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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.

Hair Loss
Loss of hair (including the hair on your head, underarm hair, pubic hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes), which is known as alopecia, occurs in most patients taking docetaxel (Taxotere). For some people, this is a very difficult side effect to experience. However, your hair should grow back once you stop treatment. Meanwhile, your doctor or nurse can refer you to a specialty store that carries wigs, hairpieces, and turbans specifically for patients with cancer. You can also call the American Cancer Society for more information (1-800-ACS-2345).

Fatigue and Muscle Discomfort
Many patients receiving docetaxel (Taxotere) for Injection Concentrate feel tired at some time during their treatment. Even if you are only slightly tired, make sure you get enough rest during your treatment. Muscle pain happens about 20% of the time, but is rarely severe. You may feel pain in your muscles or joints. Tell your doctor or nurse if this happens. They may suggest ways to make you more comfortable.

Rash
Patients on docetaxel (Taxotere) may develop a red, blotchy rash. This usually occurs on the feet and hands, but may also appear on the arms, face, or body. If it occurs, the rash generally appears within a week after docetaxel (Taxotere) treatment and usually disappears after a week or two.

Numbness
Some patients receiving docetaxel (Taxotere) experience numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness in their hands and feet.

Nail Changes
Changes in the color of your fingernails or toenails may occur while you are taking docetaxel (Taxotere). Occasionally, nails become soft and tender. In more extreme but rare cases, nails may fall off. After you have finished docetaxel (Taxotere) treatment, your nails will generally grow back. Keeping your nails clean and trimmed while being treated with docetaxel (Taxotere) may help prevent nail problems.

Nausea, Vomiting, and Diarrhea
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur but generally are not severe with Taxotere.

Other Possible Side Effects
The side effects listed here include those that occur most frequently in patients receiving docetaxel (Taxotere), but they are not the only ones that may occur. Make sure to report any symptoms to your doctor or nurse.

As part of your treatment plan, your doctor may prescribe other medications, including dexamethasone, which is used to help lessen some of the side effects you may have during treatment. Dexamethasone may prevent fluid retention (holding extra water in the body), and may also lessen any allergic reactions to docetaxel (Taxotere). Patients generally begin taking dexamethasone 1 day before their docetaxel (Taxotere) treatment and usually continue for a total of 3 days. However, you should always follow your doctor's or nurse's instructions on how to take your medications and for how many days.

Use of a short course of dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, can cause side effects, although they are generally mild in nature. These side effects can include flushing, upset stomach, and nausea. If you have previously had side effects while taking corticosteroids, alert your physician or nurse before receiving treatment with docetaxel (Taxotere).

If you forget to take your dexamethasone as directed, make sure to tell your doctor or nurse before you receive your docetaxel (Taxotere) treatment. Call your doctor or nurse if you have any problems taking your dexamethasone.

Reference: FDA Prescribing Information

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