DOCETAXEL
DOCETAXEL (doe-seh-TAX-ell)
Other Names for this Medication (Brand Name):
Appearance:
Injection: Clear solution for injection, as an intravenous infusion.
Why this Medication is Used
Docetaxel may be used for the treatment of lung, prostate or breast cancers. It may also be used for treatment of other cancers.
How do you take this Medication
Injection: Docetaxel is added to an intravenous bag of fluid and infused into your bloodstream over one or two hours by your chemotherapy nurse.
Precautions
• Docetaxel usually causes temporary hair loss, but may rarely be permanent (including scalp hair, body hair, eyebrows, eyelashes, and pubic hair), starting 2 to 3 weeks after your treatment.
• Your doctor will prescribe dexamethasone tablets for you to take at home before and after each Docetaxel injection, to help prevent allergic reaction and water retention. It is very important that you take these tablets exactly as directed by your doctor.
• This chemotherapy should not be used if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. It is important to discuss birth control with your doctor (Note: birth control pills alone are not recommended as the only birth control method). Birth control should also be used by female partners, if you are a male taking this medication
• It is important to tell your doctor if you have chickenpox (or have recently been exposed to someone who has had chickenpox), shingles, kidney disease or liver disease. Any of these conditions could affect therapy with this medication.
• Due to increased risk of infection check with your doctor before having any vaccinations. Check with your doctor, before any surgery or dental work.
• Do not take ASA without your doctor’s knowledge and consent.
> If a doctor has advised you to take ASA to prevent heart disease or stroke, please discuss this with your oncologist (cancer doctor) before starting treatment.
> Do not use ASA (Aspirin®, acetylsalicylic acid) for headache, fever, or occasional aches and pains; use acetaminophen (Tylenol®) instead. Many non-prescription medications contain ASA; always ask your pharmacist’s advice when choosing a product.
For more information on this medication, please call your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
| SIDE EFFECTS | PREVENTION | WHAT YOU SHOULD DO |
| MORE COMMON: | ||
| • Signs of infection/ fever, chills, cough | • Limit contact with people who are sick or have colds. Rest often. Wash your hands often. | • Keep a thermometer at home. Recognize signs of infection. Phone your doctor or go to the emergency department right away if your
temperature is over 38° C or 100° F. You may need antibiotics. |
| • Low white blood cells | ||
| • Eye tearing (with weekly treatment) | • Notify your doctor or nurse as soon as you notice any increase in this tearing | |
| • Hair loss (from head and body). | • A wig, hat, cap, scarf or hairpiece may be worn. | |
| • Your hair will usually regrow, once all of your treatments are over. | ||
| • Red, itchy skin; skin shedding | • Contact your doctor or nurse if these bother you. | |
| • Nail changes, yellow-orange colour or becoming brittle | ||
| • Water retention in arms and legs | • Your doctor may order some medications to prevent fluid retention | • Contact your doctor or nurse as soon as possible |
| LESS COMMON: | ||
| • Numbness and tingling in hands and feet | • Check with your doctor or nurse if this is bothersome | |
| • Nausea and vomiting | • Take medicine for nausea and vomiting as ordered by your doctor. Continue drinking clear fluids. Get fresh air and rest. | • If you vomit within 1 hour of taking antiemetic medication, you may take another dose. Phone your doctor if vomiting lasts more than 24 hours or nausea longer than 2 days. |
| • Diarrhea | • Limit hot, spicy, and fried foods; limit foods and drinks with caffeine. | • Drink plenty of fluids. Phone your doctor if diarrhea lasts longer than 24 to 48 hours or you feel weak. |
| • Shortness of breath | • Tell your doctor or nurse as soon as possible. | |
| • Flushing of face | ||
| • Skin rash, itch | ||
| • Sores in the mouth or the lips | • Maintain good mouth hygiene. Brush teeth with a soft toothbrush. Use a mouthrinse that does not contain alcohol. Avoid hot, spicy and acidic foods. | • Check with your doctor or nurse as soon as you notice sores on mouth or lips. |
| • fatigue | ||
| • muscle aches | ||
| RARE: | ||
| • Severe shortness of breath, severe skin reactions | • Contact your doctor IMMEDIATELY. | |
| • Numbness, tingling in hands, pain in joints, muscles | • Check with your doctor or nurse if these bother you. | |
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