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Paclitaxel
INFORMATION ABOUT PACLITAXEL
Paclitaxel Uses
Paclitaxel is used in the treatment of breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer.
How Paclitaxel works
Paclitaxel is an anticancer medication. It works by interfering with the microtubule structures which help the cancer cells to divide and multiply. This slows the growth of cancer cells and eventually kills them.
Common side effects of Paclitaxel
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common
Nausea, Vomiting, Rash, Low blood platelets, Urinary tract infection, Anemia (low number of red blood cells), Hair loss, Diarrhea, Decreased white blood cell count (neutrophils), Edema (swelling), Joint pain, Muscle pain, Infection, Sensory neuropathy, Abnormal ECG, Fatigue, Increased bilirubin in the blood, Increased aspartate aminotransferase, Increased alkaline phosphatase level in blood, Fever, Pneumonia, Decreased appetite, Visual disturbance, Increased gamma-glutamyltransferase, Depression, Cough, Hypotension (low blood pressure), Cardiovascular reaction, Increased creatinine level in blood, Pneumonitis
CONTENT DETAILS
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Last updated
30 Sep 2024 | 10:41 AM (UTC)
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Medicine brands for Paclitaxel
Expert advice for Paclitaxel
- Paclitaxel is an anti-cancer medication used for the treatment of breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer.
- It is given as an intravenous (IV) injection into your vein, usually over 1 hour and every three weeks.
- Do not take Paclitaxel if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Use reliable methods of contraception to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
- Your doctor may get regular blood tests done to monitor your blood cells and liver function during treatment with this medicine.
- Inform your doctor if you notice unexplained bruising or bleeding, sore throat, mouth ulcers, high temperature (fever) or other signs of infection.
- Talk to your doctor if you have sudden weight gain or if you have swelling in your arms and legs that doesn't go away.
Frequently asked questions for Paclitaxel
Yes, Paclitaxel is generic/ taxane/ FDA approved/ cytotoxic
Paclitaxel is usually a vesicant (irritant)
Yes, Paclitaxel is light sensitive/ hydrophobic/ cardiotoxic
Yes, Paclitaxel may cause hair loss as a side effect. Please inform your doctor about any side effect while you are on Paclitaxel therapy
Paclitaxel is derived from bark of the Pacific yew, Taxus brevifolia.