, warnings and precautions, storage information, and if a generic version is as good as the brand name.
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