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docetaxel, Taxotere

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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.

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